BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS RECEIVES TWO GRANTS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County Receive Grants from Greater Versailles Area Foundation Fund and Ruth & Emerson Booher Committee Advised Fund

Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director, Jennifer Bruns,
receives grant from Greater Versailles Area Foundation Fund
committee members.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director, Jennifer Bruns,
receives grant from The Ruth & Emerson Booher
Advised Fund for Versailles committee members.

The Greater Versailles Area Foundation Fund along with The Ruth & Emerson Booher Committee Advised Fund for Versailles both recently donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County. The grants will be used for the Big Buddies after-school mentorship program at Versailles Exempted Village Schools. Big Buddies is a nine-month commitment where high school students 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 will focus on ecological awareness and earth-friendly practices. The program will also promote social and emotional development through various activities.

Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters served 46 students under the age of 18 in their after-school Big Buddies program at Versailles Schools. High school mentoring programs have become a widespread component of many nationally affiliated Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. Studies prove that children w3ho spend time with a positive role model are more likely to become health, productive adults. This donation will allow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke to expand and continue their Big Buddies program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit United Way member agency. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child, either through volunteering or financial contribution, please contact the agency at 937-492-7611 or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.