Jolene Aguilar, national coordinator for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Native American Mentoring Initiative, is interested in a story on what the organization does for youth. This 700 – 800 word story can be used in a variety of areas, print, newsletters and Web site. Jolene may have photos that could accompany the story.
Below is an excerpt from an October Press Release:
Big Brothers Big Sisters is accelerating efforts to serve Native American children with the help of a $2 million grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The award is the second from the Department of Justice, energizing Big Brothers Big Sisters’ efforts to deliver its evidence-based service to children in nearly two dozen Native American communities from Alaska to Connecticut.
“In just 10 months, we have been able to serve close to 400 Native American children with our targeted program, providing professionally supported volunteer services proven to improve the odds for vulnerable children,” said Jolene Aguilar, Native American Mentoring Coordinator, for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Southwestern region. “With the first grant, we planted seeds that are sprouting a spirit of support in the tribal communities we serve. Now we are able to increase professional staff and resources, expanding our capacity to serve the children more effectively.”
The additional funding will help the 22 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies involved in the Native American Mentoring initiative overcome transportation barriers due to the long distances between their offices and tribal communities. The Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies will also be able to expand their capacity to host culturally appropriate events for Bigs and Littles; establish programs on reservations; and provide more effective communication and outreach at health fairs, churches, clinics, community meetings and cultural celebrations.
I would be interested in seeing the story come in by a deadline of Feb. 22. Jolene’s contact information is (505) 503-0505 or (505) 239-1573.
If interested in this one reply to kpolisse@indiancountry.com.
