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Kansas BBBS

About Us

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cowley County began as a result of a youth task force that was appointed by the mayor of Arkansas City. Big Brothers Big Sisters program was chosen to be implemented in Cowley County and established in January of 1994, as a result of a grant from United Methodist Health Foundation. Cowley County was the third affiliate in the state to open their office. Since the beginningn in 1994, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cowley County over 300 youth have been matched with volunteers. Volunteers can make a huge impact in a child's life with only a few hours each week. National research shows children that are matched with BBBS mentors are more likely to show positive behaviors in school and at home. 100 Cowley county children are currently waiting to be matched with a volunteer. Kids with BBBS mentors are: 46% less likely to use drugs, 27% less likely to use alcohol, and 55% less likely to skip school.

Our staff consists of three employees. Our Affiliate Director, Debi Clark has served Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cowley County since 1994, taking care of day-to-day operating business as well as conducting the intake process for the potential volunteers. Our Case Manager, Stefanie Beeman has been with us since 2000. She conducts the intake process for the Little Brothers & Sisters & families, matches Bigs with the appropriate Little, & supervises the matches throughout their relationship. Joan Tamburini, Director of Development, joined our staff in October 2005. Joan is responsible for developing relationships and awareness throughout Cowley County to generate financial and volunteer support for BBBS. To schedule a Little Moments presentation for your organization, please contact Joan at: jtamburini@skyerock.net or 620-262-7063.

Board Members:

Nancy Haas, USD 470, Co-Chair
Jim Spring, Cowley County Attorney’s Office, Co-Chair
Julie Bossi, Long & Neises, LLC, Treasurer
Jean-Gabriel Jolivet, Ph.D., Southwestern College, Secretary

Stephanie Bortz, Cowley County Safe Homes
Alisha Call, USD 470
Curtis Freeland, Retired City Manager, Ark City
Krysti Koebele, Southwestern College
Ron Smith, Union State Bank
Christine Tanner, Creekstone Farms Premium Beef