By Scott Harvey
Fannin County – A Fannin County program that mentors children of incarcerated parents is in jeopardy of shutting down this fall due to federal budget cuts.
Building For Futures (BFF) would be eliminated unless they can obtain enough funding to partner with the non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grayson County.
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Social Work was awarded the Mentoring Children of Prisoners grant nearly two years ago.
Department Head Dr. Brenda Moore says, "Worst case scenario is if we don't raise the support for Fannin County; whatever funds we do raise will still go to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters and children, just not necessarily those in Fannin County after September 30 [when the federal funding ends]."
Moore says they'll need $50,000 in order to officially expand into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grayson/ Fannin County. The funding will allow for staff and media support, and other assistance tools.
"Right now we have 19 matches. Our longest match lasts 15 months. We've got a number of matches that have been matched for over a year right now, so the program itself has been going great. We've had no failed matches."
Six children, or "Littles," are currently on a waiting list or going through the interview process to be matched with an adult mentor, or a "Big." The program plans to recruit close to 35-40 additional "Littles" this summer.
The grant was originally awarded as part of a three-year program at $184,000, with an option to reapply thereafter. Building For Futures is one of approximately 250 other programs nationwide that will lose grant funding due to federal budget cuts.
Research has shown the positive relationships created between children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and their mentors have a direct and measurable impact on the children's lives.
Moore says there are three ways you can help: By making a contribution, with the money raised earmarked for Fannin County (assuming they'll meet their goal); for an individual to volunteer to mentor a child; or sponsor/conduct an event to help solicit funds.
For more information or to get involved, contact Dana Nowlin at the Building For Futures office at 903-517-9196 or dnowlin@bbbstx.org.