Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County

Friday, 24 May 2019 13:12

The two Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations in Oxford County are amalgamating to form the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County.

WOODSTOCK - The two Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations in Oxford County are amalgamating.

From now on they will go by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock and District and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ingeroll and Tillsonburg made the announcement on Thursday. The amalgamation should lead to increased programming in all areas of the County for many years to come.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been in Oxford County for 50 years. Board of Directors President Drew Fallowfield says leadership from both agencies agreed that by sharing resources they are stronger together.

"The amalgamation of BBBSWD and BBBSIT to become a singular countywide agency was a logical next step for both agencies at this time. By doing so, it will allow us to extend ourselves out even
further into the county to reach even more volunteers, donors and children who need us. The dedicated staff and volunteers of this organization already make such an impact in the lives of the kids they work with that it will be
exciting to hear the stories of even more matches."

The changes should not have any impact on existing clients, volunteers and donors. All staff positions are being retained and Kristen Ralph, who was the Executive Director in Woodstock, will now serve as the Executive Director of the Oxford County agency.

Ingeroll’s Executive Director, Deb Landon, is assisting and supporting Ralph during the transition until her retirement in September 2019.

Ralph says the two organizations have already been working closely together for many years through shared services and promotion and look forward to officially working as a county agency.

"It's an exciting time for our movement in Oxford County and with the support of our founders and members we are able to realize this dream. Through the entire process the children and youth were
our number one priority, and each decision made was to benefit them."

It is anticipated that with the amalgamation, BBBS Oxford will provide empowering mentoring opportunities to close to 1,000 local children and youth by the end of 2019.

Historical Highlights:

- In 1969 Woodstock & District Big Brothers Association was incorporated, with Ingersoll and Tillsonburg forming their own associations between 1975 and 1983

- In the 90's, the national Big Brothers Association granted permission to serve the needs of girls, thus forming local Big Sisters agencies that later merged with Big Brothers

- 2001 Ingersoll agency expanded service delivery to Tillsonburg and area after BBBS in Tillsonburg dissolved in 2001

- 2009 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock & District celebrated 40 years of mentoring

- 2018 Ingersoll and Woodstock organizations began talks to discuss collaboration

- 2019 Application made to merge two organizations in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County