Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates River Valley Launch in Fort Smith

On September 17, Big Brothers Big Sisters officially celebrated the launch of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the River Valley, bringing together more than 60 community members in downtown Fort Smith to mark an exciting new chapter for mentorship in the region.

The Launch Party was an opportunity to celebrate how far this expansion has come and, more importantly, recognize the community that has helped make it possible.

From our earliest conversations in the River Valley, local leaders, businesses, partners, volunteers, and families have welcomed Big Brothers Big Sisters with open arms. They have made introductions, shared our mission, opened doors to new opportunities, and asked how they can help more young people experience the life-changing impact of mentorship.

That support was on full display at the Launch Party.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, the programs being introduced in the River Valley, and the many ways individuals and organizations can get involved. The response showed just how ready this community is to support mentorship. Seven people who attended the event expressed interest in becoming a Big, while many others asked how they could give, partner with us, or help connect local families to our programs.

Building Mentorship in the River Valley

The launch represents more than an expansion of our service area. It is the beginning of a long-term commitment to creating and supporting meaningful mentoring relationships for young people throughout Crawford and Sebastian counties.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has spent decades creating professionally supported mentoring relationships, and bringing that work to the River Valley means building programs around the unique needs, partnerships, and people of this community.

As we continue to grow, local support will be essential. Every volunteer who becomes a Big, every family that connects with our programs, every organization that partners with us, and every person who shares our mission helps strengthen the foundation for mentorship in the River Valley.

Just the Beginning

The September 17 celebration marked an important milestone, but it was also a starting point.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us in downtown Fort Smith and to the many people throughout the River Valley who have welcomed our organization, championed our mission, and helped us reach this moment.

Now, we are excited to keep building.

Whether you are interested in becoming a Big, enrolling a child, partnering with us, or supporting our programs, there is a place for you in what comes next.

Together, we can create more opportunities for young people throughout the River Valley to have a caring, consistent mentor in their corner.

Ready to get involved? Visit bbbsrivervalley.org to learn more and take the next step.