Rockford’s Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program Could Be Ending

While the YMCA is doing its best to not leave any child behind, the reality is that Big Brothers Big Sisters does not have the funding to continue.

I'm very emotional over this program's possible demise. Having been a mentor in 3 different cities around the country, including Rockford, before starting my own family, I know firsthand how much good this program puts into a community.

Mike Brown, CEO of the YMCA of Rock River Valley says they're only receiving $22,000 of the requested $95,000 donation from the United Way, according to the story published at wrex.com. United Way vice president Linda Sandquist says local agencies asked for more than $2 million over what the United Way had to donate. That left us with some tough decision and ultimately chose to donate to the agencies that could do the most good, says Sandquist. For example, a youth crime prevention program that was cut by the state was given $75,000.

Another story published about Big Brothers Big Sisters being shut down reports that currently the program has 25 mentors and 65 kids. The YMCA is aggressively trying to raise the money to continue. If you can help, find more information HERE.