After paying rent for 34 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County has purchased a building to house its agency and second hand clothing store, Jewels.

Located in SmithsFalls at 18 William St. East, the building purchase will enable the agency to pay less in its mortgage than its currently paying in rent. Currently the agency and its volunteers are working at renovating the building, and would welcome extra hands to complete various projects.

Four years ago Big Brothers Big Sisters developed a plan to open a gently used clothing store in order to help the sustainability of the organization. At the time, the Carleton Place Bingo, a long time source of revenue for the agency, was slowing down, and the Board of Directors was concerned about financial security. The leap into the world of retail appears to have paid off, with the store now in its fourth year and bringing in significant revenue for the programs the agency offers. Having space to grow the store was a key part of the decision to move.

Jewels Gently Used Clothing is run mostly by volunteers, with a part time Store Manager overseeing operations. Volunteers serve customers and sort clothes, and enjoy being able to assist the agency through this important fundraising effort. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and is currently located at 16 Russell St. East in SmithsFalls.

The agency programs cover all of LanarkCounty, and currently serve 88 children in Carleton Place, Almonte, Perth, SmithsFalls, Lanark and surrounding communities. The agency does not receive any sustainable government funding of any type, so relies on community donations, the United Way, their store, and various grants to operate their popular programs. There is always a waiting list of children seeking volunteer mentors, so new volunteer are always welcome.

“The communities in which we operate support us so well,” states Jennifer Miller, Executive Director for the agency, “We have been so pleased to receive so much help during the renovation of our new space. Volunteer have been walking in off of the street to assist. We’re very fortunate.”

Two Caseworkers, trained in Social Work, assist children by screening and matching volunteers with children in need of a mentor. The agency matches children in need of a mentor with positive adult role models who provide positive life experiences. 

Children who have been in the program see real, positive change. They go on to graduate from high school at a rate of 20% higher than the national average. 78% of children who came from a social assistance background no longer rely on this form of income and a disproportionately high number of former participating children graduate from college or university compared to others in their age group. 

If you are interested in volunteering with the agency, or would like more information, please call 613-283-0570 or visit their website at www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/bbbslanark