Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga will break ground on the renovation and expansion of their current space at 2015 Bailey Ave. on June 9. The existing structure has been home to the agency for 53 years. Since that time, the agency has served over 20,000 children in the service area and has awarded $500,000 in scholarships to program participants.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m., will launch the community phase of fundraising for the Warner Mentoring Hub. The plans include remodeling the current structure and building a 900-square-foot addition. The Mentoring Hub will serve as a space for Bigs (volunteers), Littles (youth program participants), and their families to convene for match activities, training, and academic/college support for our youth. So far, more than 60 percent of the funds needed have been raised.
Artech and New Blue Construction are overseeing the architectural design and construction of the project. The building will feature a learning lab, training room, and an outdoor space for match introductions for Bigs, Littles and families. The expansion of the building will also house the growing staff to accommodate increased participation within its programs.
Talley Caroll, daughter of long-time Board Member Doug Warner and granddaughter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga founder, Porter Warner, Jr. said, "My memories of what my grandfather started, and accomplished in this organization aren’t very vivid, but the goals, and plans and realized dreams that my grandfather had for this agency are very clear, and very evident today. I am very happy and honored to be a Legacy Board member thanks to the ambition that my grandfather had, and the continued legacy of my dad. I look forward to being a part of the next Big Step towards continuing the plans, and dreams that my grandfather started so many years ago.”
For more information about BBBS, visit bbbschatt.org