Big Brothers Big Sisters recently received a significant grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.
This infusion from the Foundation’s Unrestricted Funds, vital for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, allows the staff to continue their important mission to help make a positive difference for children in our community.
The philanthropy provided through this funding from the Polk County Community Foundation targets one of the community’s most important assets – its children. Big Brothers Big Sisters exists solely to serve children, to help them reach their potential and build brighter futures.
Taking a community-oriented approach, the Polk County Community Foundation considers how to maximize their positive impact. They share their charitable donations generously, with local nonprofits and scholarships to students, to improve the lives of area citizens.
Big Brothers Big Sisters operates under the belief that inherent in children is the desire to thrive. The intention is to help the children who need it most, including those living in single parent homes, growing up in poverty and coping with parental incarceration.
Providing children facing adversity with the opportunity to connect with mentors can help each child identify and build on the sparks that may fuel the child’s aspirations. In this way, cycles of low academic achievement, inadequate social skills, and poverty may be broken.
Mentoring is about more than making a connection. A match helps provide a child with the opportunity to change perspective and learn new things. Mentors not only encourage children to study hard, but also inspire them to consider the future, and make appropriate choices that will enhance their lives.
Much of what makes Big Brothers Big Sisters the leading youth mentoring organization is that they provide carefully screened and trained volunteers, and ongoing support to volunteers, children and the children’s families to ensure the relationships are strong and successful. BBBS partners with donors, families, child advocates, and a host of volunteers, to nurture children and strengthen the community.
Donations, such as the substantial support provided by the Polk County Community Foundation, help the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization be the best at what they do: helping children realize and build on their strengths, broadening their horizons, and empowering them to succeed.
In addition to grant funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Polk County Community Foundation also manages the Big Brothers Big Sisters Endowment Fund. Established by an anonymous donor several years ago to help secure the future of BBBS, the endowment fund will grow from donations matched during the recent Big Brothers Big Sisters fall fundraising campaign. Contributions are encouraged through the foundation for those who may be interested in joining this philanthropic effort.
“My current favorite saying is “everyone does better when everyone does better,” says Karen Dacey, program coordinator for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters. “By sharing so generously, the Polk County Community Foundation does just that – allows others to do better, which lifts us all up. The Foundation donors, staff, and volunteers are applauded for such dedication to investing in their vision for improved quality of life. What an asset for our community!”
– article submitted
by Karen Dacey