So many ways to get started
(February, 2012) In the fall of 2011, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County (BBBSHR) received notification that we would have the opportunity to partner with researchers from James Madison University on a pioneer Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) -funded study. The $438,229 two-year grant is the first of its kind for both BBBSHR and JMU. This collaboration will allow us to enhance our training for volunteers and has the potential to influence mentoring practices across the country. The funds will also enable us to expand our program to serve at least 450 new children in the coming year. BBBSHR has also received a separate OJJDP grant in the amount of $131,250 through our national office. This funding will allow us to form new partnerships with other local youth service organizations and expand our site-based mentoring program to additional locations, including the Boys & Girls Club and Second Home Child Care Center. In order to meet the goals of the grant, we will be working to identify and match at least 75 children who are at increased risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. We are excited about the opportunities that this new funding will afford our agency in collaborating with new partners and serving additional children. Our goals for this coming year will challenge our agency to match more children in our program than we ever have before in our agency’s history! In order to accomplish these goals, we are actively recruiting new Bigs to join us in our mission to positively impact the lives of children in our community. Please consider whether you might have an hour a week to invest in local youth by serving as a mentor in our program. Please email Emily@bbbshr.org for more information about volunteering. |
