The Sidney-Shelby County Chamber Foundation recently awarded $500.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County. Big Brothers Big Sisters was chosen to receive funding because of its continued efforts to make a positive impact in “at risk” children. The funding will be used for the school mentoring program that pairs high school 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 students mentor elementary age children two times a month at an agency designation. This year the program operates at Northwood Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School, & Whittier Elementary School in Sidney with over 53 children being served in these programs by 57 mentors.
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 23 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.