Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio

09/06/2026

🎲 Meet Jacob – Waiting for a Big Brother!

Jacob is a friendly, talkative, and laid-back 10-year-old from Tuscarawas County who loves having fun and spending time with others. He enjoys everything from board games and Uno to fishing, baseball, trips to the waterpark, and hanging out at the park. He also has a big heart for animals! 🐾🎣⚾

Jacob has a big dream for the future—he hopes to become a police officer when he grows up! 🚔

He’s looking for a Big Brother who can spend time with him, share in his interests, introduce him to new experiences, and build a friendship along the way.

💙 Could you be the Big Brother Jacob has been waiting for?

09/05/2026

🌟 Stronger Communities. Brighter Futures.

Our Tusc County Team recently joined community leaders from across Ohio for the 2nd Department of Children and Youth Summit, working together to build a stronger future for the children and families we serve.

The summit brought together inspiring voices, including Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, Jim Tressel, and Maurice Clarett, while local teams focused on creating actionable plans to address some of the most important challenges facing children in our communities.

For Tuscarawas County, planning centered around three key goals:
👶 Improving infant mortality rates
🎒 Improving kindergarten readiness
🏡 Decreasing foster care and kinship placements

We’re proud to have BBBS President & CEO Beverly Pearch representing our organization as part of the Tusc County Team and contributing to conversations focused on creating better outcomes for children and families.

And while she may not be pictured, Director of Programs Mandy Thomas was also there representing the Harrison County Team! 💙

When organizations and community leaders come together with a shared vision, we can create meaningful change—and give more children the opportunity to reach their full potential. 💫

09/04/2026

🎉💚 Happy 2-Year Match Anniversary to Big Sister Susan & Little Sister Kimber! 💚🎉

For two years, Susan and Kimber have been building a friendship filled with connection, encouragement, laughter, and plenty of memories along the way. We’re so excited to celebrate the special bond they’ve created and the impact of having a consistent, caring Big in Kimber’s life.

Here’s to two wonderful years of mentorship and friendship—and many more memories to come! 🌟💚

09/03/2026

🎬 The Tuscarawas Valley Film Festival turns 10! 🎬

For a decade, the Tuscarawas Valley Film Festival has brought unique films, local stories, talented filmmakers, and unforgettable movie experiences to our community — all while supporting the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio!

The festival kicks off TONIGHT, with two great films:

🎥 “I Can, I Will”
A locally presented documentary celebrating the power of possibility. Following the film, guests will have the opportunity to learn more and scan a QR code to support the Performing Arts Center.

🎬 “The Last Shop on Walnut”
A Cleveland-made drama about a guilt-ridden man who has spent 15 years isolated inside his lamp store — until family secrets and gentrification force him to confront the past. Stick around afterward for a Q&A with the film’s directors and cast!

🍿 The festival continues every Thursday in September:
📅 September 3 • 10 • 17 • 24

🎟️ Tickets:
$10 + $1 fee per night
OR
🎬 Festival Package: $30 + $1 fee for all four weeks!

Tickets are available online or in person at The Quaker Cinema.

Get your tickets and join us for four Thursdays of great films, great conversations, and great community impact!

🔗 https://tuscfilm.org/tickets.html

10 years. 4 Thursdays. Countless stories. One great cause. ❤️🎬

09/02/2026

🏕️ Meet Bryar – Waiting for a Big Brother!

Bryar is an inquisitive, active, and focused 10-year-old from Tuscarawas County who feels right at home outdoors. He enjoys hunting, fishing, racing, and playing baseball. ⚾🎣 When he grows up, Bryar has his sights set on an ambitious goal—he would like to enlist in the Army!

Bryar is looking for a male mentor who enjoys the outdoors and can share his adventurous spirit. A Big Brother could give Bryar someone to explore his interests with, learn from, and build a lasting friendship with.

💙 Could you be the Big Brother Bryar has been waiting for?

09/01/2026

The future doesn't build itself. It takes people who show up for the next generation. This , East Central Ohio is celebrating the Bigs who are helping make mentorship essential infrastructure throughout Tuscarawas, Carroll & Harrison counties.

Ready to build the future?

Become a Big : www.bigs4kids.com

08/31/2026

🎉💚 Happy 1-Year Match Anniversary to Big Sister Megan & Little Sister Memory! 💚🎉

One year of friendship, encouragement, laughter, and making memories together! We’re so excited to celebrate the special bond Megan and Memory have built over the past year and all the moments that have made their match so meaningful. 🌟

Here’s to an amazing first year and many more adventures, conversations, and memories ahead! 💚

08/28/2026

🎉 17 YEARS. 17 years of leadership, dedication, and believing in the power of mentorship! 💚

Today, we’re celebrating Beverly Pearch, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, on an incredible 17-year work anniversary!

For nearly two decades, Beverly has dedicated herself to strengthening our organization, championing our mission, and making sure more young people have the opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of a mentor. Her leadership has helped shape BBBS into the organization it is today — and her passion for the mission continues to inspire our entire team.

Thank you, Beverly, for 17 years of commitment, leadership, and heart. We’re incredibly grateful for everything you do for our Littles, Bigs, families, and community!

Here’s to celebrating you today and all the BIG things still ahead! 🥳💚

08/27/2026

Mark your calendars for next Thursday!

Arts education is diminishing across the US, and art programs are b...

08/27/2026

Shout out to our very own, Mandy Thomas, for this incredible honor!

Today, we celebrate Mandy Thomas, one of the 2026 Leading Ladies of Tuscarawas County. Mandy shares her leadership role as follows:

I am incredibly grateful and honored to be recognized among the Leading Ladies of Tuscarawas County. As someone who was born and raised here, this community has always held a special place in my heart. I attended Dover City Schools before continuing my education at Kent State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. During college, I had the opportunity to intern with Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio and was fortunate to be hired full-time after graduation. Over the past 12 years, I have grown with the organization and currently serve as the Director of Programs. Through my work, I have the privilege of supporting the youth and future leaders of Tuscarawas County. I truly believe every child has potential—sometimes they simply need encouragement, guidance, and someone who believes in them to help that potential shine. I hope to continue strengthening mentoring opportunities so every young person in our community has someone who believes in them.

Serving others has always been important to me. I have long been involved in my church, Dover Baptist Temple, and volunteering with the Tuscarawas County Soap Box Derby. Through my work and community involvement, I have also had the opportunity to connect with organizations such as the New Philadelphia Lions Club. I am continually inspired by the dedication of leaders in our community such as Lisa Walker (Tuff Bags), Mandy Willett (Noah’s Hope), Sherrell Rieger (Puentes), and Beverly Pearch (Big Brothers Big Sisters), whose work helps make Tuscarawas County such a caring and supportive place to live. I am also incredibly thankful for my faith and for the support of my friends and family, who encourage me in every aspect of my life and are truly the reason I am the person I am today. My husband and I reside in Strasburg with our husky, Indi, and I feel blessed to live and serve in a community that is so committed to lifting others up

Congratulations Mandy!

Chosen as a Leading Lady by The Women's Success Series Steering
Committee, the Lucille Nussdorfer Tuscarawas County of the Year Award Committee from the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
and the Tuscarawas County Leading Ladies of 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Please continue watching our posts as we celebrate all the Leading Ladies of 2026.