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  • Get Involved
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OUR HISTORY

 Since 1982, Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. As part of the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network, we make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) ages 6 through 18 in communities across Ohio. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. 

OUR MISSION

Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. 

OUR VISION

 All youth achieve their full potential.  

ACCOUNTABILITY

 By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community, we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:

  • High aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
  • Avoidance of risky behavior
  • Educational success

OUR VALUES

We Believe that...

when every young person has access to a positive mentor, their lives transform for the better, empowering them with a stronger sense of belonging and the opportunity to achieve their full potential. 

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ACCESS

 

We provide access to positive mentorship for every young person who needs us.

No matter their background, experiences, circumstances, or needs, we are committed to ensuring​ every young person has a positive mentor.​

We meet young people where they are.

Recognizing and valuing who they are, where they live and how they connect, we create access to resources, people, and opportunities that meet young people where they are.​​

BELONGING

 

We create a community that fosters connection.

When young people are a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, they gain a supportive village and meaningful connections empowering them to reach their full potential.

We safeguard youth and cultivate the trust.​

With the support of a caring mentor, youth feel a sense of belonging - connected to who they are, to what community represents, and to where they can go.​​

We consider safety and well-being to be holistic, including emotional and physical safety, risk reduction, and safe relationships and environments—all core components of youth well-being.​​

OPPORTUNITY

 

We empower young people to learn, lead and grow.

Whether in a workplace, a school, or in the community, we empower young people through relationships that give them the confidence and skills to navigate life and thrive.

Meet Our Staff

Dr. Portia Smith

Dr. Portia Smith

Dr. Portia Smith

Executive Director

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LeAnn Pryor

Dr. Portia Smith

Dr. Portia Smith

Program Director 

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Errin Boyer

Dr. Portia Smith

Kattie Butler

Community Engagement Specialist

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Kattie Butler

Kattie Butler

Kattie Butler

Program Coordinator 

Perry Schools

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Leah Green

Kattie Butler

Sarah Whited

Program Coordinator

Shawnee Schools

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Sarah Whited

Kattie Butler

Sarah Whited

Program Coordinator 

Putnam County Schools

Digital Content Creator

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Madison Richards

Madison Richards

Madison Richards

Community Engagement Specialist

Hardin County

Social Media Content Creator

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Board of Directors

Kurt Neeper

President

Superior Financial Solutions, LLC


Dave Farley

Vice President

Retired, Ford Motor Company


Jeff Orphal

Treasurer

Apollo Career Center


Curtis Butler

Retired, Ford Motor Company


Ric Johnson

President/CEO of CAPS Builder


Kathy Schroeder

Retired, Putnam County ESC


Jennifer Horstman

Executive Director, The Mental Health, Alcohol, and Drug Addiction Recovery


Karl Lammers

Superintendant, Kalida Local Schools


Doug Collins

Ford Motor Company


Dr. Portia G. Smith

Executive Director - BBBS of West Central Ohio, Inc. 



Our Offices

BBBS Allen County

BBBS Hardin County

BBBS Hardin County

616 South Collett Street, Suit 103

Lima, OH 45805

419.222.8500

Learn More

BBBS Hardin County

BBBS Hardin County

BBBS Hardin County

229 North Main Street

Ada, OH 45810

419.222.8500


learn more

BBBS Putnam County

BBBS Hardin County

BBBS Putnam County

 1800 North Perry Street, Suite 109
Ottawa, OH  45875 

419.222.8500

Learn more

OUR PARTNERS

Copyright © 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio, Inc.  - All Rights Reserved.

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