Celebrate with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Youth mentoring organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA) is celebrating Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, which takes place every September.

The celebration emphasizes the importance of connections and mentoring relationships, and this month will serve as a way to spread the message further. According to a press release, BBBSIA served 780 young people last year and more than 250 youth are waiting, most of them being boys. The organization highlights how the simplest of moments, like sharing a pizza or grabbing a coffee, can make all the difference in a young person’s upbringing and overall development.

“We know this message may seem repetitive but it’s real. What most people don’t realize is that we get new child enrollments at a faster pace than we get new mentors. This means our waitlist stays full. This is why we need more adults to join our mission by becoming Bigs,” says Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, in a press release.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa continues to serve the youth since its founding over 57 years ago. By connecting children ages 5-24 (Littles) with adults (Bigs), BBBSIA is highlighting the “Power of We”, where adults are present and ensure that the youth are on the right path to success. 

According to a press release, “With 20 million Big Brothers Big Sisters alumni worldwide, the stories of Bigs and Littles prove that mentorship works.”

The organization is showing a need for more adults to become Bigs. Volunteers can mentor one-on-one, team up with your spouse, partner, or friend as a Big duo, or volunteer together as a family in a Family Match. 

Some of the events for Big Brothers Big Sisters Month include:

BBBSIA Nights:

• GoodSon’s – Mon, Sept. 29 | 5–10 pm | 2815 Beaver Ave

           A portion of proceeds benefits BBBSIA programs.

Coffee for a Cause:

• Mayalu Coffee – All September | 4226 Fleur Dr | “The BIG Wake Up” coffee blend

            A portion of proceeds from the sales of these coffee blends support mentoring programs.

For more information, visit www.bbbsia.org.