Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington to close
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington will close its doors at the end of the month. Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
BELLINGHAM -- After 37 years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington will close its doors at the end of September.
The nonprofit cites an ailing economy and drop in funding as the main reasons behind the closure.
According to its executive direct, Colleen Haggerty, recent efforts to raise funds, apply for grants and merge with another nonprofit weren't enough to save them.
"For nearly 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington has been supporting children in our community to become better versions of themselves," said Haggerty. "We are saddened the next generation of Whatcom County children will not have the opportunity to have a mentor through the program."
Since 1976, the program has matched close to 6,000 children in Whatcom and Skagit counties with a mentor.