Sister to Sister Program

Overview
BBBS’ Sister-to-Sister (S2S) program transforms the lives of young women by providing the tools (life skills), incentives (college scholarships) and guidance (mentoring) needed to break the cycle of generational poverty. It is designed to empower economically disadvantaged girls ages 11-17 with the confidence and skills needed to make healthy decisions. A special emphasis is placed on teenage pregnancy prevention. After 10 years and hundreds of participants, Sister-to-Sister is proud to report a 100 percent success rate in preventing teen pregnancies amongst participants, especially amidst the state with the highest teenage birthrate in the nation.

Mission
The mission of S2S is to promote healthy decision-making skills in young women, particularly in the area of preventing teen pregnancy. We do so by offering monthly events aimed at fostering self-esteem, positive body image, confidence, better communication skills, and a stronger sense of the future.

Activities
Sister-to-Sister events include an array of social, educational, and community service activities that encourage young women to strengthen their assets and develop competencies they need to master the challenges of adolescence and become healthy, responsible adults. These activities address issues ranging from self-esteem and body image to healthy relationships and communication skills. Sister-to-Sister events expose matches (Big and Little Sister) to topics that are often difficult to discuss, paving the way for Bigs to connect with their Little Sisters on issues that are relevant and essential to their development.


November Events

Sister-to-Sister: Urban Roots (girls 11-17)
Saturday, November 7, 1-3 p.m.

Join Sister-to-Sister as we learn more about YouthLaunch’s Urban Roots, a youth development program that uses sustainable agriculture as a means to transform the lives of young people and increase the access of healthy food in Austin. We will take a tour of the Urban Roots farm and farm interns will lead us in educational activities and games to learn more about the benefits of farming and eating fresh food.  Also, Urban Roots will be accepting applications for farm interns this fall, a paid position for 14-17 year olds, so now is a great time to introduce your Little Sister to the organization!  For more information on Urban Roots, please visit their website www.youthlaunch.org/programs/urbanroots.php. Please direct all questions and RSVPs to Match Support Specialist Jeni Brazeal at 512.807.3633 or jbrazeal@bigmentoring.org. Last day to RSVP will be Friday, Nov. 6. 

For location of all events, please contact Jeni at the contact information below.

GirlsNow! Conference
Saturday, November 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

GENaustin’s Girls Now! Conference is a one day event which explores the issues of Bullying, Body Image, and Being a Girl.  Created just for girls (5th -12th graders), with programming for parents, educators and social workers, this conference contains dynamic, interactive workshops focused on issues such as cyber bullying, self-image, dating, diversity, media literacy, parent-daughter relationships and physical health and wellness.  The conference is a one-day event devoted to connecting girls and adults who have questions with resources and experts who have answers.

For more information and to find out how to register for the conference, please contact Jeni Brazeal or jbrazeal@bigmentoring.org or (512) 807.3633.

Sister-to-Sister Focus Group
Thursday, November 19, 6:30 p.m.

The Sister-to-Sister Focus Group is a way for Big Sisters who are involved in the program (or would like to get involved) to give us an idea of how you would like to see Sister-to-Sister develop in the future. What do you find helpful or unhelpful? What types of activities would you like to see on our agenda? How would you run the program if you were in charge? Please come and share your ideas on Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the BBBS conference room. All Big Sisters and guardians in Sister-to-Sister eligible matches (girls 11 and up) are welcome. Please direct all questions and RSVPs to MSS Jeni Brazeal at jbrazeal@bigmentoring.org or (512) 807.3633.

December Event

Sister-to-Sister: Trail of Lights (girls 11-17)
Thursday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.

Come celebrate the holiday season under the lights!  In December, join Sister to Sister as we take a walk through Zilker Park’s magnificent Trail of Lights.  We will meet at the front entrance where we will learn winter carols and sip on hot cocoa.  At 7 p.m., we will head through the trail to see the beautiful light displays and sing our hearts out.  As always, Sister-to-Sister events are open to all Little Sisters over the age of 11 and their Big Sisters or a female relative. 

Please direct all questions and RSVPs to MSS Jeni Brazeal at jbrazeal@bigmentoring.org or (512) 807.3633. Last day to RSVP will be Wednesday, December 16.

Contact Information

Jeni Brazeal
512-807-3633
jbrazeal@bigmentoring.org