BBBS of Central Iowa receives two big grants

One of the two checks collected by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa this week had a couple more zeroes than the other, but the non-profit organization with an office in Newton was thrilled with the impact $105,000 would make on its programming.

First, the good news. BBBSCI has received a $5,000 Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel to fund background checks on volunteers. BBBSCI CEO Kit Curran said the funds will ensure Central Iowa Littles have Bigs who are positive role models.

“Background checks are one of our largest expenses while being of the utmost importance in our matching process,” Curran said. “[T]he funding from Prairie Meadows will help us to ensure that all necessary background checks are done in order to provide our Littles with the best possible mentors to aid in their path to success.”

Now, the great news. In almost same breath, BBBSCI announced it received a $100,000 transformational technology grant from Sammons Financial Group, which Curran said will “completely change, enhance and improve the way the organization supports positive mentoring relationships.” The money will provide new technology in BBBSCI’s offices throughout Central Iowa.

“This gift from Sammons Financial Group is truly transformational and will significantly impact the productivity of our agency,” Curran said. “State-of-the-art technology will enable our staff to better communicate with Bigs, Littles, parents, potential volunteers and donors. It will help us go to new lengths to improve the lives of children facing adversity.”

BBSCI connects children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better. Last fiscal year, the organization supported 1,055 children.

Curran said the support of these matches would not be possible without supporters like Prairie Meadows and Sammons Financial Group.