Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass receives a grant from the Pokagon Fund for $40,000

September 12, 2011, Niles, Michigan – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass announced that it has received a grant from the Pokagon Fund for $40,000 to fund its operations in the New Buffalo and River Valley school districts. Specifically, the funds would be spent over two years and would help BBBS recruit, train, and match Big Brothers and Big Sister volunteer mentors with children between the ages of 6 and 12 who would benefit from an extra adult in their lives.

"The Pokagon Fund is pleased to fund Big Brothers Big Sisters programming in the Harbor Country region! We would like to see the Lunch Buddy program grow by leaps and bounds in the New Buffalo and River Valley Schools this year. It takes only one hour a week to mentor a child over lunch. I've been a Lunch Buddy for the last two years and am sure I get as much out of the program as my Little Sister!" shared Mary Dunbar, Executive Director of The Pokagon Fund.

In addition to matching the volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters will also be measuring the success of the program with end-of-year teacher questionnaires and surveys which will ascertain how the matched Little Brothers and Little Sisters have progressed over the previous year.

Prospective volunteers are encouraged to contact BBBS toll free at 877.367.2244 ext. 3# or via e-mail at info@bbbsofbc.org for more information. The organization is also a United Way funded partner.

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, a United Way partner agency, helps vulnerable children beat negative odds. 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 its network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges that children in too many communities confront. There’s an urgent demand for what the organization achieves. In addition to the traditional mentoring program, which matches a Big Brother or a Big Sister with a child of the same gender for at least one year, BBBS provides "Lunch Buddy" mentors who meet with a child at their school once a week during lunchtime. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc. is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization celebrating 42 years of service in Berrien and Cass counties of Southwest Michigan. Learn how to 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.