Thanks to a partnership between the Ontario Minister of Education (Student Success Branch) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (Ontario agencies), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County is proud to announce that it is the recipient of a $10,000.00 grant to help expand its School Based programs in our community.

"We know that students who have caring adults in their life are better engaged and achieve better results," said Ontario Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne.

Big Brothers Big Sisters School Based Programs are already making a huge difference in the lives of children in our community, and this grant will help bring that difference to even more students. School based mentoring programs have been operating throughout the County for almost 8 years, and the program is now expanding to include a new Go Girls mentoring program as well.

Go Girls!Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is a program designed to address the physical activity, balanced eating and positive self-image needs of young women ages 12-14 based on a group mentoring model. The program will be piloted in SmithsFalls, and will roll out throughout the County as volunteers and resources allow.

Results from research by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada shows that Mentoring makes a Big difference in the lives of children who participate in the programs.

• 90% of mentors saw a positive change in the child they were mentoring
• 88% of students showed improved literacy skills
• 64% had developed higher levels of self-esteem Mentors
• 85% of ISM volunteers feel they have a positive influence on the community
• 89% felt better about themselves
• 66% are prouder of the company they work for

To find out how you can get involved with School Based mentoring programs in your town, please call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County at 613-283-0570.