TRAVERSE CITY, MI: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan is pleased to announce that it has received a $3,500 grant award from the Benzie County Community Chest to support mentoring program initiatives serving at-risk youth in Benzie County. The grant is awarded by the Benzie County Community Chest as part of its ongoing commitment to help establish, ensure and strengthen programs that promote the health and wellness of Benzie County and its residents. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is honored and grateful to receive these grant funds,” says Gary Swaney, Interim Executive Director for the local agency. Mr. Swaney adds that “Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs are critically important to the well-being and future of the youth we serve, as they help guide the youth to make better, healthier decisions and relationships. Even small changes in their behavior can make a positive impact, but without the funding to be able to recruit mentors as well as support the children we already have matched in our programs, our efforts become more challenging.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan serves an eight county region including Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Manistee Counties. Funding is needed to maintain the existing relationships as well as match those children currently waiting for a mentor. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan or how to become a Big Brother or Sister, please visit www.bigsupnorth.com or call 231-946-2447. To learn more about the Benzie County Community Chest, please visit www.benziecommunitychest.org.