(Indianapolis) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) and the Indianapolis Colts are teaming up to advance equity in central Indiana through mentoring with a three-year partnership. The Colts will make a $150,000 investment in the BBBSCI mission over the next three years to directly support:
- Expanded volunteer recruitment initiatives;
- Enhanced justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities;
- Ongoing support of existing programming to kick the stigma surrounding mental health;
- The creation of a Youth Leadership Council to uplift the voices of our community’s kids; and
- Activation of critical awareness and fundraising campaigns.
What’s more, Colts All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is taking his skills from the field to defend potential for central Indiana youth as BBBSCI’s lead spokesperson for a combined recruitment and fundraising campaign this fall.
“The bottom line is that we have an opportunity to do more for our community’s kids,” Darcey Palmer-Shultz, BBBSCI CEO, said. “We have too many great kids, especially boys of color, waiting for mentors – waiting for encouragement, friendship, and opportunities. Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Indianapolis Colts are teaming up to empower youth and build a more equitable, inclusive community through the power of relationships.”
“The Colts are thrilled to join Big Brothers Big Sisters in our shared mission to reach, teach and guide young people in our city through the power of mentorship,” said Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner. “The need for mentors – particularly for children of color – is evident, but it’s not insurmountable when people of good will come together and spread this message of mentorship far and wide throughout our community.”
About Colts Community Tuesdays
During the NFL regular season, Tuesday is the players’ only day off. As such, they use every Tuesday to engage in various charitable events throughout Indiana. From school and hospital visits to youth football camps and holiday outreach, players participate in a wide variety of activities throughout the season. Colts Community Mondays are proudly sponsored in part by Indiana’s very own, CBS4. Follow the Colts throughout the community on Twitter (@coltscommunity) and on Facebook (Colts in the Community). For more information on all of the Colts outreach efforts, visit Colts.com/community.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is based in Indianapolis and serves youth and families who reside in Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson counties through one-to-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. The Big Brothers Big Sisters vision is that all youth achieve their full potential. To fulfill that vision, the mission of BBBSCI is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. This year, BBBSCI will defend the potential of local youth through 1,285 mentoring relationships. To volunteer, donate, or for more information, visit www.BeBigForKids.org or call (317) 921-2201.