CPSO Donates $12,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA

Pictured from left to right: Jillian Cormier, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana CEO and Gary “Stitch” Guillory, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Sheriff.  

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana has received a $12,000 donation from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office in support of its Bigs with Badges program—an initiative that connects local law enforcement officers with youth through one-on-one mentoring relationships. 

“We’re proud to support the Bigs with Badges program and partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana,” said Sheriff Stitch Guillory. “This initiative gives our deputies the opportunity to build positive, lasting relationships with the youth in our community. Our deputies really enjoy being part of this program—it’s just another chance for them to connect, be present and let these kids know they matter. Mentorship like this helps shape a stronger future for not only these kids, but for all of Calcasieu Parish.” 

The Bigs with Badges program offers a simple but powerful opportunity for connection. Law enforcement officers meet regularly with their Littles during the school day—often over lunch—to share a meal, talk and be a consistent, positive presence in a young person’s life. 

Currently, five Bigs with Badges matches are active in Calcasieu Parish. With this donation, Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to expand the program to reach even more students across the region this year. 

“This donation is more than generous—it’s a statement,” said Jillian Cormier, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana. “It proves that the greatest way to build a brighter Southwest Louisiana is by starting with a commitment to youth development. Our law enforcement partners are not just protecting our communities—they’re investing in them, one child at a time.” 

The $12,000 contribution will help grow the Bigs with Badges program, allowing more deputies to serve as mentors and more students to benefit from the encouragement of someone who shows up just for them. 

To learn more about Bigs with Badges or how to get involved, visit www.bbbsswla.org. 

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana 

For more than 45 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana (BBBS of SWLA) has been changing lives through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. As a proud affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is that all youth achieve their full potential. 

Serving youth ages 6–18 across Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vernon parishes, BBBS of SWLA works to address three critical challenges facing young people today: educational achievement gaps, mental health concerns, and youth justice prevention. Our evidence-based programs connect caring adult mentors with children facing adversity—providing the consistent guidance, encouragement, and support every young person deserves. 

Learn more at www.bbbsswla.org.