10/08/2026
We are grateful for United Way of Clare and Gladwin Counties and Clare County Community Foundation for their continued support and Investment the YOUth of Clare County!
We personally want everyone in Clare County to know how hard these organizations work to raise $$ to invest into our community and how grateful we are!!
PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
Mentors in the Mitten has received support and grants from two local organizations in Clare County
New brand builds on 51 years of community impact
CLARE, Mich. — Mentors in the Mitten (formerly known as Mid Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters) continues its unprecedented growth in providing Mid Michigan’s youth with mentorship. A Mid Michigan nonprofit with a history of mentoring local youth dating back to 1975 has entered a new era. Following a period of major service expansion, the organization formerly known as Mid Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters has charted an independent course as Mentors in the Mitten.
We currently serve five counties in north central Michigan and are focused exclusively on partnering with Michigan’s Rural School Systems. The renewed platform will help further develop and expand its highly successful School Buddies program.
“We are a community property”, said Executive Director Jeff Calhoun. Currently receiving zero Federal or State funding, we raise all of our Investments locally through the generosity of local businesses, individuals, foundations and United Ways.
In Clare County we are currently partnered with Clare Public Schools, Farwell Area Schools and are in discussions with Harrison Public Schools. By the end of the 2026-2027 School year, we will be providing a record number of over 100 Clare County children with weekly mentorship through our School Buddies program.
We’ve recently received two impactful grants in Clare County. $10,000 from United Way of Clare & Gladwin Counties and also $10,000 from the Clare County Community Foundation (The Clare County Community Foundation exists to cultivate the power of giving within our community, support long-term transformation, and help ensure all residents thrive.)
“We are beyond grateful for these generous Investments in our YOUth”, the Clare County Community Foundation and United Way of Clare & Gladwin Counties have been amazing partners with us! Their Investments in our programming have been a key factor in our expansion and we promise to spend EVERY dollar to benefit the children of Clare County.
To learn more about Mentors in the Mitten, visit: mentorsinthemitten.com
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About Mentors in the Mitten: Mentors in the Mitten is a nonprofit organization leveraging the power of mentorship to help young people in northern central Michigan feel seen and cared for, instilling a sense of belonging that builds trust, resilience and confidence. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Clare, Michigan, the organization currently serves five counties.
