When one door closes, another one opens. It’s an old phrase but one that applies as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kincardine & District takes over supporting the youth of northern Huron after the dissolution of Big Brothers Big Sisters North Huron last summer.
“We are happy to welcome Big Brothers Big Sisters Kincardine & District to the family of United Way Perth-Huron supported partners,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “The work that Big Brothers Big Sisters North Huron did for so many years in the area was tremendous and we were sad to see them go. But United Way also understands the need to pivot and ensure vulnerable people still get the support they need.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a difference in the lives of youth in Kincardine and district since 1984, offering a number of services to youth ages six to 16, including the in-school mentoring program United Way supports in northern Huron and area. Big Brothers Big Sisters fills the service gap in this area; ensuring local youth are still able to access important programs. For information on how to get involved, email info.kincardine@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
In addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters Kincardine & District, United Way supports 17 local programs and services in northern Huron and area, helping almost 6,000 people last year. UWPH has also been working through the new Northern Huron & Area Community Committee to determine the most pressing local needs and develop a project that best serves vulnerable people in the region. After community consultations, the committee settled on the challenges faced locally in the areas of mental health and addictions, homelessness and food security. The committee is currently working on developing a project addressing these #UNIGNORABLE local issues.
“United Way has a history of helping the people of northern Huron and area,” added Erb. “We’re proud to continue this tradition through our support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the work of North Huron & Area Community Committee. The people in this area have shown time and again how much they care for the place they live and we are eager to channel their passion and lend our own expertise to help build an even stronger local community.”