NORWICH – The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chenango County program in Norwich announced last week that it is closing its doors for good, bringing to an end the longstanding youth mentor program that has influenced thousands of people for decades.

Facing a lack of funding and not enough participation to meet the expanding requirements of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, BBBS of Chenango County, sponsored by The Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich (The Place), simply doesn’t have the resources to keep it running, explained Executive Director of The Place Courtney Crisler. The Place board made the decision to close the program earlier this year.

But there is a silver lining to look at, said Crisler. In light of what would otherwise be devastating to local youth, a new mentor program similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters is taking shape thanks to the collaborative efforts of The Place and the Liberty Partnership Program at Morrisville State College in Norwich.

The Liberty Partnership program is a joint endeavor between local school districts, colleges, businesses and volunteers that maintains a mission to provide, encourage, and guide youth to become competent and compassionate members of society. In keeping with this mission, Liberty Partnership is taking up the torch once born by BBBS to keep youth mentoring available in the area.

“The Morrisville Liberty Partnership will be working with youth within their program so they won’t be losing that mentoring connection,” explained Crisler. “I want to thank all the volunteers for giving their time and efforts to the Big Brother Big Sister program ... I know the community has really benefitted from Big Brothers Big Sisters and I’m sad to see it closed, but there’s reason to still be hopeful that there are other opportunities for mentoring in the area.”