Big changes coming to Big Brothers Big Sisters

NEWS RELEASE
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SAULT STE. MARIE
******************************
This is a new year at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie and we are undergoing some changes – positive change. As many of you know, we received a large sum from the Catch the Ace Lottery from the George Wellington Esquire Club in October of last year – our agency received over $800,000 raised locally!

We are undergoing planning and consultation to help grow our agency, and for the next few months things will be a little quiet and we will be asking for your feedback on what you like about our programs and where you see we can improve. We want to ensure that we are giving our children and youth in this community exactly what they need. More group programs, specialized after-school, enhanced opportunities to support extra-curricular – watch for a survey in early March.

Lisa Vezeau-Allen, our executive director, has graciously resigned and offered to volunteer her services while we transform our agency and coordinate our restructuring plan. Our longstanding case manager, Michael Gagnon, has accepted a full-time position at Algoma Steel, but has agreed to monitor our matches in a part-time capacity to maintain continuity. We are working with our board, our national agency and other community members to develop our "new and improved" Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie!

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie

Since the early 1970s in our community, Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to the healthy development of children and youth through valuable mentoring programs vital in fostering their full potential. The agency offers mentorship programs for children and youth who face barriers in life. Our mentors teach by example the importance of giving back, staying in school, and respect for family, peers and community. Every time a child is matched with a mentor or becomes a participant of an in-school program, something incredible starts – a life-changing relationship built on friendship, trust and empowerment. Witnessing the transformation of a child into a confident, amiable and motivated young person is a remarkable occurrence. Proudly, it’s something our staff, volunteers and donors help bring about every day, and we’re very grateful for their generosity and support. Our agency provides programming to 77 children and youth in our community.

For more information, visit here.

******************************