Kaitlyn Hoeflein, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Tiers (above), reported a renewed effort by the agency to get the public’s attention, increase awareness for the need for mentors for local children, and to raise much-needed funds.
Photo and Story by Rick Hiduk
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is back, according to regional executive director Kaitlyn Hoeflein. In truth, the agency that serves Bradford, Sullivan, and Tioga counties in Pennsylvania and Tioga and Broome counties in New York never went away. It has provided mentoring services for 26 years but had fallen off the radar, as far as some people were concerned.
“I’m here to say that we are very much alive,” she told the Bradford County commissioners and the audience of their April 13 meeting. There are between 12 and 18 youths in Bradford County who currently need to be matched with adults 18 years and older who qualify as mentors for the program. Commissioner Daryl Miller related that his daughter had served as a big sister and found it to be a fulfilling experience.
BBBS of the Twin Tiers is also seeking to hire a case manager who can effectively match children in need with mentors. There are currently 32 active matches in the five-county area, but many more children who are looking for a big brother or big sister.
BBBS will host its annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser on Saturday, May 6 at Valley Bowling Center in Waverly, NY from 1 to 4 pm. Whether one is a bowling pro or a bumper-bowler, Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a great way to have fun while supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters. The entry cost is $20 per team of 4. Additionally, each teams is asked to raise pledges from their friends, family members, colleagues, or anyone they know that wants to make a difference in the life of a local youth.
Bowling, shoe rental, and refreshments will be provided for all bowlers; plus there will be great prizes for raising the most pledges, highest bowling score, and more. This year’s Bowl for Kids Sake will be a Rock-n-Bowl theme with lots of fun for the whole community.
Interested readers may call 570-265-3009 or 1-866-344-BIGS (2447) to register as a team and receive a pledge sheet or log on to www.bbbstwintiers.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Tiers matches local children with a positive adult mentor from the community. BBBS of the Twin Tiers is part of the largest, oldest, and most effective youth mentoring organization in the US.
1 Comment