<< Return to Foundation Focus Page Knowing There is Someone Who Cares Little Sis, Marcella, with Big Sis, Jen Baller. "A single magic moment." In the eyes of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program that is what can make all of the difference in the life of a child. "It's the little things that Big Brothers and Big Sisters do together that make a difference -- playing Frisbee, going to a ballgame, reading books on the back porch, baking cookies . . ." says Brian Obits, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore. "The Big becomes a friend and role model to the Little. For the Little, just knowing that there is someone who cares about them and seeks their friendship can be a tremendous boost to their self-esteem." Established in 1969 BBBS of the Lakeshore has a tradition of providing mentoring services to approximately 1,000 young people each year in Muskegon , Ottawa , Oceana and Mason counties. An Endowment Fund established through the Community Foundation for Muskegon County now ensures it will do so for years and years to come. "Besides providing an attractive option for many potential donors, it sends a message that we intend to be here for the next 100 years and beyond," Obits notes. Young people benefit from BBBS in the following ways: Community Based matches are the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters matches; a "Big" and "Little" get together a few times each month for some of those simple but "magic" moments. Children from 5 - 12 years old take part in this program, though a child accepted into the program can remain on the waiting list to be matched until age 15 and children who are matched can stay in the program until age 18. Site Based matches usually take place in schools. For Site Based programs elementary school age "Littles" are generally matched with high school age "Bigs." The "Bigs" then meet with the younger students each week at the elementary school, during lunch period or at an after school program. People from all walks of life volunteer to become "Bigs." says Obits. The minimum age is 16 and extensive background checks are performed. The friendships which are generated are generally rich and many relationships formed through BBBS last for many years. "Successful matches can last for years, and often they remain friends for life," Obits adds. "Recently we heard about one former Little who just got married, and had his Big Brother as best man at the wedding." Contributions to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore Endowment Fund can be made by using the new Community Foundation On-Line Giving feature located on the Foundation web site home page at www.cffmc.org. Endowment gifts may also be mailed to the Foundation office or to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore. For information about starting an Organization Endowment Fund for your organization, contact Bob Chapla , Vice President for Development at the Foundation office at 722-4538. << Return to Foundation Focus Page