Benton Harbor Elementary Students to Benefit From Grant Awarded to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc.

Feb. 13, 2008 NILES, Mich. — Benton Harbor elementary students will soon benefit from a Camp Warren Endowment Board grant recently awarded to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass. The Camp Warren Endowment Board is a ministry of the Berrien County Association of Churches. The grant provides funds to match at-risk and underprivileged students with a “Lunch Buddy,” an adult mentor who meets with an elementary school student on school premises. The volunteer agrees to meet with his/her Lunch Buddy for lunch, at least once a week. They eat, talk, play a game, read a book or just listen. According to Veronica Pettigrew, CEO/Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, “We truly appreciate being given the grant. It will help us with our goal of taking a leading role in transforming the lives of children.”

The goal of the Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program is to reduce the likelihood of children to exhibit behavior and learning problems causing them to fall behind in or drop out of school, commit crimes, join gangs, abuse drugs and produce children out of wedlock. Research shows that children who meet regularly with a Big Brother or Big Sister are impacted socially, behaviorally and academically.

The Little Brother or Little Sister:
– has greater self-esteem.
– gets along better with friends and families.
– is less likely to use drugs or consume alcohol.
– improves their school attendance and performance.

The program is already underway. The Lunch Buddy Pilot Program was established in 2005. With additional support, we are looking to serve 50 or more children in the Lunch Buddy Program within one full school year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass is dedicated to providing a Big Brother or Big Sister to every child who needs and wants one. Nationwide, we've nearly doubled the number of children served over the past five years. But our work is not done. We will not stop until every child in our community is served. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass needs your donations today to help transform another child's life-forever. Be a part of the ‘Little Moments that make Big Magic’ campaign. The communities’ investment will ensure that even more children have committed and caring Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass helps vulnerable children beat negative odds. Our professionally supported volunteer services are proven to reduce children’s risk of dropping out of school, becoming violent, using drugs and alcohol, and falling victim to other negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters and our network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges that children in too many communities confront. Our movement is relevant and there’s an urgent demand for what we achieve. In addition to our traditional mentoring program which matches a Big Brother or a Big Sister with a child of the same gender for at least one year, we provide "Lunch Buddy" mentors who meet with a child at their school once a week during lunchtime. In 2007, the organization served 85 youth and as many Bigs in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc. is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization celebrating 41 years of service in Berrien and Cass Counties of Southwest Michigan. Learn how you can join the movement to change how children grow up in Berrien and Cass Counties by going to BBBSofBC.org or call (269) 684-1100, toll free (877) 367-2244.