Big Brothers, Big Sisters Opens Satellite Office in Warsaw
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
An organization dedicated to mentoring young people celebrated the opening of a satellite office in Warsaw Wednesday night.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana opened a new satellite office at 1603 N. Detroit St., Warsaw, across from Anderson Greenhouse on Ind. 15.
Normal business hours for the BBBS office are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday. The office is closed Thursdays.
A press conference was organized by BBBS, and a ribbon cutting was held by the Warsaw-Kosciusko County Chamber Of Commerce at the new office.
Josette Rider, BBBS executive director, said the northeast chapter of the organization, headquartered in Allen County, was founded by Don Wolf in 1972.
Rider said last year there were 200 matches in Kosciusko County, the second largest in all 13 counties the organization serves.
“We are excited to open this office and believe the 200 matches will continue to grow,” Rider said.
Sam, who is a “little” in the Big Brother program, said he has been matched with his Big Brother for the past eight months, and enjoys fishing with him and described him as a role model.
Sherri Milton, BBBS ambassador and board member, said in Kosciusko County there are 44 youths on a waiting list to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister.
There are 160 youths waiting to be on a waiting list to be matched.
Milton introduced Henderson, 12, who has been on a waiting list for the past eight months to be matched with a Big Brother.
He said he is looking for a Big Brother to play football.
“I would like someone who plays the game, but wants to have fun and doesn’t get mad and quits,” Henderson said.
Dr. Thomas Edington, Wawasee Community School Corp. superintendent, was the featured speaker during the press conference.
Edington said he has been a Big Brother since his little brother was in fifth grade, and is now in ninth grade.
His little brother has helped him with his cell phone and iPad.
“Even though you give you end up receiving so much,” Edington said.
Edington said Wawasee teachers have been involved in the BBBS lunch buddy program where they have spent time with youth in the program during lunch hours.
“The difference it makes with one-to-one relationships eating lunch with the littles increases student attendance and performance,” Edington said.
Prior to the downturn in the economy, 20 percent of students in Kosciusko County received free and reduced lunches, he said. Currently, 50 percent of students receive free and reduced lunches.
Diane Quance, Warsaw city councilwoman, and one of the founding board members of BBBS in Kosciusko County, spoke during the open house.
“The city of Warsaw is thrilled to see this buildingcome to pass,” Quance said.
“The additional space will give us the opportunity to service more children.”
Quance said it is important to prepare youth for their future as a citizen and the BBBS organization does that.
To learn more about the BBBS organization or to become a volunteer visit bbbsnei.org or call 888-456-1600.
