2 Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters a liates to merge

Detroit, Washtenaw County organizations to combine, triple number of children

SHERRI WELCH

Two Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters a liates have agreed to merge in a move they expect to enable them to triple the number of children they serve each year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County, two of the state’s largest chapters for the national mentoring nonpro t are coming together to create Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan.

e merger, expected to benalized in the third quarter, will create an organization with 25-30 employees at ofces in Detroit and Ypsilanti, operating on an annual budget of about $2.3 million. No employee cuts are planned.

Jennifer Spitler, CEO of the Ypsilanti-based Washtenaw County a liate for more than 20 years, will lead the merged organization.

e two organizations’ decision to join comes just shy of six months after Spitler took on oversight of the Detroit-based a liate when its former CEO departed within months of taking the role.

“ e next chapter for Big Brothers Big Sisters in the southeast Michigan region is exceptionally bright — and most importantly, it will result in even better, truly life-changing experiences for thousands of Bigs, Littles and families a liated with both of our organizations,” Kathie Patterson,

Health Care

chairperson of BBBS of Metro Detroit, said in a release.

Patterson will lead the new 29-member merged board for the combined nonpro t, while Gregg Hammerman, president of BBBS of Washtenaw County’s board, will serve as vice chair.

“Each organization has an amazing group of volunteers, sta , and supporters with a strong history of youth mentoring,” Hammerman said