HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Big Brothers Big Sister of the Tennessee Valley needs your help.
The organization may have to close its doors before the end of the summer. Big Brothers Big Sisters has served the Tennessee Valley for 40 years, mentoring thousands of children.
Since the pandemic, funding has changed, leaving the program to face an uncertain future. Without financial assistance, Big Brothers Big Sisters will wind down its local programs in August.
The organization offers one-on-one mentoring, matching a “big” brother or sister with a “little.” The pairs spend time together, participating in activities based on the interests of the child.
The big is there to offer support, serving as a role model.
“For me, it’s about helping the children,” said former Big Sister and current Match Support Specialist Ciara White. “It’s about giving them a safe place and just someone to talk to when they need it. I think there will be a lot of kids that maybe don’t have the mentors in their life that they should be given.”
Unlike many mentoring programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters works with kids for years.
“We’re taking them from start to finish and it’s a year-to-year process,” said Big Brothers Big Sister of the Tennessee Valley Board Chair David Points Jr. “We need to educate these kids. We need to develop these kids because they will be good, productive citizens.”
Points is asking the community, businesses and individuals for support. If you are interested in helping, you can donate online or contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley at 256-880-2123.
