BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS RECEIVES GRANT FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County received a grant from the DP&L Foundation to address the mentoring needs of at-risk youth through their after-school Big Buddies program. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is truly grateful for the support we receive from the DP&L Foundation. Last year we served over 300 youth through our programs, and this is all thanks to the support of companies like DP&L. This grant award will go a long way in our non-profit organization in matching high school Big Buddy mentors with K-4th grade children in our seven after-school Big Buddies sites,” said Executive Director, Jennifer Bruns.

Big Buddies is a nine-month commitment where high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors volunteer two times per month to mentor elementary students. During these meetings, high school students, under the supervision of Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, work with one or two children on different educational and recreational activities. This year’s program focuses on ecological awareness and earth-friendly practices. The program also promotes social and emotional development through various activities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County was founded in 1977 to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better forever. The non-profit agency relies on United Way funding, grants, financial contributions, and fundraisers to support their ongoing efforts to mentor at-risk youth. Their next major fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, will be held on March 2 and 3 at both Treaty Lanes in Greenville and Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney. If you would like to make a big difference in the life of a child, either through volunteering, financial contribution, event sponsorship, or event participation; please contact the agency at 937-492-7611, 937-547-9622, or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.

Left to right: Big Buddy Katelyn McKenna, Little Buddy Savanah Oswalt, Little Buddy Julie Oswalt, and Little Buddy Jocelin Smith all work together on a project during a recent after-school Big Buddies meeting at Ansonia Schools.  The after-school Big Buddies program is made possible through generous donations and grants from community organizations like the DP&L Foundation.  Katelyn is the daughter of Betty McKenna, Savannah and Julie are the daughter of Tiffany Oswalt, and Jocelin is the daughter of Jacki Smith.