Big Brothers Big Sisters launches ‘Bigs in Blue/Bigs with Badges’ program with Ocala Police Department
Chief Mike Balkan with his “Little,” Michael. [Photograph courtesy of the OPD]
The program is a national initiative designed to improve communication and understanding between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Police officers and civilian staff, called “Bigs,” are matched with local area children, called “Littles,” for one-to-one relationships that provide friendship, support and, eventually, academic improvements. Bigs visit their Littles twice a month and spend time together participating in activities they both enjoy like playing sports, going to the library or museum, or working on homework together.
Chief of Police Mike Balken was the first member of the OPD to be matched with a Little Brother, named Michael.
“Meeting Michael for the first time was great,” said Balken. “I’m looking forward to building a relationship with him, being a mentor to him and having fun together.”
“Here at the Ocala Police Department,” he added. “We have a lot of remarkable role models who can share life experiences and practical skills with some of our youth. I hope more men and women in our agency and throughout the community get involved because, through this program, they can truly make a positive difference in a child’s life.”
For more information about the program, contact Jennifer Libby at (813) 997-3510 or [email protected].
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