BBBSLC News

August 2025 - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County

Establishes New Center for Mentoring and Learning

(Across From Lorain County Community College)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County (BBBSLC) has a new home for youth mentoring and learning at 1270 Abbe Road North in Elyria, directly across the street from one of its strategic partners Lorain County Community College (LCCC).  The nonprofit organization is purchasing the 6600 square foot property with the help of a philanthropic seller/donor and others to better address the growing number of children and youth requesting services, and to better serve volunteer adults and children in mentoring matches.  In addition, the newer and larger facility for the 31-year-old agency is more functional, accessible, and is better positioned near the amenities of LCCC and potential adult volunteer mentors and services for youth. 

BBBSLC celebrated its new location with an Open House and Big and Little Art Exhibit the evening of August 18.  The community was welcomed with refreshments, a tour of the new space, information about free and expanding programming for children and youth – and an art exhibit that showcased the work of BBBSLC mentees and their mentors around the theme “What Mentorship Means to Me.”  The colorful art project was supervised by the Elyria Arts Council in partnership with BBBSLC and the artwork now hangs in the lobby of the new headquarters.  The seven mentee artists and their Bigs also received prints of their original works as keepsakes.  Among the mentee artists “Littles” and their adult “Bigs” include: Big Lauren Peine and Little Caydence Fitzpatrick, Big Julia Nagy and Little Justina Vines, Big Lisa Redilla and Little Mikayla Bring, Big Cheryl Burkhardt and Little Ella Panchak, Big Nora Mauk and Little Zehalo Soto, Big Denita Tuttle and Little Makayah Norris and Little Leo Zink. Some additional pieces are still in process.  “We are thrilled to brighten this wonderful space with images of friendship, hope, love and dreams for the future,” said Holly Brinda, president and CEO.  “Thank you and congratulations to all who contributed to this wonderful project”.        

“This new facility represents a pivotal step in our commitment to empowering the youth of Lorain County, said BBBSLC Board Chairman Ken Belton.  “It is not just a building – it’s a place where life-changing connections and opportunities will thrive, enabling us to better serve our children, families and mentors for years to come.”

In recent years BBBSLC outgrew its previously rented location at 1917 North Ridge Road in Lorain, most recently serving over 400 children and youth per year and expanding its mentoring to also include academic enrichment and tutoring, career and college readiness programming, social and emotional learning, summer camps, a Learning Resource Center, a Parent University, and family engagement activities.  All services are FREE and are funded by individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, and government grants.          

“This move is transformational for BBBSLC, the children and youth we serve, and the caring adults who step up to help our kids reach their full potential,” said President and CEO Holly Brinda.  She explained that the seller of the property, Dr. Paul Vecchio, was willing to structure the purchase via a land contract agreement that allows a portion of the monthly mortgage payments to go towards the principal and allows earlier payment of the mortgage with the support of a Capital Campaign. Dr. Vecchio generously made the first donation to the capital campaign with the goal of helping BBBSLC pay off the mortgage sooner.  In doing so, more of the revenue generated for the agency after final payment of the mortgage can go towards direct services to children.   More information about how to support the BBBSLC Capital Campaign will be forthcoming. 

Of the transformational move Dr. Vecchio said, “I believe in the incredible work that Big Brothers Big Sisters does to inspire and guide the next generation.  “It’s an honor to contribute to their mission and ensure they have a space to continue to make a meaningful impact.”      

“This is an historic milestone for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County.  Finally having the needed space and resources will fuel our mentoring, support services and partnerships to help children, youth and families overcome obstacles they often face.” said Brinda.   This move and capital campaign also comes at a time when BBBSLC has taken on a larger role in the community.  In late 2023 the BBBSLC Board of Directors and staff strengthened the focus of their strategic plan to “Empower every young person in BBBSLC’s care to graduate from high school with a plan for their future and a positive mentor whose impact will last a lifetime.”   To this end, the agency expanded its historic 1:1 Mentoring Model to a 1:1 Plus Mentoring Model adding PEOPLE, PROGRAMS, AND EXPERIENCES that align with OUTCOMES that matter most in the areas of educational success, social and emotional health, sense of belonging and connectedness, positive behavior and choices, and career and college readiness.  “This is a tall order, and I am so very proud of our Board and staff for taking on this very ambitious goal at a time when we know our children are still struggling academically, socially, and emotionally from the fallout of the pandemic and other factors,” said Brinda.  “BBBSLC is rising to the occasion, and I implore other caring adults in our community to also rise to the occasion and help us provide desperately needed mentors and a permanent, safe, and dynamic place to call home for those we serve.”  

For its growth and expansion of quality programming Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has recognized its local affiliate BBBSLC with two national awards: the BBBS of America Quality Award in 2022 and the BBBS of America Growth Award in 2023.  BBBSLC was recognized as a BBBS of America Quality Award Winner for outstanding team leadership in providing 1-to-1 mentoring and support services for local youth.  Out of 230 agencies across the country, BBBSLC was one of only 32 organizations to receive this top honor. In 2023 BBBSLC served 416 youth and grew its local services by 51.8 percent.