It is no secret our community is increasingly aware of local gang activity and increased local crime rates. I write to remind the people of the Prince George community that Big Brothers Big Sisters is part of the solution.
Since 1979 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George has been committed to building community strength and diminishing risk for local children and youth by proactively delivering evidence-based mentoring programs.
Our programs are available free to children and youth whose parents/guardians or school personnel have requested services. We continue to serve more children each year despite the fact funds to sustain these programs are becoming increasingly more difficult to secure. This year we are anticipating a further reduction in funds from provincial gaming grants, and have experienced a continued decline in our event-based fundraising efforts; thus; forcing our board of directors into critical planning mode at a time when our programs are as relevant as ever, if not more.
Mentoring provides positive outcomes such as: improved self-confidence, improved academic achievement, increased sense of belonging, reductions in substance initiation and use, and improved relationships with parents and peers.
Together we can involve Prince George's at risk children with this community and themselves by proactively intervening with positive mentoring that builds lifelong relationships that strengthen and impact our community, one child at a time.
As a community we need to re-invest into existing resources, with a proven record of success!
Jamie Kranrod,
executive director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George
