2009…. A YEAR OF CHALLENGE …. A YEAR OF HOPE

     The poet, Langston Hughes, asked “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun, does it fester like a sore, or does it explode?” For many kids living in poverty, who are socially isolated, or have an absence of a strong adult support system or adult role models outside of their immediate families, dreams are few and the pathway to success is hidden from their view. These vulnerable young people are who we serve at Big Brothers Big Sisters.

     Despite staff layoffs and furlough days at Big Brothers Big Sisters to help  manage diminished revenue, nearly 1,800 vulnerable children were shown how far they can go and helped to find their pathway toward happiness and success by caring volunteer mentors. Kids served by Big Brothers Big Sisters stayed out of trouble, stayed in school, improved their school attendance and grades, learned valuable life skills, and gained a sense of hope for their futures. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds stepped forward and touched the life of a young person with their guidance, compassion, and desire to help one kid to find their way. As a Big Brother recently told me, “I am just passing on what was passed on to me.” 

     Individuals, businesses, churches, foundations, and United Ways in Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties continued to provide amazing financial support of our proven model of preparing young people for successful adulthood. Support of our Benefit Dinner, “Bowl for Kids’ Sake”, Champions for Children Celebration, and Fire & Ice Gala and operational and specialized grants for serving children of incarcerated parents, faith based partnerships, career exploration for girls, school success and work force readiness programs has allowed us to play an important part in developing the youth of our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters community supporters clearly understand that feeding the spirit of children is as important as feeding their bodies. Thanks to each of you for helping Big Brothers Big Sisters to build stronger children, families, neighborhoods and communities during 2009.

     As we enter 2010, our goal will be to attract even more community investors to support our efforts to connect even greater numbers of vulnerable youth with role models and mentors. We ask for your continued support and ask you to invite others to join us in our work to help kids succeed through corporate and individual gifts and of course the gift of time to a child. On behalf of the kids, thanks for all you do.

- Peter Tripp, Executive Director

our impact on children Bigs and Littles have fun together — and create memories that last a lifetime. We call it “Little moments … Big magic.” Research points to the powerful, positive, lasting impact Bigs have on children’s lives. Littles are: 99% are not involved in delinquent activites 98% do not use drugs or alcohol 85% have greater self-confidence 88% show greater trust toward adults 80% have better attitudes toward school 78% get better grades 77% have developed a better sense of their future Learn more about our proven impact » Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters »

real life stories Tiffany has been an inspirational force to Akia, helping her boost her self-esteem and confidence. Little sister Akia never thought about her future, but since Tiffany has become involved with her, she now dreams about her graduation from high school and plans to go on to college.  She will be the first in her family to go to college.  Dan Lomasney is a busy young man but makes time weekly to spend time with his Little Brother, Tyshon. Tameka, Tyshon’s mother, says that Dan is “awesome, and Tyshon always looks forward to spending time with Dan.” She says she couldn’t ask for a better big brother for her son, Tyshon. Real stories of Bigs and Littles » Want to share your story? E-mail Janene at janeneweis@bbbsmi.org to find out how you and your Big or Little can be featured on our website.