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Monthly Archives

October 2020

Match Story: Braden, Susan & Charlie

By Match Stories

Little Brother Braden was nine years old when he started the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. His grandmother, Patrice, was adamant she wanted Braden matched with a “younger Big Brother.” Despite the age difference, their Match Support Specialist Linda had an older Big Couple in mind: Susan & Charlie.

At the match introduction meeting, Braden quickly pointed out, “you guys are so old!” Susan & Charlie handled Braden’s comment so well that his grandmother Patrice was open to the match. Now, Braden has been matched with his Big Couple in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over two years!

And COVID has not slowed them for one second. Susan & Charlie email Braden every morning. Once per week, Susan, Charlie, and Braden have a ZOOM hour where they play bingo, trivia, chess, scavenger hunts, and games they create, alternating who picks the activity. Susan & Charlie are quite active; Braden often struggles to keep up with them! Before the pandemic, they would go fishing and hiking. They’ve enjoyed new experiences like escape rooms or visiting patients in a nursing home. They are often seen at Big Brothers Big Sisters events. Plus, Susan & Charlie never miss an awards ceremony at Branden’s school and are always there to cheer him on!

One of Braden’s goals was to understand empathy better, as he struggled to keep friends. He would sometimes make harsh comments that would hurt his friend’s feelings. Susan & Charlie knew Braden had the potential to overcome this obstacle. Braden is learning to think before speaking and when to apologize if he says something hurtful to others. With Susan & Charlie’s help, Braden is reaching his full potential and is learning to be a good friend.

Become a defender of potential and ignite the power and promise of youth in our community.

Support BBBS with a Specialty License Plate

By In The News

There are thousands of children across Florida in need of a mentor. But being a volunteer mentor and role model is only one of the ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.

You can also purchase one of our license plates at your local tax collector’s office. For each plate sold, Big Brothers Big Sisters receives $25 to help kids across Florida develop a firm foundation for a Big Life.

Already have your BBBS specialty plate? Show us how you are #Driving4Potential by sharing a photo on social media!

Big Brothers Big Sisters x Lids

By In The News

From Oct 1, 2020 – Sept 30, 2021, Lids is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters to carry limed-edition, custom embroidery headwear to support mentors for kids that are in need of supportive adult relationships. 

Customers can visit any Lids store with a Custom Lids and choose from approved designs to be embroidered on all headwear, including blank, branded, or team caps. $7 of the purchase per embroidered BBBS hat will go directly to the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission. 

The designs’ proceeds will help recruit Bigs (mentors) and provide on-going support and training to ensure a successful Big/Little relationship.

What a wonderful way to increase awareness about our mentoring program by partnering with Lids,” said Pam Iorio, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “We know our Littles need additional support during these challenging times, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with corporate partners, like Lids, who can share the message, that mentoring has not stopped, and more volunteers are needed to keep kids connected.

Visit a store below to get your custom BBBS Lids headwear!

 

Westfield Brandon Brandon FL 33511
Westfield Countryside Clearwater FL 33761
The Oaks Mall Gainesville FL 32605
Lakeland Square Mall Lakeland FL 33809
Tampa Premium Outlets Lutz FL 33559
Johns Pass Village Madeira Beach FL 33708
Paddock Mall Ocala FL 34474
Tyrone Square St. Petersburg FL 33710
University Mall Tampa FL 33612
Citrus Park Town Center Tampa FL 33625
Westshore Plaza Tampa FL 33609
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