Walmart Foundation Grant Supports Military Mentoring Program
July 15, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia (BBBSGC) isthrilled to announce a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program in support of the agency’s Military Mentoring Program.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Military Mentoring Program supports children in military families and engages active duty, reserve or retired military personnel as volunteer mentors. BBBSGC carefully matches mentors and mentees in long-term, one-to-one friendships and provides professional support for the volunteers, children, and families throughout the life of the match.
The goal of all of BBBSGC’s one-to-one mentoring programs is to promote positive youth development and educational success and to assist youth in becoming confident, competent, and caring individuals. Additionally, the Military Mentoring Program seeks to build resiliency among military children, strengthen the connection between military parents and children, and reinforce family values.
“We are very grateful to the Walmart Foundation, says BBBSGC President & CEO Heidi Johnson, “This grant has allowed us to continue a very successful and meaningful program for another year and to expand the number of military children served with one-to-one mentoring.”
The Walmart Foundation grant funds the Military Mentoring Program through calendar year 2014. So far this year, 25 children have been supported in matches through this program, and the agency has achieved an average match length of 32 months for matches with military children. BBBSGC expects to make additional matches at CC Pinckney Elementary School on Fort Jackson once the new school year begins. Community members interested in volunteering to serve as a Big Brother or Big Sister to a military youth are encouraged to contact the agency at (803) 691-5700.
In 2013, community giving in South Carolina from Walmart stores, clubs and the Walmart Foundation totaled $29.2 million. To date in 2014, the company has made grants totaling $511,606 to 12 S.C. non-profit organizations.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia is a proud affiliate member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network. In 2013, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia served 223 children in Richland and Lexington Counties.
Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with screened volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and monitors and supports them in one-to-one mentoring matches throughout the course of their relationship. The organization holds itself accountable for children in the program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as higher aspirations; greater confidence and better relationships; educational success; and avoidance of delinquency and other risky behaviors.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
