Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has operated since 1987 when a branch was open in Henderson County. Since then, the program has expanded to serve 11 counties across Western North Carolina, including Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties.
Cumulatively, Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC has served over 14,000 children. In 2018-2019, more than 3,000 children benefited from having a one-on-one relationship with a Big in Western North Carolina.
The Cashiers and Highlands branch office is hosting an Ice Skating Party on February 5from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Highlands Ice Skating Rink. Children will receive a free ticket to skate after registering with their adult at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Information Table.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America originated in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1904 with a young businessman named Irving Westheimer.
It was from his office window one day, that Westheimer noticed a young boy and his dog rummaging around in a garbage can—foraging for food. When he asked the boy what he was doing, Westheimer learned that the boy’s family had no food and that this type of foraging was the only way they were going to be fed.
As it turned out, the boy was one of several children—all living in poverty in a fatherless home, and after first mentoring this young boy, Westheimer realized that it would be possible to help others like him by providing one to one mentoring opportunities on a larger scale.
We are working to ensure every child in WNC has an enjoyable, long-term relationship with a caring adult who believes in them and sees their potential. We select and match mentors with children facing adversity and provide ongoing activities, training and support services for both families and volunteers to foster a successful match relationship and a lasting connection.
When matched with their Big, Littles gain a role model, a friend and access to new experiences through which they build higher aspirations for their lives. These relationships provide them with the support they need to achieve academic improvement, growth in self-confidence and development of life skills, and reward mentors with the experience of being an integral part of that young person’s success.
In nearly four decades, we have served over 14,000 children and believe that in each on there is a special spark that can lead them to become positive, productive citizens of our community and the world.
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