BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BIG SKY COUNTRY
BOZEMAN
– On Jan. 15, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County and Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Park and Sweet Grass Counties announced their merger into one
nationally sanctioned affiliate: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country.
Under the leadership of Lander Bachert, the two organizations joined forces
officially on Jan. 1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country will serve
community matches and mentorships in Livingston, Gardiner, Bozeman, Big Timber,
Ennis, Big Sky and the greater Gallatin area.
Lander
Bachert, CEO, is excited to thrive in 2020. “Our ultimate goal is to defend the
amazing potential of our youth here in southwest Montana. We believe every
child deserves a caring adult in their life.”
By
merging, the larger organization will be able to provide better long-term
support for the programs already in place and capitalize on the resources of
both organizations to serve more children in a “bigger and better” way. Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country now spans five counties and covers over
16,000 square miles. A total of 112 matches are supported by the organization,
and current school-based programs in Big Sky, Ennis and Livingston public
schools serve a combined total of 370 students ages 5 to 18.
Michaella
Croskey, Director of Strategic Communications and Events, is one of nine total
employees joined together in this new organization. “We’d like to acknowledge
our board’s vigilant decision to merge, reducing operational costs that could
impede our mission or threaten our organization’s livelihood when economic and
political climates inevitably shift.” The board is comprised of 15 community
members and welcomes new members from service areas annually, on a rolling
basis.
Big
Brothers Big Sisters of America has over 250 affiliates nationwide and 15
participating countries internationally. The organization’s recent rebrand and
revisioning shifts focus from children “facing adversity” to ensuring
all children achieve success in their lives, empowered by positive, 1:1 professionally
supported relationships.
For more information or commentary, please visit bbbs-bigskycountry.org.
