Big Brothers Big Sisters approved for tax credits

The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Thursday that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri was approved for $250,000 in tax credits.

It was approved by the department's Youth Opportunities Program, which provides tax credits to organizations that operate positive youth development or crime prevention projects.

For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Girardeau County, this means more volunteer recruitment and a shrinking waiting list for children seeking a Big Brother or Sister, said Becky James-Hatter, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri.

"These tax credits are intended to build excitement in the community to take interest in the organization," she said. "Cape has a chronic waiting list. We can always use more volunteers."

On any given day, James-Hatter said, there are 1,500 children on the waiting list, and the tax credits will go a long way in recruitment.

She also noted that the organization's ABCToday! program, which measures children's behavior and performance in school before and after mentor intervention, would receive a boost.

The organization partners with three school districts, including Cape Girardeau Public Schools, and serves more than 1,300 children or "littles."

"This program originated in Cape and they've really been a source of research and development for us," James-Hatter said. "But to continue to come up with these creative solutions, you need creative people. We would certainly like to continue to expand this program."

Pertinent address:

1610 N. Kingshighway Suite 305, Cape Girardeau, MO