Mentoring organization aims to recruit volunteers to decrease an expanding waiting list.
New Philadelphia, OH, July 1, 2025 –
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio has launched a powerful new recruitment campaign — “88 Reasons to Be a Big” — to spotlight a growing need for mentors and inspire community members to step up and make a difference in the life of a child.
As of summer 2025, the agency has 100 active community-based mentoring matches, a promising increase from 87 matches in summer 2024. But alongside that growth, the number of children still waiting for a mentor has climbed to 88 — a number that has remained all too consistent.
“These 88 children aren’t just a number,” said Beverly Pearch, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio. “They each have a story, a personality, and a dream — and they’re all waiting for someone to show up and be in their corner.”
The campaign emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to becoming a Big. No specific background, age, career, or life experience is required — just a willingness to listen, connect, and be present.
“Our Littles come from all walks of life, and we believe our Bigs should too,” said Pearch. “Whether you’re a college student, retiree, young professional, or stay-at-home parent — you could be someone’s reason to smile, to succeed, to believe in themselves.”
To help potential mentors connect with a child who would be a great fit, the agency is encouraging the public to explore its “Waiting Little Wall” at bigs4kids.com/waiting-littles. The wall includes profiles of waiting children that can be sorted by county, personality traits, interests, and desired mentor characteristics.
“There are 88 reasons to be a Big — and each one has a name, a face, and a future,” said Pearch. “This summer, we’re challenging our community to help us turn that number into zero.”
On social media, individuals can stay up to date by following Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio on Facebook and Instagram. Throughout the month, Big Brothers Big Sisters is encouraging followers to tag a friend who would be a great Big Brother or Big Sister and help with the mission of defending potential for youth in our community. To learn more about becoming a Big, or to explore the Waiting Little Wall, visit www.bigs4kids.com/waiting-littles today.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 charitable organization with seven paid employees and two types of mentoring programs: Community-based Mentoring and School-based Mentoring.
Stand with us to positively impact a child’s life; donate or volunteer today at www.bigs4kids.com.
