There are changes afoot at Big Brothers and Sisters, an organization that made Innisfail its home just shy of 25 years ago.
The group, known for its location above the Gift Loft on 50 Street for the past 19 years, recently moved over to 49 Avenue, above Sundance Realty and beside Dr. Jeff Falk Dental office.
"It was brought to our attention that there wasn't a proper exit out of the back building during an emergency," said executive director, Cynthia Webber, of the move. Although it isn't the only place the youth-mentoring organization has lived in its quarter-century existence, it was the longest. Webber said Big Brothers and Big Sisters started locally in a corner of the Lions Club that was once located where the Henday Centre is.
"It was basically a kitchen table and file cabinet and rotary phone," she said of the group's meagre beginnings.
Since then, it moved briefly to a different location on Main Street before finding a home above the Gift Loft.
Part of the organization's expansion includes a new program, kick-started late last year.
It's a teen mentoring program that runs at both Innisfail and Bowden schools.
"It involves Alberta Education where high school students mentor younger students every week and get credit," explained Webber. "There's supervision there too if there's any problems or issues so they can be addressed right away."
Webber said of the 10 mentors involved, three went through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program themselves.
"When you've been here this long, it's neat to see those who have gone through the program return to give back."
Meanwhile, the organization is still working on some of its rooted traditions.
The 25th Bowl for Kids will take place at the Innisfail Bowling Lanes Feb. 5, 2012. Last year, $31,173 was raised through group pledges. Webber hopes to raise at least $30,000 again.
"It's quite a bit of money. We do quite well in Innisfail compared to other (chapters) in towns the same size," she explained.
Groups of four, pros or not, are asked to sign up and raise pledges with the idea of raising $125 per person.
"We usually have 64 teams sign up."
She said the money goes towards a variety of local mentoring programs offering support and nurturing to children. Some of the programs include in-school mentor matches, Big Brother/Big Sister matches, summer and after-school group activities and the junior volunteer program.
The in-school mentoring programs are in Innisfail, Bowden, Spruce View, Penhold and Caroline and involve volunteers working with Grade 2 to 6 students once a week.
The children need positive role models who can help them build self-confidence and develop social skills through developing a positive relationship with one reliable adult friend, explained Webber.
"Every child has a time when they struggle and it's important to intervene. Some people think we're just playing games with them. But sometimes that's all it takes to show someone how to be a friend, and listen when they talk."
Anyone interested in joining a league for the bowling event is asked to call 403-227-6766 or fax team names and members to 403-227-6769.
