There are MANY worthy Not-For-Profit organizations in our service areas. I am going to try to highlight them on a regular basis. What better use of space??!!!!
Our chapters here in Indiana are part of the 400 agencies who partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
I've seen this program personally having 2 close friends participate - and it works!
They provide quality one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth ages 8-18 and adult volunteer mentors ages 21 and older. Youth enrolled in the program face challenges that most often include living in poverty; having an incarcerated family member; living with guardians or single parents; and a high need for the guidance and friendship of a caring adult role model.
A 2009 survey of the program alumni found that 42% of former Littles earned a four year college detree, and nearly half of all Littles had household incomes of more than $75,000.
It is a worthwhile organization for your donations and for your time!
www.bebigforkids.org - Central Indiana (Indianapolis)
www.bbbslaf.org - Lafayette
www.bigsindiana.org - South Central Indiana (Bloomington)
http://bbbseci.uwctl.org - Delaware County (Muncie)
http://www.bbbssi.org - Southeast Indiana (Jeffersonville)
Thank you so much for posting this! Just to let your readers know, each affiliate agency sets its own parameters for the program. The Lafayette affiliate accepts children and youth ages 6-17 and mentors who are at least 19. I encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering or enrolling their child to contact their local agency via the links you posted. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI have a child that is 6 years old and in need of a big brother mentor in the Anderson Indianan area. Is there any program that can help me with a child of this age?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately there is not a Big Brother organization in Anderson - but I did find a mentoring program through United Way in Madison County. I recommend calling 765-641-3688 for more detail or emailing : mentor@unitedwaymadisonco.org
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