The Franciscan Health Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 SIPP Grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Central Indiana (BBBSCI). This grant comes through Franciscan Health Foundation’s Social Impact Partnership
Program (SIPP).
SIPP is a community health enrichment program sponsored by Franciscan Health, which establishes, and builds
upon, partnerships with non-profit health and human service agencies that provide services in at-risk
communities served by Franciscan Health. The goal is to foster long-term relationships with community
providers to better address significant health issues among vulnerable populations. Grants were based on
program applications demonstrating their ability to address priority heath needs and health equity based on
Franciscan’s Community Health Needs Assessment process.
The support from the Franciscan Health Foundation will help to further BBBSCI’s mission to create and support
one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth in 2022. BBBSCI serves over
1,200 children annually, ages eight to 18, who reside in Marion, Hamilton, or Johnson County. BBBSCI
purposefully partners with parents and caregivers, individuals, and organizations to identify eligible youth while
recruiting, screening, interviewing, training, and preparing volunteer mentors, “Bigs,” to assist one child, their
“Little,” to achieve and surpass individual goals determined by the match. Bigs and Littles meet in person, or
virtually, for a minimum of four hours per month for at least one year, and as many as ten years. BBBSCI’s
professional staff support and coach each relationship to ensure positive outcomes. Our program is free to
families, and matches are encouraged to engage in low or no-cost activities.
“Funding from critical partners like the Franciscan Health Foundation will help BBBSCI support and build
resilience in the communities youth. We are excited to work as a collaborative partner within the SIPP program
and bring positive change to our community.” Laura Haltom, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager.
THE FRANCISCAN HEALTH FOUNDATION exists to support the programs and services of Franciscan Alliance, Inc. We are dedicated to addressing the ever-growing healthcare needs of our communities and supporting patients needs at our not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and community-based programs throughout Indiana and South Suburban Chicago.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL INDIANA serves 1,200 youth annually ages 8 – 18 in Hamilton, Johnson, and
Marion Counties. We partner with parents/caregivers, volunteers, schools, and the donors in our community to defend,
ignite, and empower the potential of every child we serve. Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring
relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is that all youth achieve their full potential.