John Shadowens, Manager of Prevention Services, recently announced the closing of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois (BBBSSCI) with a press release that read in part, "As we celebrate fourteen years of making hundreds of life changing matches between young people and caring mentors, it is with sadness that we announce the closing of BBBSSCI. The recent economic downturn has played a substantial role in reducing our ability to raise adequate funds to continue operation of this program. Although we have had valuable support from sponsors and participants over the years, there is simply less charitable giving available while costs of conducting business continue to rise. Throughout the summer, we will be closing the files of formal mentoring matches. The program will officially cease all operations as of October 2, 2009."
Notifications have been mailed to mentors, children, and families in the program explaining the closure. Over the summer, the staff of BBBSSCI will be working actively to make in-person contacts with all parties involved in the BBBS program.
