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Summer Buddies working on projects together at Tawawa park.
Big Buddies include Caroline Heitmeyer from Lehman,
Kiarra Ibarra from Anna, and Little Buddy Faith Masteller
daughter of Marie Masteller of Sidney. |
The Shelby County United Way has recently donated a special projects grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County. This funding will be used by Big Brothers Big Sisters to hold an 8 week Summer Buddies program. Through the Summer Buddies program, Big Brothers Big Sisters serve approximately 10-15 children under the age of 18. The children targeted will be “at-risk” youth in Shelby County who are currently waiting for an adult role model mentor (Big Brother/Big Sister) in the community based program. These children will be matched with a High School “ Big Buddy” mentor once a week for 8 weeks during the summer months of June-August. Each session will have a theme with activities tailored towards this theme. Some of the topics that will be covered include: safety, self-esteem, descion making, friendship, and peer relationships. “Through this grant from the Shelby County United Way Special projects, we will be able to interact more closely with the children that are in need of role models. This in turn will help us to find the best suitable match for them and allow them to build a strong, positive, and lasting friendship.” Reports Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jennifer Bruns.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a nonprofit 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. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer, you may call the office at 547-9622 or 492-7611.
