Shelby County Commissioner Mike Vest was a 12-year-old at-risk child living with a hard-working single mom when he was first introduced to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program through his school. Today, Vest credits the program, along with his Big Brother, Mark Griffin, with providing the help and guidance he needed to be successful later in life.

“I was a Little Brother,” Vest said. “If it weren’t for Big Brothers Big Sisters, I wouldn’t be here. Thirty three years later, I’m bringing this to Shelby County because I know what it can do. It changed my life,” said Vest, who named his son Griffin to honor his Big Brother.

It was his personal connection to the program that was the driving force behind Vest helping to bring the program to Shelby County. Big Brothers Big Sisters announced the expansion into Shelby County at a ceremony held Oct. 16 at Montevallo Elementary. Vincent Elementary will join Montevallo Elementary as the first two schools in Shelby County to pilot the program, according to Sue Johnson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. Johnson said the program will expand to other schools as funding becomes available.

Currently, more than 900 students are being served in the greater Birmingham area. Johnson says she expects that number to grow, as an expected 200 students in Shelby County join the program within the next three years. 

Vest was joined at the ceremony by Reggie Holloway, Shelby County Community Services Manager, who also worked to bring the program to this area. Others at the ceremony were Superintendent Randy Fuller, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Lynn Cook, Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Pupil Services Lewis Brooks, Montevallo Elementary Principal Allison Campbell, Montevallo Middle Principal Shelia Lewis, and numerous Central Office leaders.

Superintendent Randy Fuller said the key to the district’s long range success is the partnerships it has with the community. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is a wonderful thing for Shelby County,” Fuller said. “What a wonderful thing for our students.” The organization pairs at-risk youth with positive adult role models. Big Brothers Big Sisters has already made seven matches at Montevallo Elementary. More will be paired in the coming weeks at both Montevallo Elementary and Vincent Elementary. Students from Montevallo High School, Vincent High School, the University of Montevallo, as well as employees at EBSCO Industries will volunteer as Big Brothers and Sisters.