Sunday, November 13, 2011
Influence a life for the better—support and encouragement you can give a child as a Big Brother or Big Sister is a priceless gift.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
- Kathy Martin
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Sunday, November 13, 2011
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. Currently, there are more than 1,000 children waiting for someone to Be There for them during the holidays and beyond, through Big Brother Big Sister programs. 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…
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 16, 2011
Since 1923, United Way has been a steady partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to ensure funding for the agency for more than 70 years.
Since 1923, United Way has been a steady partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to ensure funding for the agency for more than 70 years. And now it is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s turn to give back, as agency staff members participate in fund raising events to help the United Way reach the $71 million goal for this year’s annual campaign. With its network of nearly 200 agencies, the United Way invests $1 million in the community every week to child-care agencies, emergency shelters, food pantries and more. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, this funding enables the agency to Be There for a child who needs a caring adult in their life. Big Brothers Big Sisters promises to Be There for its Littles, and that is exactly what …
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 25, 2011
The full-service real estate company partners with the Rams to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
- Kathy Martin
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Sunday, September 25, 2011
St. Louis Rams Wide Receiver Mike Sims-Walker and Upper End Properties, are expected to join forces in a plan to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. With every touchdown reception by Sims-Walker during the 2011 season, Upper End will donate $1,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. “I think Mike is going to have a big year for the Rams, so we felt that he was the perfect guy to do a promotion like this with” said Cory Spielberg, operating partner of Upper End Properties. Upper End Properties is a full-service real-estate company based in Clayton. If recent history is any barometer, Spielberg’s prediction may prove to be true. The ex-Jacksonville Jaguar has had seven receiving touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. “We all …
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ben Merrill of St. Louis shares his experience as a Big Brother.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
- Jeremy Lieb
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we know that relationships have the power to change and transform lives. With this in mind, we built a relationship model that leverages the most significant adults in a Little’s life—their parents, teachers, Big Brothers or Big Sisters, donors, and our professional program staff—to open the doors of communication and foster the growth of trusting relationships. This model puts the child at the center and highlights the critical but different roles of the team of adults united on the child's behalf. As part of this team, the Big takes on a very special role as not only a mentor, but also as an advocate, cheerleader and friend. One person who understands the importance of this role is Ben Merrill, a junior at …
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A special initiative demonstrates improvements in attendance, behavior and classroom success when children have a mentor.
With temperatures soaring, it is hard to believe that summer is almost winding to an end. But at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re gearing up for back-to-school season. In just over three weeks, it will be time for our Littles to set their alarms, pack up their backpacks and head to school. Back to school has always been a big focus at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each year, our annual school supply fair helps make sure our Littles are equipped with the tools they need for success in the classroom. In addition, we encourage our Bigs to make reminder calls the night before school starts to ensure that Littles arrive on time for their first day. But our job doesn’t end there. These efforts are a great kick start to the school year, but it is …
Sunday, July 24, 2011
There are many reasons I volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. But mostly, I do it just to have fun.
Two weeks ago, over pizza, I asked a simple question, but it was one I hadn’t asked in years. "Do you want to spend the night at my house soon? Would that be cool?" My 11-year-old Little Sister could hardly contain her excitement. Deja's face lit up with a smile, and she clapped her hands. "Yes!" she exclaimed mid-bite. It was all she could talk about as we finished dinner and drove back to her house. Can we swim, she asked. Can we go to the movies? Can we go out to eat? Can we watch a movie at home? Can we play? She was bursting with ideas—so many that I actually had to cut her short and explain that she was only spending one night. We wouldn't be able to do everything on her list. Saturday, Deja and I had a good old-fashioned sleepover …
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 …
Sunday, July 10, 2011
More than 1,000 children are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBS) launched a brand new campaign aiming to recruit 600 new volunteers in six months. "Be There Now" is calling on all of the organization's dedicated supporters to help to generate awareness among their friends and colleagues or become Big Brothers or Big Sisters themselves. With more than 1,000 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister, there’s never been a better time than now to get involved. The impact of having a mentor is incredibly powerful, yet the requirements to become one are easier than you might think: The Littles—the children who need a mentor—merely seek quality time with their Bigs, and activities can range anywhere from playing catch at the park to going to the …
Brian Doolittle
11:24 pm on Sunday, July 24, 2011
This is a fantastic program, and it is so awesome that you are involved at a young age. As a father of a three-year-old, I relish the parts of each day that involve pure joy, silliness and unfiltered, mutual feelings of appreciation for each other's company. You are a better person for this special experience! more ›