BBBS of Eastern MA appoints SouthCoast recruitment coordinator. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts has named Kim Rioux as its SouthCoast recruitment coordinator. In her new role, Rioux will recruit volunteers and youth for the organization's mentoring programs, engage local businesses and community organizations, and build partnerships to expand access to mentoring throughout the SouthCoast, according to a community announcement. Rioux brings experience in nonprofit development, mental health case management and community engagement. After graduating from Springfield College with a degree in psychology, she worked in mental health services before transitioning to nonprofit development at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum in New Bedford. Most recently, she served as program director for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford. She currently serves on New Bedford's Conservation Commission and teaches yoga locally. "There's a richness to the SouthCoast," Rioux said. "Our culture is deeply embedded in history and cultural diversity. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts having a part of that helps the community thrive. There's a huge need, but there's also huge potential at the same time. Right now, we have nearly 40 Littles waiting to be matched with a volunteer mentor on the SouthCoast, and we particularly need male volunteers." Growing up in New Bedford, Rioux was immersed in community service from a young age. Her parents were active volunteers, leading her through Girl Scouts and church programs. Her older sister served as an early mentor, guiding her through school and early adulthood. Rioux's fiancé and his cousin both had Bigs growing up in New Bedford, with the cousin maintaining a long-term mentoring relationship. "My parents were very involved in the community, so I had that aspect in me as a young child," Rioux said. "I knew from early on that helping people was what I wanted to do. When I learned about this position and realized the connection my fiancé and his family had to Big Brothers Big Sisters, it sealed it for me. There's something really powerful here." With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families, according to the announcement. Since 1949, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 matches. "Kim's deep roots in the SouthCoast community and her passion for service make her the right person to expand our presence in the region," Mark O'Donnell, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, said. "She understands the unique strengths of these communities and the real need for mentoring. Her ability to build authentic relationships will help us connect more caring adults with children who need them." This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.