A non-profit in the Lafayette area is celebrating its 45th anniversary. The local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters has matched more than 10,000 children with adult mentors.
Lindsey Kilty says they’re thanking the community for its support at a celebration Thursday evening.
“We’re also going to be educating people on different ways they can become involved,” she says. “Whether it is volunteering their time, in our biggest fundraiser – Bowl for Kids Sake – or how they can sign-up to be a donor.”
The agency also is looking for participants to be part of a national research program. The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention selected the local chapter and three others in Indiana from more than 180 agencies that applied.
Kilty says it’s a three year project aimed at reducing risk factors for juvenile delinquency in 11 to 15 year olds.
“We have to get 75 to 100 new matches that are going to be part of the research,” she says. “It could change the way mentoring is looked at. We could be changing best practices.”
In addition to needing the children, adult volunteers are always needed. Kilty says there are nearly 80-kids waiting to be matched with a big brother or sister.
The Lafayette chapter’s 45th Anniversary Celebration is Thursday, July 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at The Outpost in Lafayette. You can RSVP or get more information HERE.