Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSCI) has purchased a 10,500-square-foot building at 2130 Grand Ave. in Des Moines that will be converted into a new mentoring center.

The center, expected to open in summer 2024, will aid the organization in its goal to increase the number of youth it serves to over 900, according to a press release. Big Brothers Big Sisters says that will also require an increase in staff.

“As the city of Des Moines and surrounding communities grow, the needs for mentoring our youth continue to grow, BBBSCI CEO Bridget Cravens-Neely said in a prepared statement. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa is uniquely positioned to step in and serve these needs. This new building, centrally located and accessible, will provide a safe and fun gathering place for our matches while also offering community space for outside organizations to use. This center will also accommodate our growing team – especially for our programs. We’ll have more rooms to interview families, Littles and Bigs, and form new mentoring matches.”

Renovations are still needed for the new space.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, click here.