Big Brothers Big Sisters KFLA Confirms Mentoring Transition Amid Closure

UPDATE: Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada (BBBS) has announced it will cease operations in Kingston, Lennox, Frontenac & Addington by the end of October 2023, ending over 50 years of community service. However, the organization assures residents that mentoring services will continue as the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) steps in to fill the gap.

On Friday, an email from BBBS circulated on social media, sparking community concern and mourning over the impending closure. Local residents flooded platforms like Reddit and Facebook with questions about the implications of losing such a vital program. In response to the uproar, BBBS KFLA posted clarifications on Saturday, stating that the organization’s departure does not equate to the end of mentorship in the region.

“We are pleased to share that new mentorship programs in schools and in Clubs will be available through the Boys and Girls Club,” BBBS KFLA reassured in a Facebook post. The organization emphasized that discussions about the transition had already occurred with families and mentors, and that more details would be shared with the community soon.

Despite the office’s closure over the weekend, BBBS aims to quell community panic regarding the loss of services. They are actively collaborating with several providers to ensure the continuity of mentoring programs. Notably, BGC South East is gearing up to launch its own mentor/mentee initiatives to accommodate local youth.

“There is an opportunity for mentors and mentees to continue to participate in mentoring programs as part of other community organizations,” the BBBS post elaborated. This collaboration is designed to maintain support for the community, ensuring that young people will still have access to mentorship.

As the community grapples with this transition, representatives from both the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters have not provided additional comments, indicating they are awaiting further direction from BBBS Canada.

Community members are urged to stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding the new mentoring programs, as BBBS KFLA works to facilitate a smooth transition and maintain vital support for Kingston’s youth. The impact of these changes underscores the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives, and organizations are determined to keep this essential service thriving.