Heart of Georgia Big Brothers Big Sisters earns second national growth award

President and CEO Betsy Fitzgerald says continued growth will depend on recruiting more mentors and securing additional funding.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia has received a national growth award for the second time, recognizing the agency’s expansion of mentoring opportunities.

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s nationwide leadership council recognizes agencies that demonstrate exceptional performance in their mentoring programs. President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Betsy Fitzgerald says this award means everything to her.

“This growth award is very important to us because it’s something I have earned; it’s something my team has earned,” she said. “Because we really make an effort to serve as many youths as possible, to be able to recruit as many mentors, and to be able to provide that ongoing support throughout the life of the match.”

Fitzgerald believes this award shows her organization is doing something right.

“We are being intentional about who we are making connections with, the partnerships that we make, and developing great relationships,” she said. “And it’s so important to know that someone is recognizing us for our hard work. Because were the quite ones; we put our heads down and we do lots of work.”

She says for future success, they need more Bigs and more funding.

“I’m hoping our community will rally behind us and look at ways they can give time or treasure,” she said. “We call them the M&M’s; we need mentors and money. So, hopefully folks will step up.”

Fitzgerald says if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can sign up on the organization’s website.