Big Brothers Big Sisters moved into its new office in the United Way building at 500 High Ave. W. Tuesday afternoon.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is entering its third year in Oskaloosa, and Ottumwa Area Director Sue Huff expects the program to grow.

“It’s a wonderful program. It’s grown and grown,” Huff said during an open house and ribbon cutting event Tuesday.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has served more than 300 children in Southeast Iowa in the past five years. During the 2007-08 school year, the Oskaloosa superintendent approved the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Oskaloosa and the after school program served 19 children.

“We’re doing our summer program right now with 4-H,” Huff said. In the fall, the organization will begin its after-school program.

Currently, Big Brothers Big Sisters and 4-H are doing fine arts workshops this summer with the Very Special Artists program.

Mikayla Reed, 10, of Oskaloosa, participated in the summer program.

“I thought it’d be fun,” she said.

Reed said she likes art, and she really liked working with stained glass with artist Kevin Johnson. She plans on participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at school this fall.

Reed was on hand Tuesday to help Huff cut a red ribbon that the Oskaloosa Chamber Ambassadors brought for the open house.

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two services: an in-school mentoring program and a community program.

The in-school Mentoring program is for students ages 6 to 14. Either high school students or adult volunteers can participate as a mentor. They will do activities with children for 1 1/2 hours per week, Huff said.

If Huff can find enough adult volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters will do its community program. Volunteers have to be at least 18 years old and they will spend four hours per month with kids doing activities in the community, she said.

“I’m always looking for volunteers,” Huff said.

People who want to volunteer can stop by the Big Brothers Big Sisters office in Oskaloosa and pick up an application form or call the United Way at 673-6043.