Local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter closing for good
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IDAHO FALLS — After serving children in need for nearly 30 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Idaho will permanently close this month.
The decision comes due to financial challenges the organization has faced due to unsuccessful fundraising efforts.
“It’s breaking my heart and that of our staff and the kids we’re working with,” Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Judy DeRoche tells EastIdahoNews.com. “It’s an amazing program but the bottom line is the pie isn’t getting any bigger in our area and there’s a lot of competition for the dollars that are out there.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters receives no state or federal funding and the majority of income was raised through local events. DeRoche and two part-time employees were the only paid staff at the southeast Idaho office.
The organization has been in eastern Idaho for 29 years and served children from Pocatello to Island Park and in the Teton Valley.
“Our staff and Board of Directors have been amazing, but the volunteers have directly contributed to an experience that many of the children will never forget,” DeRoche says.
In addition to fundraising challenges, DeRoche says it’s been hard to get men to volunteer as ‘big brothers.’ There is a waiting list of boys needing support but finding adult male matches has been difficult.
“We’re not quite sure why they don’t volunteer but there are plenty of youth who need the help,” DeRoche says. “It’s a challenge everywhere but we’ve particularly noticed it here.”
After serving thousands of children over the years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Idaho will officially close April 20.