The Central Community Foundation board, through funds received from Operation Roundup, recently approved a grant of $1,148 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma to support two new matches for their Stillwater School-Based mentoring program.
The mission of BBBSOK is to provide children who face adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that can help them achieve success. The organization typically serves children from low-income, single- parent or guardian households.
This grant will allow BBBSOK to serve two children in their program for one year. The organization’s “Bigs” provide “Littles” individualized time and attention on a regular basis, meeting weekly during school hours and utilizing school resources, such as the computer lab, library, gym, classroom or playground. The Big- Little relationship promotes a positive school experience for the child, including good attendance, positive peer and adult relationships, a positive attitude and academic achievement. Throughout the relationship, the match is supported by a dedicated trained and professional BBBSOK staff member who maintains regular contact with the Big and Little to assess the strength and health of the relationship and offer guidance during difficult situations.
The Littles who are enrolled in the program exhibit a number of positive outcomes associated with academics. In 2018, the program’s children maintained their status or improved in the following areas: 100 percent in classroom behavior and participation; and 98 percent in academic performance. To learn more about BBBSOK, visit bbbsok.org.
The Central Community Foundation is a charitable organization established by Central Rural Electric Cooperative to administer a program called Operation Round Up®. The Central Community Foundation makes grants available to individuals and organizations throughout Central’s service area from the money donated by Central members who choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar each month. Visit www.MyCentral.coop and click on the “Community” tab located at the top of the page for more information about the Community Foundation.
