Big Brothers Big Sisters Break Ground on New Downtown Center

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana broke ground on a new downtown mentoring hub Tuesday morning. The estimated $3 million renovations are slated for completion by April 2019.

BBBSCI CEO Darcey Palmer-Shultz says the new center will allow them to expand their staff, serve more children on their waiting list and host special events. The nonprofit’s goal is to serve 1,500 children annually by 2022.

"We want them to know we see the spark in their eyes, we believe in them and won’t rest until they have someone in their corner," Palmer-Shultz says. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett spoke at the event this morning, he says every child who wants a mentor should have one. Then, he joked he was going “off script” with his speech.

"I’ve never been a big brother before. Darcy, I want to walk the walk and not just talk the talk –– please sign me up," Hogsett says. 

BBBSCI announced it was awarded a $1 million grant from the United Way of Central Indiana – which, along with other donations – brings the organization to within approximately $1 million of its $7 million fundraising goal.