CAMBRIDGE – Members of the Dorchester County Council had words of thanks Jan. 16 for a group that reaches out to some of the most vulnerable local youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore was praised for the assistance its members give to at-risk youth in the area. Through the program, a young person is paired with an older mentor, who not only spends time having fun with the child, but is also available for guidance and advice.

To mark the occasion, the council proclaimed January as Mentoring Month. Jonathan Spencer of Big Brothers Big Sisters received the proclamation.

“We’ve been serving the Eastern Shore for more than 30 years,” he said. “Well over 300 children have been served on the Shore, including dozens in Dorchester County.”

“Bigs,” as the mentors are known, are 18 and older. They are paired with “Littles,” 6-16.

They get together on their own to share activities they both enjoy, for two to four hours, two to four times a month for a minimum of one year. Consistency and commitment are stressed in the program.

“Our mission is to provide all children facing adversity with professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.”

To learn more about the program, visit shorebiglittle.org or call 410-543-2447. The group’s offices are located at 200 West Main St., Salisbury.