FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 10, 2019
Local Grantors Defend the Potential of Children
in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
Traverse City, MI – July 10, 2019 . . . The Hestia Women’s Giving Circle and the Char-Em United Way have each provided critical funding totaling $13,000 to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (BIGS) mentoring programs in Emmet and Charlevoix counties. “We are honored to be working with the Hestia Women’s Giving Circle and the Char-Em United Way to empower the potential inherent in every child. Mentoring is a proven long-term strategy for bridging gaps in academics and income, and these grants will allow our agency to continue to create additional mentoring relationships”, said Executive Director, Cecilia Chesney. BIGS has been providing mentors to children throughout the region since 1970, with a long-range vision to ensure that all youth achieve their full potential. Serving 400 children in the 5-county region of northwestern Michigan is a drop in the bucket compared to the need that exists. There are over 6,000 children in this region that need a mentor. “Today’s youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister changes that for them. They will become self-reliant, independent young adults with a productive future ahead of them with the support of a Big. We need to draw attention to the need for more Bigs to reach more children”, said Chesney. Volunteer recruitment is currently underway. Learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister at Bigsupnorth.com. ###
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cecilia Chesney
Executive Director
231.392.6497
Cecilia.chesney@bigsupnorth.org
About The Hestia Women’s Giving Circle
The Hestia Women’s Giving Circle is a group of women from Emmet and Charlevoix Counties whose mission is to “promote the economic self-sufficiency and well-being of women and girls.” The group strives to educate its members and the general public about community needs and encourages women and girls to engage in active philanthropy. For more information about the Hestia Women’s Giving Circle please visit https://www.c3f.org/grants-scholarships/hestia-womens-giving-circle.html
About Char-Em United Way
The mission of the Char/Em United way is to unite the people and resources of Charlevoix and Emmet Counties to build strong communities. Their community investment priorities include education, income (financial stability), and health. To learn more about the Char/Em United Way please visit http://www.charemunitedway.org/
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan
Since 1970, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who defend their potential and help them achieve their biggest possible futures. Bigs’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Learn how to get involved at Bigsupnorth.com