The Charlevoix Area Community Foundation, Hestia Women’s Giving Circle, and the Char/Em United Way each provided funding to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (BIGS) begin a new School-Based mentoring program at Charlevoix Elementary School. Funds will be used to expand the current number of children being served, with a goal of adding 20 new mentoring relationships during the upcoming school year. This allows Bigs to help more children in need. Charlevoix County alone has more than 2,500 children in need of Bigs’ services.
BIGS has been providing mentors to children throughout the region for nearly 50 years, with a long range vision to ensure opportunities for success for all children. “All children should have the basic tools they need to successfully graduate high school and transition to college or a successful career,” says Gary Swaney, Program Director. “We look forward to serving the Charlevoix community and the students at the elementary school for many years to come,” adds Swaney.
Volunteer recruitment is currently underway. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is a fun and rewarding opportunity. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer mentor should contact Christie at 231-313-7323, or visit www.bigsupnorth.org for further information.
The Charlevoix County Community Foundation is a charitable organization that’s dedicated to improving and enriching life for all who live in our area. Founded by a group of local citizens in 1992 with support from the Frey Foundation, the Council of Michigan Foundations, the Malpass Foundation, EJ (formerly East Jordan Iron Works), and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the organization has grown to be a valuable resource for our county. To learn more about the Charlevoix Area Community Foundation please visit www.c3f.org .
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
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/