The Greater Versailles Area Foundation Fund contributes to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County

Shane Stonebraker, Greater Versailles Area Foundation Fund Committee member, presents Jennifer Bruns, BBBS Executive Director, with a check to help fund the after-school Big Buddies program at Versailles Schools.  The funds will be utilized for activities associated with the Peace Works curriculum.

The Greater Versailles Area Foundation Fund, in conjunction with The Troy Foundation, recently awarded a grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County. This grant will be used for the Versailles after-school Big Buddies program. 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, are matched with and elementary student and work with them on different educational and recreational activities. The agency will be utilizing the Peace Education Foundation’s “Peace Works” curriculum which focuses on violence prevention, social & emotional development, conflict resolution, mediation skills, character & values, and bullying prevention.

During the 2018-2019 school year, Big Brothers Big Sisters served 30 students under the age of 18 in their after-school Big Buddies program in Versailles. High school mentoring programs have become a widespread component of many nationally affiliated Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. Studies prove that children who spend time with a positive role model are more likely to become healthy, productive adults. This donation will allow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County to expand and continue their Big Buddies program in Versailles.

The agency is currently recruiting high school students to participate as Big Buddy mentors for the elementary school Little Buddy mentees who are enrolled in the Big Buddies programs. Big Buddies programs are held at Ansonia Local Schools, Greenville City Schools, Sidney City Schools, and Versailles Exempted Village Schools. For more information, students can contact their school guidance counselor or call the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency office.

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, 937-547-9622 or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.