Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana celebrating Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in September

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, an opportunity for the organization to highlight the impact of mentorship and the importance of human connection between people of all ages. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications Bryce Shreve says surveys of the youth served by the organization show “profound, positive impacts.” “They graduate high school on time,” Shreve says. “They make better grades. They feel more confident. Their mental health has improved, so we just see this year after year, simply by just having a positive adult, a caring adult presence in their life telling them that they got this and being there as a listening ear to offer advice and connection.” As part of the festivities, landmarks and community partners across the area will light their buildings green on Big Brothers Big Sisters Day, which is Friday, September 18. Participating landmarks include Churchill Downs and the Main Street Bardstown Visitors Center. Shreve says more than 50 youth in Grayson, Hardin, and Nelson counties are on the organization’s waitlist. He says the commitment might seem intimidating at first, but the organization and the experience helps make it an easy and rewarding one. “It’s a couple hours a month,” Shreve says. “You meet up with a young person you’ve never met before, you just talk to them, be there for them. They’re from a different generation, so they’re learning to connect with you as well, so it’s a mutually positive relationship there.” Learn more about the organization at www.bbbsky.org.