Ocean City Home Charitable Foundation Grant Helps Kids in Need Find Mentors Through Big Brothers Big Sisters

OCEAN CITY – Research shows that at-risk kids who spend time with a positive role model are less likely than their non-mentored counterparts to use drugs or alcohol, skip class or school, or engage in other negative activities. With the help of a $3,000 grant from the Ocean City Home Charitable Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlantic and Cape May Counties will be able to match more area children with adults who are willing to give them the time and attention they need to reach their potential.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters relationships help at-risk children find confidence in themselves, develop better relationships with peers and family members, and make better choices that propel them toward a successful future,” said Sarah Roorda, Executive Director of the charity’s local chapter. “This grant will allow us to support and create more one-on-one mentoring relationships throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties.”
Jean Jacobson, President of the Ocean City Home Charitable Foundation, realizes the importance of finding the appropriate mentor for each child in need. “The right match is crucial to the success and longevity of these relationships, and Big Brothers Big Sisters does a tremendous job in finding the right mentors for each child,” she said. “Their efforts require a great deal of effort in terms of both outreach and administration, and we are pleased to support their wonderful work.”
The grant awarded to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlantic and Cape May Counties was one of 20 grants presented to area nonprofit organizations at the Ocean City Home Charitable Foundation’s awards reception in July of 2016. The Foundation presented a total of $60,000 in grants at the reception, bringing the organization’s cumulative donation total to more than $1,173,100 since 2005.