The Community Foundation of Shelby County Awards Funding to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke Counties

Big Buddy-Eli Baker of Lehman assisting his Little Buddy, Mason Bishop son of Marc Bishop of Sidney at Emerson Buddies program with his homework.

The Community Impact Fund of the Community Foundation of Shelby County recently awarded a total of $2,000.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County. The funding will be used to aid in Life Skills Curriculum that will be utilized in the “Big Buddies” High School Mentoring program that pairs high school freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors with elementary aged students twice a month.

The High School Mentoring program known as “Big Buddies” is a nine month commitment where volunteer high school freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors mentor elementary age children two times a month at an agency designation. This year the agency has expanded the program to now include a total of 7 designated sites with locations at Ansonia Elementary School, Versailles Elementary School, and Woodland Heights Elementary School in Darke County and Emerson Elementary School, Northwood Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School, & Whittier Elementary schools in Shelby County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a nonprofit, United Way member, social service organization whose mission is to develop and mature quality relationships between children and volunteers. The relationship is meant to guide each child towards becoming a confident, competent, and caring individual. The agency currently has over 15 children waiting for a volunteer to work with them. If you are interested in becoming involved and making a difference in the life of a child in the Shelby & Darke Community call 937-492-7611 or 937-547-9622.