NEWS AND EVENTS
Community Builders in Action: Big Brothers, Big Sisters Lanark County
Big Brothers Big Sisters is in its 50th year in Lanark County. Many people know about the agency and its focus on mentoring local kids through a Big Brother or Big Sister, but this versatile agency has grown and evolved over its half a century in the County.
The agency offers free, accessible programs both in the community and in school settings. Children come from all walks of life and types of family situations. Many children struggle with various adversities, and just need a caring adult to spend time with and talk to. Big Brothers Big Sisters has skilled staff who work to match and support these children and youth with a caring, adult volunteer.
Research shows that young people who have an adult mentor in their loves achieve more – better engagement in education, higher incomes, happier lives. They grow to reach their full potential. In fact, the Boston Consulting Group states that for every $1 invested in a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, $18 is returned to society.
Programs range from the traditional one-on-one Big Brother or Big Sister, to school based one-on-one or small group programs, to a youth centre. The agency has stepped up to offer programs that wouldn’t otherwise exist in Lanark County, filling the void for after school support for local children and youth.
The PDCF has been a long-time supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County both through regular grants and by hosting a named fund for the agency. Recently, the Foundation helped support the after-school program which is attended by 48 children in Perth area schools.
Contributions to the Big Brothers Big Sisters fund can be made through the PDCF website.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit their website or call 613-283-0570.
This article is the first of a series that will highlight organizations, groups and individuals doing the good work of community building here in Lanark County. Future articles will be tagged with the Community Builders tag on our website.
Nefellie had been teaching ukulele to a few of her in-school mentees; one of her mentees, in particular, had mentioned that she did not have a ukulele to practice on outside of their meetings. Ambre McLean and Matt Connell, local artists and owners of The Arts Hub in Smiths Falls, heard of this story and would happily donate a ukulele and asked to do so in person. The date and time were set after a quick call to Duncan J Scholar. Program supervisor Heidi McNeely, Ambre, Matt, Nefellie, and Nancy Holman (Duncan J Scholar Principal) met in the atrium at the school, where Nefellie’s mentee met them. Ambre and Matt presented her with a new red ukulele, still in the box. The young person was smiling and speechless. Nancy was very quick to jump in and say that if the youth went home and made arrangements with her parents to set up ukulele lessons at the Smiths Falls Arts Hub, they could invoice her, and she would ensure that costs were covered. There was not a dry eye in the house, and a Kleenex box made its circulation.