Sunday, November 13, 2011
The support and encouragement you can give a child as a Big Brother or Big Sister is a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime.
When you find yourself wandering the mall this holiday season, consider giving a simple gift that has the power to transform a child’s life—the gift of your time. The support and encouragement you can give a child as a Big Brother or Big Sister is a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. During this time of giving thanks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is so thankful for the many volunteers—more than 2,500 already this year alone—who have shared their time with a child. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters enthusiastically say this is time well spent. “Jada has really helped me keep in touch with the playful and fun side of myself that can get lost in the busy rush of life with family and career,” shares Big Sister Corinne …
Sunday, October 30, 2011
At the agency’s signature event, donors get together to have fun for a cause.
For more than 27 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has gathered support for the agency through its signature fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Bowl for Kids' Sake has raised more than $5 million in the course of its 27-year history, making it the largest and most successful bowling fundraiser in the state of Missouri. One hundred percent of the funds raised remain in the Eastern Missouri region and are used to help Big Brothers Big Sisters surround children with trusting and enduring relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has always valued those who support the agency through their generous donations. BBBS supports a relationship model known as 4:1+1sm. This model engages the four most significant adults in a Little’s life—parent, teacher, …
Sunday, October 23, 2011
BBBS is two-thirds of the way to their campaign goal.
Four months ago, Big Brothers Big Sisters launched the Be There Now! campaign with a lofty goal in mind—to identify and recruit 600 new volunteers in just six months. Now, with 402 new Bigs since the start of the campaign, they are just 198 away from reaching that goal. But, with more than 1,100 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister, there’s never been a better time than now to get involved. For the Littles, the impact of having a mentor is powerful. Independent studies conducted by Public/Private Ventures, a national research organization, demonstrate the power of these relationships. Compared to similar youth, Littles who were teamed up with a Big Brother or Big Sister were less likely to begin using drugs or alcohol and less …
Sunday, October 9, 2011
One of the many roles that “Bigs” play in “Littles’” lives is to help guide them in making good decisions like staying in school, avoiding drugs or crime and getting good grades.
Until last summer, 17-year-old Thomas had to be the man around the house to his five siblings while also attending classes at the Construction Careers Center and trying to figure out how he would ever get into college. “I’m the oldest of six kids and it’s hard,” Thomas said. “My mom works all the time, and I’ve got to be like their parent.” But in June 2010, he met Mark Winschel, a project manager for S.M. Wilson & Co. and a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. Winschel was paired with Thomas, and they’ve been building a close friendship ever since. They meet at the CCC once a month and then get together outside of school for outings such as lunch, a Rams game, golfing—and a big one for Thomas—his first …
Sunday, October 2, 2011
People from all over St. Louis gather to show their appreciation for Bruce Fleming and his accomplishments.
At the celebration of Bruce Fleming’s 15-year anniversary with Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Louis City officials Harry Kennedy and Maurice Falls, on behalf of Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, presented Fleming with a special proclamation to honor his service to at the agency. Current and former BBBS staff, family and friends also joined Fleming at his anniversary celebration to show their admiration and respect for all that he has given to the agency. “Bruce is the soul of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and everyone here tonight is here for Bruce,” said Becky James-Hatter, president and CEO. Fleming first teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters by participating in the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser. After recruiting multiple teams his …
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Local agency renews call for more volunteer Bigs.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
- Kathy Martin
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Sunday, September 18, 2011
The nation’s continuing economic uncertainty is challenging for most, but it is especially challenging for the nation’s at-risk youth. These youth - many of whom live in our St Louis community- are already facing multiple obstacles. But there is good news – some programs are making a difference. According to Philanthropedia, Big Brothers Big Sisters is not just making a difference but has been ranked best of the best on a list of most recommended, high-impact national nonprofits serving at-risk youth. The nation's leader in quality, youth mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters received praise for its effective mentoring model that leads to positive and measurable youth outcomes for children who face adversity, as well as for its …
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Big Brother or Big Sister and professional program staff ensures the Little is surrounded by the people who care about them the most.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s relationship model, known as 4:1+1, engages the most significant adults in a Little’s life—parent, teacher, Big Brother or Big Sister and professional program staff to ensure the Little is surrounded by the people who care about them the most. Each adult has an important relationship and a distinct role that offers Littles encouragement and support. This wouldn’t be possible without their “Sixth Membersm” on the team—the donor! We’ll Be There is the agency’s promise to Little Brothers and Little Sisters. Bigs in conjunction with the agency do not commit to “fix” challenges Littles encounter in life, but they do commit to “be there”—for encouragement and support. Big Brothers and Big Sisters …
Sunday, July 17, 2011
One Little Sister was lucky enough to throw the first pitch at a recent St. Louis Cardinals game.
Before the big leaguers took the field at the July 10 St. Louis Cardinals game, a different set of all-stars was honored at Busch Stadium. Nearly 50 Little Brothers and Sisters were recognized at the annual graduation ceremony held by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBS). To celebrate the achievements of the accomplished group of Littles, BBBS Staff and Bigs presented the graduating Littles with awards and certificates before enjoying the celebratory lunch. One graduating Little Sister stood out in particular. Shelley, an 18-year-old Little who had been matched with her Big Sister Angela for more than 11 years, got quite a unique honor following the graduation ceremony. In celebration and recognition for being part of the …
