By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - After several years of struggling for financial and community support, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Warren and Clinton Counties might end services to children in its Clinton coverage area.

A strategic planning committee this past weekend recommended a gradual end to services in Clinton County. The recommendation will be made at the next board meeting Aug. 19, and the 12-member board would have to approve such a move.

"I hate to close down in a place where I know children very much need this service," Executive Director Joanna West said. "We can't continue to operate without support coming from that area, and I don't mean just financially."

The agency, started here in the late 1970s, began serving Clinton County in 1993. This year, 15 of its 120 matches are from Clinton County, though other children are on a waiting list.

The agency matches volunteers, who have to make at least a yearlong commitment, with children ages 6 to 15. They can remain in a match until they are 18 years old or graduate from high school, though many keep in touch for years afterward.

In the last few years, West said, the agency has been finding it harder to get volunteers for matches and to attend board meetings. This past year, she said United Way of Clinton County had to cut Big Brothers-Big Sisters funding, which also pays for rented office space and a part-time case manager there.

"It's been very challenging," West said.

The 14-person strategic planning committee that met Saturday included community members and six members from the board of directors - all of whom voted in favor of the idea. Current matches would be supported through the rest of the year.

West is not sure what would happen after that.

Big Brothers-Big Sisters would build on efforts in Warren County. Several schools already have inquired about starting site-based matches, where volunteers would come to the buildings and spend time with the children.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com