Big Brothers Big Sisters in Madera needs to search for a new home after business shuts down

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Big Brothers Big Sisters successful Madera is being forced to relocate aft learning that JBT Marel, the proprietor of the gathering it occupies connected Industrial Avenue, is shutting down operations astatine the site.

"My bosom sank. I can't judge it. We've been successful Madera serving Madera County for implicit fiftyseven years," said Diane with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The nonprofit has agelong utilized the Industrial Avenue abstraction to big back-to-school events, vacation artifact drives and one-on-one mentorship activities.

According to the organization, it was informed of the closure connected Wednesday, a determination that present requires unit to find a caller location for its programs.

"My archetypal thought was ohio my gosh my staff, but mostly the kids what are we gonna do? We service children present we service Madera here," Diane said.

More than 100 children from crossed Madera County regularly travel to the determination for mentorship services. Without a carnal space, the nonprofit warns its captious programs could travel to an end.

"In the room, you perceive a clump of laughter perceive each different speech astir however their days person been the big's truly conscionable supply that relationship and guidance to our Littles," said Amanda with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The gathering was renovated conscionable a fewer years ago, with caller floors, bathrooms and ceilings installed.

For decades, JBT Marel allowed Big Brothers Big Sisters to usage the abstraction rent-free, a payment that enabled the enactment to enactment much backing straight into its programs.

"The wealth that we were capable to prevention to prosecute lucifer enactment specializer that tin service the bigs and the Littles successful our program," Diane said.

JBT Marel's closure represents a 2nd stroke to the Madera community. An worker told Action News that a bulk of the unit whitethorn beryllium laid off.

The institution says the determination is the effect of a merger, calling it "as portion of ongoing efforts to optimize its operational footprint." JBT Marel said its Visalia determination volition stay open.

Now facing an uncertain future, Big Brothers Big Sisters successful Madera is asking for assemblage support.

"I person religion successful this community. I cognize radical care, particularly if it's for the children. I cognize we're gonna propulsion through, someway, somehow," Diane said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has until October 1st to relocate but until past they'll beryllium figuring retired their adjacent steps.

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