Debt Shield Celebrates National Mentoring Month with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Columbia, MD, January 31, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Employees at Debt Shield, an award-winning debt settlement company based in Maryland, are celebrating National Mentoring Month as they enter a new year with the Big Brothers Big Sisters "Bigs in School" program.

The "Bigs in Schools" program pairs local volunteers with participating schools to mentor students during weekly lunch visits. Volunteers (or "Bigs") are paired with elementary school students ("Littles") based on the children's needs, interests, age and gender. Debt Shield employees are in their third year with the program.

Debt Shield CEO Phil Fewster joined other Debt Shield employees participating in the mentoring program when he learned the organization is in need of more male volunteers.

"When I discovered we didn’t have enough male BBBS volunteers this year, it was a great opportunity for me to step up and lead by example," said Fewster. "I know firsthand just how powerful and long-lasting even brief mentoring can be for kids."

Fewster, who was raised in a single-parent household, believes that Debt Shield's value extends beyond its corporate offices. He said that to be a truly successful long-term company, his company must make choices that benefit the community as well as their clients and employees. Brooke Warburton, Training Manager and BBBS mentor, agrees.

"As a debt settlement company we provide counseling, coaching and negotiation services for consumers," said Warburton. "It's natural that we enjoy expanding our mentoring beyond our company walls and into the Howard County school system."

Amy Malloy, Site Specialist for the Howard Country "Bigs in School" program says she has enjoyed her organization's relationship with the volunteer mentors from Debt Shield.

"We have a lot of wonderful mentors from Debt Shield who have really come forward and given a lot of their time to local children," said Malloy. "We're in our third year with Debt Shield and we're looking forward to many more years ahead."

Anyone interested in volunteering with the BBBS, "Bigs in School" program, in Howard County should contact Amy Malloy at 443-286-8590, or the office of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland at 410-243-4000.

About Debt Shield:

Debt Shield, Inc., is an award-winning debt settlement company helping consumers resolve their unsecured debt through mutually agreeable, discounted settlements in consideration of the consumers’ legitimate financial hardships. By helping consumers avoid bankruptcy, Debt Shield provides a service for both debtors and creditors. For more information about Debt Shield, call 1-888-397-7546 or visit the website at www.debtshield.com.

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