FORT WAYNE —  On Monday, June 24, Big Brothers Big Sisters kicked off its 2024 recruitment campaign: “Everyday Heroes.”

The goal for the 2024 campaign is to recruit 500 volunteers to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters, or “Everyday Heroes,” in 90 days.

The Kosciusko-specific goal is to find 100 volunteers. Big Brothers Big Sisters undertakes this challenge to find matches for the many Littles still waiting for a mentor. Currently, there are 39 Littles on the Kosciusko County waiting list ready to be matched with Bigs. Although there are 39 children currently signed up to be Littles, the actual number of children in need whom Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to serve is potentially higher, with over 41% of Indiana children being considered at-risk.

This campaign aims to spread awareness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs and recruit volunteers to help these Littles get the mentors they need.

Beginning June 24 and running until Sept. 24, the campaign will have several fun events throughout, including the Brad Miller Gala and Golf Outing and the Brad Miller Campout.

Mentorship has a proven positive effect on children, and Big Brothers Big Sisters aids this process every day through its community-based and site-based mentorship programs. Its community-based program involves an adult mentor meeting with the child every two weeks for an activity out in the community. Site-based programs are located at the child’s school, with adult mentors meeting their Little during their lunchtime once a week.

This year’s “Everyday Heroes” theme is meant to highlight the importance of mentors in children’s lives. Mentors are not extraordinary humans; they are everyday, ordinary people who decide to make a difference in a child’s life. Instead of being a superhero, mentors are there for their Littles every day in both big and small ways.

To learn more about becoming an Everyday Hero in Kosciusko County visit bbbsnei.org or contact Tammy Smith at [email protected] or (574) 306-2178.