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Gardner named director of development for Big Brothers Big Sisters

SPRINGFIELD Larry Gardner has just been named Director of Development of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County (BBBSHC). Gardner joins BBBSHC after 26 years as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region in Harrisburg, Penn. With this new addition to its team, BBBSHC anticipates great things for the agency and the community due to Gardner's level of expertise in mentoring and development.

According to Executive Director Beth Russell, "The agency is embarking upon an aggressive 15 percent annual growth plan in services to children in Hampden County. Having Mr. Gardner on our team will help us achieve this goal. All of us at Big Brothers Big Sisters are committed to serving more children, which results in brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities."

In addition to 26 years with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gardner has experience in the mental health field, both the adult and juvenile justice fields and has served on the Governor's Commission for Children and Families for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County is dedicated to bringing magic into the lives of area children and adults through one-to-one mentoring relationships. Each year, the agency supports approximately 350 individuals involved in Big/Little matches. The service is free of charge to participants and is supported by the United Way and special fundraising events throughout the year. Studies have shown that children participating in this program are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, skip school and get in trouble. For more information on becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, call 781-4730 or visit www.bigbrothers-sisters.org

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