Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County

06/26/2025

Resonant Vibe is a brand-new nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth, supporting parents, and uniting our community through connection, advocacy, and empowerment. We’re just getting started - but the need is urgent, and the vision is clear.

06/20/2025

Dear Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR,
It is with deep gratitude and a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR, effective July 1, 2025.
Since opening our doors 57 years ago, we have been privileged to witness the transformative power of mentorship. Together, we’ve built bridges between generations, created lifelong bonds, and helped thousands of young lives grow with confidence, hope, and purpose. The past several years have tested us all in ways we never could have imagined.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to walk a thin line—balancing our mission with the realities of an uncertain world. While we pushed through with resilience and determination, the wick has slowly run out. Despite our best efforts, the challenges have taken a lasting toll, and we’ve reached a point where continuing is no longer sustainable.

To our Bigs, thank you for your unwavering dedication and the countless hours you've invested in shaping futures. To our Littles, thank you for your courage, your dreams, and for letting us be part of your journey. To our donors, sponsors, local businesses, and community partners, your generosity and belief in our mission have made every success possible. You have been the backbone of this organization.

While our chapter as Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR is coming to a close, the story of mentorship in our community is far from over. The mission has not ended. The impact we’ve made together will ripple forward—through every life touched, every lesson shared, and every connection made.

We are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had—made possible by supporters like you—and we encourage you to continue giving generously to organizations in your community. These past few years have been challenging for so many, and your continued support where it’s needed most can make all the
difference. Mentorship must carry on. And we believe it will—because of you.

With heartfelt thanks,
Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR Board of Directors

07/14/2024

07/12/2024

Tomorrow is the day!

Come out to the Central Green in Downtown Elkhart for our great new event! Challenge your friends, families and coworkers to this fun obstacle course!

We will have food trucks, face painting, yard games and more!

05/23/2024

Ave’ah (8yrs) and Officer Holly (Michigan State Police) have been matched since October 2023 through the BBBS Bigs with Badges Site-Based Program.

Ave’ah and Officer Holly have explored interests together such as playing board and card games, and arts and crafts. They enjoy having lunch together and playing during recess. Ave’ah likes having Officer Holly hang out with her and her friends on occasion as well.

Ave’ah and Officer Holly both share a passion for learning and recognize the importance of reading; they made reading improvement a match goal and consistently read together when they visit.

When Ave’ah was asked, on a scale from 1-10 what would you give the relationship with your Big Sister and why? Ave’ah replied, “1000!!... cause she’s super fun!!”

Ave’ah’s mom has expressed that since Ave’ah has been in the program her behaviors have improved; adding that she was getting calls from the school 1-2 times per week and has not received any calls since her relationship with Officer Holly. It was learned that many of Ave’ah’s behaviors were reactive due to peer bullying.

Officer Holly has emphasized the growth she has seen in Ave’ah, noting observing her “letting it roll off her shoulders” when other children are mean; she added that Ave’ah is more confident and proud of herself for responding differently. They are both excited to continue their match next school year.

Thank you State Trooper Holly for your service to our community, and for your support for your Little!

05/02/2024

Get a wash, give a future 🚙🚿

On May 4th, we'll be teaming-up with Mike's Carwash for a fundraiser benefiting the children in our community.

50% of proceeds from every Ultimate+Ceramic and Ultimate wash sold will be donated.

We will also be on-site in several locations to accept donations, as well as FREE giveaways and visits from local mascots.

Volunteers can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945AAAC29A7FBC07-48968760-mikes #/

03/27/2024

Today is the day!!! Help support Big Brothers Big Sisters - Southern Lake Michigan Region 💚🖤

03/24/2024

What’s better than empowering our youth? 🤔

Empowering our youth while eating a sandwich 🥪

This month, you can directly support Big Brothers Big Sisters at your local Jersey Mike’s, just by rounding-up your purchase!

Eat a sub, make a difference.

03/22/2024

03/07/2024

Thank you to Goshen College for hosting such a great event! Our team had a great morning sharing about BBBS! 💚🖤