Dear Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR,

It is with deep gratitude and a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR, effective July 1, 2025.

Since opening our doors 57 years ago, we have been privileged to witness the transformative power of mentorship. Together, we’ve built bridges between generations, created lifelong bonds, and helped thousands of young lives grow with confidence, hope, and purpose. The past several years have tested us all in ways we never could have imagined.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to walk a thin line—balancing our mission with the realities of an uncertain world. While we pushed through with resilience and determination, the wick has slowly run out. Despite our best efforts, the challenges have taken a lasting toll, and we’ve reached a point where continuing is no longer sustainable.

To our Bigs, thank you for your unwavering dedication and the countless hours you've invested in shaping futures. To our Littles, thank you for your courage, your dreams, and for letting us be part of your journey. To our donors, sponsors, local businesses, and community partners, your generosity and belief in our mission have made every success possible. You have been the backbone of this organization.

While our chapter as Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR is coming to a close, the story of mentorship in our community is far from over. The mission has not ended. The impact we’ve made together will ripple forward—through every life touched, every lesson shared, and every connection made.

We are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had—made possible by supporters like you—and we encourage you to continue giving generously to organizations in your community. These past few years have been challenging for so many, and your continued support where it’s needed most can make all the

difference. Mentorship must carry on. And we believe it will—because of you.

With heartfelt thanks,

Big Brothers Big Sisters SLMR Board of Directors

Hello,

I’m writing this with both sadness and hope in my heart.

The closure of BBBS SLMR has been incredibly difficult for our staff, the families we served, and for caring individuals like you​ - those who were in the process of becoming a mentor or waiting to be matched. I know how deeply many of you were looking forward to making a difference in a young person’s life, and I want to honor the time, energy, and heart you invested.

But I’m also writing today to share some hope​ - and a new path forward.

A group of former BBBS SLMR staff, including myself, have come together to launch a new nonprofit called Resonant Vibe. We’re working to continue the legacy of mentorship and advocacy in our region, starting with Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties in Indiana.

We are building our programs from the ground up, and it will take some time before we’re able to officially onboard and match new mentors. But we are committed to ensuring that youth in our community​ - and the volunteers who care about them​ - still have a path forward.

Here’s what Resonant Vibe will offer:

• Youth Mentoring – Structured, one-on-one mentoring relationships that nurture growth, trust, and confidence.
• Parent Mentoring & Advocacy – Helping families navigate educational and social systems with supportive guidance.
• Community Events – Creating spaces for connection, collaboration, and healing.

​Here is the website: https://www.resonantvibe.org/

If you’re interested in learning more or want to be among the first to hear when mentoring opportunities become available, click submit at the bottom of this page and you will be redirected to the Resonant Vibe Interest Form. If you are not interest, simply close the tab.

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Will BBBS ever return to our community?

​​It's not out of the realm of possibility! ​ If you would like to express your interest in enrolling in BBBS programming should it return​ to our region, ​click here ​.

Thank you for believing in mentorship. Thank you for believing in young people. And thank you for believing in the power of showing up​ - even in the face of uncertainty. We hope to walk alongside you as we build something new together.

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If you click submit at the bottom of this page, you will be redirected to the Resonant Vibe Interest Form. If you are not interested, simply close the tab. 

After June 30th, you can reach me at katie@resonantvibe.org

With appreciation,

Katie Craft