Ali, a program representative for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Great Harbor, told the Aberdeen City Council on July 9 that the nonprofit is recruiting volunteers and donors as it expands local services.

"Our mission is to create 1 on 1 mentoring relationships that ignites the power of promise of youth," Ali said during a presentation that included an introductory video and program outcomes. She described two program tracks available locally: a community-based mentoring program for children ages 5 to 18 and a Career Mentoring Exploration (CME) program focused on forestry for high-school students.

Ali said the organization served more than 200 children in southwest Washington last year and expects to expand in the Aberdeen area. Volunteers must be at least 18 and have graduated high school; community matches typically meet two to four times a month and the CME program meets monthly at the college from October through June for two-hour sessions.

Ali described screening and volunteer supports: "We do a full background check. We do state federal. We do driving records. We do social media," she said. She added that match-support staff call monthly to check on matches and that the program provides at least one free monthly activity for matched pairs. Ali also invited interested residents to a volunteer mixer next Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Vassal Hall.

Council members and residents asked about the program’s funding; Ali said Big Brothers Big Sisters relies heavily on grants and donations and is currently facing funding challenges. She encouraged individuals and businesses to contribute money or tickets for free monthly activities, noting donations of tickets and small contributions help sustain local operations.

The presentation emphasized volunteer support and local partnerships, and included examples of activities such as fishing, bowling and college exposure through the CME forestry track. Ali provided contact information and flyers for residents interested in volunteering or sponsoring the program.