OUR MISSION
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County is to help children become confident, competent, and caring individuals through a professionally supported, one to one relationship with an effective mentor, to participate actively in their community and achieve to their potential in the educational setting.
OUR VISION
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County has a vision to develop the resources, environment, and mechanisms to provide caring adults in the life of every child in need.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County is the acknowledged leader in building professionally supported, dynamic relationships which unite children with committed volunteers, primarily on a one-to-one basis, transforming their lives, and enriching families, communities, and society. Our work is as elementary as putting a friend in a child’s life, and as essential as putting hope into a child’s future. To achieve our vision we will continue to build on our commitment to excellence and of valuing all individuals, respecting their efforts, abilities, and differences.
OUR HISTORY IN CASS COUNTY
In 1981, Rev. Ken Marsh who was a Big Brother in Howard County became president pro tem of a group planning a Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization in Cass County. At that time Cass County had more than 1,000 children between the ages of 5 and 17 living in one-parent homes. On September 3, 1981, the group received the Certificate of Incorporation.
In 1984, Barbara Reed became president of the organization in Cass County. The organization needed a director to run the programs, a board, funding, and volunteers. A seed grant of $7500 was given by the United Way, and Mayor John Davis gave an office in the city building. By the end of the year, the organization had found its first full-time executive director, Joseph A. Schoettle.
On January 7, 1985, the organization received authorization from the national office of Big Brothers/Big Sisters to make matches in Cass County.
The first Bowl for Kids Sake was held in March 1986. The fund-raiser netted $6,000. In 1987, Big Brothers/Big Sisters had 39 matches. Couples matches began in July, 1988.
In 1998 the Local Hero Program began at Fairview Elementary School. Soon the High School Mentoring program expanded from just Fairview Elementary into most of the elementary schools in the county.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Click here to download a PDF with our board member information.
