Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA opens office in downtown Lebanon

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA has opened a new office location in Lebanon County.

The action is “a significant step forward in strengthening its presence and deepening its impact in the community,” BBBS of South-Central PA said in a press release. “For over 20 years, BBBS of South-Central PA has been a steadfast partner to youth and families in Lebanon County, providing one-to-one mentoring relationships that empower young people to realize their full potential.”

Amy Rote, president and CEO of BBBS of South-Central PA, said in the release that, with the new location, “we are more equipped than ever to serve our Littles, support our Bigs, and foster meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.”

The new office space at 604 Cumberland St., Lebanon, was provided by United Way of Lebanon County. According to the release, the office “opens doors – literally and figuratively – for greater accessibility, visibility, and connection to the youth, families, and volunteers who make up the heart of the organization’s mission.”

“United Way of Lebanon County is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA as a subtenant in our building,” Deborah Hornick, director of community development for United Way of Lebanon County, said in the release. “This partnership reflects our commitment to community engagement and collaboration, and we believe that working together as community partners strengthens the fabric of our community. By creating shared spaces and opportunities for partnership, we can better serve the people of Lebanon County, together.”

BBBS of South-Central PA’s Lebanon County services include a community-based program in which Bigs and Littles explore community activities and shared interests together; the High School Bigs Leadership program, which provides high school students with the opportunity to learn leadership skills while volunteering as mentors at nearby elementary and middle schools; and the Bigs in Blue program, which matches active law enforcement officers with elementary and middle school students. The nonprofit also provides one-to-one youth mentoring programs in partnership with Lebanon YMCA, Pennsylvania State Police, Lebanon City Police Department, and Annville-Cleona, Cornwall Lebanon, Lebanon, Northern Lebanon, and Palmyra school districts.

To celebrate the launch, BBBS of South-Central PA recognized Jonestown Bank & Trust for an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) contribution to support the High School Bigs Leadership program, which is the organization’s fastest growing program in Lebanon County.

“JBT has proudly supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA for many years, and I have served as a Big to two Littles and have personally seen the benefits of professional supported relationships,” said Troy A. Peters, president and CEO of Jonestown Bank & Trust. “We believe that mentoring plays a vital role in empowering young people to recognize and unlock their full potential. Beyond our financial support, we are especially proud of our employees who volunteer their time and energy to the program. Their experiences as mentors are often deeply meaningful and transformative, both for the Littles and for themselves.”

Hours at the new BBBS office will be by appointment. Interested families and volunteers should email Katie Gleason at kgleason@bbbsscpa.org to schedule an in-person meeting or phone call. For more information, visit the BBBS of South-Central PA website.