Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has expanded its presence in the region with the opening of a new office in downtown Crestview, extending mentorship services to youth in northern Okaloosa and Walton counties.

• The organization celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 121 N Wilson St. earlier this month, drawing attendance from the Crestview Chamber of Commerce, city and county officials, board members and community supporters.

The City of Crestview provided the space for the new office, which will serve as a hub for connecting young people, known as “Littles,” with adult mentors, called “Bigs.”

“We’re thrilled to be part of the Crestview community, and we’ve been so grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received from the city and its residents,” said Paula Shell, CEO and President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. “The opening of this office has been the result of years of hard work and planning, with the help of so many people.”

The organization has already established approximately 25 mentoring relationships in the area, though 21 children remain on a waiting list for adult mentors. The new location aims to help meet this demand by providing easier access for potential volunteers in the northern communities.

The office’s strategic location will facilitate the organization’s mission of creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that help youth reach their full potential.

Those interested in becoming mentors or supporting the organization can visit www.OKBig.org or call 850-664-5437.