Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County distributes remaining funds to local agencies

Last Updated on July 8, 2019 by cassnetwork

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Cass County would like to announce the distribution of the remaining funds due to the agency closure. Unfortunately, new national size standards put forth by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America made it impossible for the local agency to operate in a manner that benefited the children of Cass County. The BBBS of Cass County Board of Directors announced the closure of the agency in November and stated then that any remaining funds would be distributed to agencies that have an impact of Cass County youth in a similar manner to BBBS. 

The BBBS of Cass County Board of Directors included Bob Brock, Barri Cranfill, John Damm, Erin Deichman, Tammy Helvie, Levi Jones, Derreck Parkevich and Andie Nicoles at the time of dissolution. As the discussion of distribution of funds began, Derreck Parkevich and Tammy Helvie were excused from the board due to their involvement with agencies which could potentially receive funds. The remaining members agreed the receiving agencies each have a role in a mentoring program that serves the citizens of Cass County, which fulfills the mission of BBBS of Cass County. 

The United Way of Cass County has graciously funded BBBS of Cass County for many years, so it was unanimously approved by the Board to return $7,732.00 of unused funds to the United Way in January of 2019. After much consideration by the Board of Directors, the vote in May 2019 determined that the following agencies would get an equal portion of the remaining funds: the Adolescent Intramural Mentoring (AIM) Program, Youth Services Alliance, Cass County Special Olympics, Cass County YMCA, and Cass County Child Advocates Program. Each organization will receive $5,940 from the remaining BBBS of Cass County funds. 

Although deeply saddened about the closure of BBBS of Cass County, the Board of Directors are proud that the receiving organizations will continue to have a positive impact on the children of Cass County.

Andie Nicoles

Board President

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County