Big Brothers Big Sisters receives $50,000 from Ameren Cares

By Managing Editor | October 14, 2019 |

Thanks to a grant from Ameren Illinois, Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois Association will be able to impact more children’s lives.

A $50,000 contribution was made through the Ameren Cares program that will help 50 additional children be matched with their Big Brother or Big Sister in seven different agencies throughout the state, including in Southwestern Illinois.

“Every child has potential but sometimes there are roadblocks in their lives that shadow these possibilities,” said Jeanne Stahlheber, president, Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois Association. “With the continued support of Ameren Illinois, even more children can start their journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters and see the potential they’ve had all along.”

Each adult mentor is carefully screened and trained before they are matched with their Little Brother or Little Sister through Community-based or School-based mentoring. Studies have found that at-risk youth who go through programs like this are 46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs and 52 percent less likely to skip school. It’s an outlet to give children hope and help them achieve their highest potential.

Through the Ameren Cares program, Ameren Illinois can connect with the communities it serves through charitable giving and volunteering. Ron Pate, senior vice president, Operations and Technical Services, Ameren Illinois has been involved with the organization for more than 10 years.

“When matched with a Big, these children’s eyes are opened to the possibilities that are out there and the potential they possess,” said Pate. “Big Brothers Big Sisters and its volunteers are making a positive impact on the lives of children right here in our community and I’m proud that Ameren Illinois continues to support their efforts year after year.”

The seven agencies that will benefit from the grant include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois, Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermilion County, Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Illinois, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois.

PHOTO: Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors accept a grant from Gussie Reed, Division Director, Ameren Illinois, that will help seven agencies throughout the state of Illinois provide services to 50 additional children.