Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine recently received a $6,000 grant from United Mid-Coast Charities.

The nonprofit agency serves over 500 children in Knox, Waldo, Lincoln, Penobscot, Kennebec and Somerset counties by matching young children with caring, responsible mentors.

The underlying goals of the BBBSMM mentoring program is to build resilience, reduce negative risk factors, build self-confidence and self-esteem, and improve academic performance of youth in its service area.

“We appreciate United Mid-Coast Charities continued support of our 1-to-1 youth mentoring program,” CEO Alex Gaeth said. “Funding from this grant will be used to provide supplies such as arts and crafts materials, board games, sports supplies, and healthy snacks for the activity bins used by our programs at local elementary schools and program materials. It will also be used for professional match support by our program staff to ensure healthy relationship development and child safety and for interviewing, screening, background checks, and training for prospective Bigs and School Coordinators.

“UMCC is one of only a few funders that provide support for operational costs — not just for new programs or specific projects. This operational funding support is critical to help sustain ongoing successful programs which benefit the children in the communities we serve.”

If you would like to learn more about becoming a mentor for a local child, please call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine at 207-236-BBBS (2227) or visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org. Other volunteer opportunities are also available with the agency.