The Ocala Police Department and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County (BBBS) are coming together for a new mentoring program to children in Marion County.
The program, Bigs in Blue/Bigs with Badges, aims to improve communication and understanding between law enforcement agencies and the communities that they serve. Police officers and civilian staff (Bigs) are matched with local children (Littles) for a one-on-one relationship that provides support, friendship, and eventual academic improvements.
Each Big visits their respective Little twice a month and spends time participating in activities that they both enjoy, such as playing sports, visiting a library or museum, or working on homework together.
Police chief Mike Balken kicked off the new program in Ocala when he was matched with a Little Brother named Michael.
“Meeting my little brother, Michael, for the first time was great. I’m looking forward to building a relationship with him, being a mentor to him, and having fun together,” says Balken.
Stephen Koch, CEO of BBBS, said, “Chief Balken actually contacted us to get this program launched in Ocala, which encouraged and motivated us greatly. Thanks to statewide funding provided by the Florida Attorney’s General Office in support of this initiative last summer, we were able to hire our first program staff person in Ocala last fall and make our first two Big/Little matches in December.”
Balken added that he is hopeful that more men and women in the agency and throughout the community will get involved in the program to help make a positive difference in the lives of local children.
For more information about this program, contact Jennifer Libby via phone: 813-997-3510 or email: JenniferL@bbbstampabay.org.