WILMINGTON — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Warren & Clinton Counties CEO Matt McDowell spoke to the A.M. Rotary Club on Dec. 2.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. They are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides one-to-one mentoring to children, at no cost to their family.
BBBS is funded primarily through donations from individuals, companies, foundations, and United Way of Warren County. They are continuing to mentor kids through their School-Based Mentoring programs at Holmes Elementary School and Denver Place Elementary School in Wilmington.
Matt was a Little Brother for 10 years in Kettering, and matched with his Big Brother Jerry Barnett. Big Brother Jerry truly changed Matt’s life for the better — forever. While their match officially ended when he turned 18 and graduated from high school, their friendship continued. Jerry, his wife Deb, and Matt still get together about four or five times each year.
There are many ways people can help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Warren & Clinton Counties:
• Men and women are needed to volunteer as mentors (Big Brothers/Big Sisters). They ask volunteers to commit to being a Big Brother or Big Sister for at least one year. They meet with their Littles once a week, at least three out of four weeks each month.
• Volunteer to be a member of the Clinton County Leadership Council to help recruit men and women to become mentors, and to help with fundraising events.
• Support Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at Royal Z Lanes. They need event sponsors, bowling participants, bowling teams and volunteers.
• Support the first Over the Edge rappelling fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 25 at The Westin Cincinnati. They need event sponsors, bowling participants, bowling teams, and volunteers.
• Donate online at www.bbbswc.org/donate or mail a check, payable to BBBSWC, to 1073 Oregonia Road, Suite B, Lebanon, OH 45036.
If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Warren & Clinton Counties, contact Matt at [email protected] or at 513-932-3966.
