MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY : Valley Kids on Waiting List for Big Brothers

Bill Ratner, a captain commanding a radar surveillance for the U.S. Navy during the Persian Gulf War, had to keep trying from Saudi Arabia to get through to Leonard Goldman.

“I wasn’t about to let this little inconvenience break with our tradition,” said Ratner, who now lives in Canoga Park. He finally got through to Goldman, a Los Angeles lawyer, whom he calls every February on his birthday.

The two have stayed close ever since they ended their match as Big and Little Brothers through the Jewish Big Brothers of Los Angeles. The 80-year old organization, which fills a gap for fatherless boys and, sometimes, girls, also has helped start other Big Brother groups.

“One of the things about the Big Brother program is you really are friends forever,” said Ratner, who after being a Little Brother for 3 1/2 years went on to be a Big Brother five times himself.

Ratner’s father died when he was 7. He was matched with Goldman in the 1960s when the boy was 13, and their first outing together was to a car show. Following that were weekend trips for hamburgers, milkshakes and french fries and to a law library where Goldman did his research. Goldman taught him to play chess and to drive a car.

“He made a difference with helping see myself as a person,” said Ratner, who now serves on the board of the Jewish Big Brothers of Los Angeles with Goldman.

Ratner, now a program director for a company that makes radar systems, has two children of his own now, but plans to be a Big Brother again after they leave home.

In the meantime, the organization needs more Big Brothers, especially in the northern and western San Fernando Valley, where 40 children are on a waiting list.

“It’s always been a problem in the Valley, particularly in the West Valley,” said Joan Krimston, a casework supervisor for Jewish Big Brothers. “Since the earthquake, it’s been even worse.”

Men who care for their own children are lacking in the Valley, said Joanne Leinow, director of volunteer services for the group. More of the volunteers come from the Westside.

The organization has about 200 matches between Big and Little Brothers in Los Angeles.

“It’s a real art to make these matches,” said Krimston, adding that not only are men matched up with children with similar interests, but that their personalities and manner have to mesh as well.

Not all children are interested in just playing ball on weekends, she said. Some like computers and more passive activities. Others are shy.

Though Big Brothers are meant to be male role models and leaders with simple things such as showing a boy how to carry a wallet, they are not meant to be surrogate fathers. It is more like being a reliable friend, Ratner said.

“You talk to your friend differently,” Ratner said. But, at the same time, the pair become close.

“They become totally a part of each other’s family,” said Leinow.

Big Brothers tend to be 25 to 37 years old. Most have no children of their own yet. But some are 45 and older and have grown-up children.

Jewish men interested in becoming Big Brothers should call (800) 453-KIDS or (213) 852-1173. The group also serves as a referral to similar agencies such as the Big Sisters.

Other volunteering opportunities:

The Japanese Gardens is looking for volunteers for a new gift shop at 6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys. For more information call Dwayne Petersen (818) 368-4371.

Volunteers are needed to join the Graffiti Busters program run by the city of Santa Clarita’s Pride Committee. Volunteers work one Saturday every six to eight weeks transporting, instructing and supervising community service workers removing graffiti. Santa Clarita provides all the supplies and training. For more information call Kevin Tonoian at (805) 294-2522, or Larry Withers at (805) 296-0665.