Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County Start Program to Support Youth through Sports


credit:

"We're not going to say that if you're a big sister you don't get to participate in the same athletic activities," Dina Bishara tells the Daily Iowan.

But that's exactly what's happening in Johnson County, Iowa, thanks to a new program that pairs adult volunteers with at-risk youth through sports.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County received $45,000 from the county to launch Sports Buddies, which will pair adult volunteers with at-risk youth through sports and outdoor recreation, the Gazette reports.

The program is a response to a spike in referrals during and after the Covid-19 virus, particularly among boys.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County's program director, Chanel Meredith, says more than 50 kids are still waiting to be paired with an adult.

The program will start in October with a full-time coordinator, who will plan and execute 45 one-to-one matches per year.

Other Big Brothers Big Sisters programs around the country have used the same model, and it's worked well, says Daleta Thurness, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County.

"It was like marrying my two loves, youth development, advocacy work and just empowering young people, particularly young people who maybe

Read the Entire Article


Selected Grant News Headlines

A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.

The Weeknd Receives Big Honour From the Toronto City

The Weeknd was awarded the Key to the City and honoured with The Weeknd Weekend by the City of Toronto.The ceremony was attended by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, youth from the Boys & Girls Club of West...more

Zte Launches Children Care Charity Campaign in Thailand

The initiative saw ZTE donate essential supplies and digital connectivity solutions worth 1 million THB to a Public charity organization, Baan Nokkamin Foundation.This foundation provides foster...more

How One Brave Boy's Journey Is Being Carried by Compassion, Innovation, and Hope

13-year-old Ricky was diagnosed with leukemia for the second time in his young life.Traditional medications were failing, and Ricky's doctor dismissed the recently approved stem cell treatments...more

Hatch Fest 2025 Boosts Local Economy While Celebrating Art &Amp; Innovation

Notably, this was the first Children's Entrepreneur Market event held in the country.HATCH Fest honored Juneteenth with three public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation by local community...more

Children-Focused Salon Experiences : Sit Still Kids

Sit Still Kids Salon Opens in Atlanta's Peachtree Battle neighborhood.Salons specifically designed for children are evolving to provide tailored services for kids with diverse needs.Businesses are...more

Debit Cards Issued by Nyc's Summer Youth Job Program Tied to $17 M Atm Fraud Scam

Debit cards issued by NYC's summer youth job program tied to $17 M ATM fraud scam: sources.The scam led to ATMS across the Big Apple being banged for big bucks from July 11-13.The cash ended up in...more

Paul Petruska

The passing of my father was a transformative moment for me.This perspective shift is why I now dedicate much of my energy to youth programs and community development.I've leaned heavily on...more

Compassionate Contact Corps in Need of Arkansas Volunteers

Dobbs announced the need for volunteers at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System for Compassionate Contact Corps.Volunteers are matched with veterans that are experiencing loneliness or are...more

Jefferson Parish Young Marines Receive Honors At National Leadership Academy

Jefferson Parish Young Marines receive national honors.Sgt.Taylor Science and Technology Academy, was named the Honor Graduate for the Young Marines 2025 National Leadership Academy-Senior Leadership...more

Monterey County Workforce Development Board Green Cadre Program Receives $2M State Grant

Monterey County Workforce Development Board Green Cadre program receives $2M state grant.Program will provide up to 90 young adults, between the ages of 18 and 30, with paid job training, work...more


In the world of social enterprises, failure is a cringe-worthy moment nobody wants to talk about. But, social entrepreneurs can benefit from their failures.



Federal Government Grant and Assistance Programs


VHA Primary Care | Cuban/Haitian Entrant Program | International Forestry Programs | Fair Housing Assistance Program_State and Local | ARRA STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES FUND | Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration | Hawaii Stock Management Program | Healthy Marriage Promotion and Responsible Fatherhood Grants | | Site Style by YAML | Grants.gov | Grants | Grants News | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

Edited by: Michael Saunders

© 2008-2025 Copyright Michael Saunders