St. Catharines, ON – Big Brothers Big Sisters North and West Niagara (BBBSNWN) is pleased to announce the hiring of Erin Graybiel as Executive Director.

Prior to joining BBBSNWN, Erin dedicated nearly 20 years to the YMCA of Niagara in various roles. Most recently, she oversaw the community outreach, day camp, and child and youth programs.

“Throughout Erin’s career, she has passionately dedicated her time and expertise to serving the children and youth of Niagara,” said Michelle Miller, Board President of BBBSNWN. “We are confident that Erin will be the strong and dynamic leader required to position the Agency for continued growth and success.”

For almost 85 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North and West Niagara has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk children and youth through mentoring programs. While COVID has had a dramatic impact on the way that BBBSNWN traditionally delivers services, the agency has continued to pivot and find unique and diverse ways to connect with its “littles” during a time they’ve desperately needed support and guidance.

In 2021, BBBSNWN supported almost 300 children and youth throughout North and West Niagara communities. But more than 200 kids are currently on the waitlist eagerly anticipating a mentor. As the pandemic stretches on, once again forcing kids into online learning and social isolation, the waitlist numbers are expected to continue to climb with increased demand for meaningful connection and mentorship.

“I am elated to be joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of North and West Niagara, an agency that provides life-enhancing experiences to children, youth and their families. I am a true believer that children and youth are our future and most vital asset,” said Erin Graybiel. “I look forward to working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders to support young people in reaching their full potential.”

Erin officially joins Big Brothers Big Sisters North and West Niagara effective Monday, February 7th, 2022.

For Inquiries:

Michelle Miller, Board President
Big Brothers Big Sisters North and West Niagara
Email: mmiller@vintage-hotels.com

Ashley Sinclair, Director of Services
Big Brothers Big Sisters North and West Niagara
Email: Ashley.Sinclair@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Jorie Zavitz, Director of Fund Development
Big Brothers Big Sisters North and West Niagara
Email: Jorie.Zavitz@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTH AND WEST NIAGARA

For almost 85 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North and West Niagara has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk youth through our mentoring programs. For both Big and Little, the mentoring experience becomes a life-changing relationship built on friendship, empowerment, and trust. Mentoring is an important way to give youth experience with these essential back-and-forth relationships, developing them into healthy young people better able to deal with and overcome life’s adversities. Children with mentors are more likely to graduate from high school, go to university, get full-time employment and have on average higher incomes than those who do not have a mentor. For further information, visit us at www.bbbsmentors.ca, or visit our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.