10 Little Suggestions for April
April. A month of pastel colors and decorated eggs. One that kicks off by celebrating jokes and pranks and wraps up with Easter and Earth Day. During the fourth month of the year, settle in to spring and have some fun with your Little. Here are 10 #LittleSuggestions for April.
Big and Little Tell Their Story at NFL Annual Meeting
As a part of their new “Inspire Change” campaign, the NFL invited Big Brothers Big Sisters to be a part of their Annual Meeting. Big Brother Chris and Little Brother Tyrese, a “Bigs in Blue” match, traveled from Miami to Arizona to tell their story. Off stage, they were star-struck as they met players, coaches, owners, and legends. On stage, they brought those same stars to tears.
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10 Little Suggestions for March
March. A month filled with green and madness. Home to both Opening Day and the first day of spring. A month with suessical and mathematical holidays. A month to internationally celebrate women, roll back time, and say goodbye to winter. The third month of the year is a great one to help grow your relationship with your Little and maybe blossom new interests and hobbies. Here are ten #LittleSuggestions for March.
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Maroon 5 Donate $500,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters Ahead of Super Bowl Halftime
Maroon 5 have teamed with the NFL and Interscope Records to donate $500,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America just days before the group is slated to take the stage as halftime performers at Sunday’s Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta. A spokesperson for the Adam Levine-led group confirmed the donation to Billboard on Tuesday (Jan. 29), with a spokesperson for BBBS sharing a statement from the organization’s president and CEO Pam Iorio.
NFL Launches Inspire Change Initiative, Advancing National Conversation, Progress on Social Justice
The National Football League today announced the launch of the Inspire Change initiative, showcasing the collaborative efforts of players, owners and the league to create positive change in communities across the country. The joint NFL players-ownership committee recently approved two new social justice grants. The grants were issued to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and Operation HOPE. BBBSA will use the funding to support agencies across the country as they create long-term mentoring relationships that empower youth to reach their full potential and help communities connect across racial and economic divides. Operation HOPE will utilize the funds in support of their nationwide work within underserved communities to equip young people and adults with the financial tools and education to secure a better future.
A message from the CEO: My mentor story
He taught me early on that one competes with oneself, not others, and to compete without making excuses. Throughout my life, when I face challenges, I think of Coach Barnes, and his advice to “run faster.”
BBBSA President and CEO Pam Iorio Honored by People Magazine as one of 25 Women Changing the World in 2018
People Magazine published its annual list of “25 Women Changing the World,” on November 2, and the list includes our President and CEO, Pam Iorio. While the headline may be “25 Women Changing the World,” we see the story as how Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, our Bigs, and our partners are working together to change their communities.
How does Big Brothers Big Sisters help Kasaius?
Matching
When Big Brothers Big Sisters works to match a Little with a Big, we take into account the needs, personality, interests, and goals of both the child and the adult volunteer. We introduce the Little and his or her family to the Big slowly and make sure everyone is fully committed to the match before it is made official. Little Brother Kasaius is outgoing and up for anything, so he needed a Big who was creative and had a variety of interests.
Relationship Management
Children like Kasaius get the most out of their one-to-one relationship with their Big when the Big, the parent or guardian, and the child talk openly with their Match Support Specialist. Working as part of the team helping the child succeed, the Match Support Specialist can help identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and connect the family with essential services.
Activities
When Kasaius’ Big Brother saw the email from BBBS saying that there were spots open in a free acting class, he jumped at the chance to take Kasaius. BBBS affiliates across the country provide activities for Bigs and Littles and also alert Bigs to opportunities in the community. This enables Bigs to get to know other Bigs, who might be experiencing similar things and who might have great suggestions for more new activities.
Screening and Training
Child safety is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ highest priority. To achieve the highest standards possible, we work constantly to review and strengthen our background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge. We also make sure our Bigs and our staff have the training and resources they need to help Littles on their path to success.