June 2022

Jun 21

Agency Honored with 2021 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Quality Award

By bbbs In The News

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Honored with 2021 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Quality Award

The agency is recognized for outstanding team leadership in providing 1-to-1 mentoring programming for local youth

Tampa, FL June 21, 2022 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has been recognized as a 2022 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Quality Award Winner. Every year, BBBS agencies are recognized by BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of approximately 230 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, BBBS of Tampa Bay is one of 53 organizations to receive this top honor.

“Thanks to everyone who contributed to this great achievement, which is all about our focus on quality at our agency at every turn,” said Stephen Koch, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. “This is really impressive, and I hope everyone recognizes this accomplishment!”

For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being, and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country are finding innovative ways to serve young people and strengthen communities,” said BBBSA President and CEO Artis Stevens. “We congratulate these agencies for leading the way in transforming mentorship for our communities, and most importantly, our young people.”

The Quality Award Winners will be formally recognized at the 2022 Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bigger Together” National Conference, held June 19 through June 22 in Indianapolis.

Jun 16

June 2022 Match of the Month Deb and Yoslayna

By bbbs Match Stories

This heartwarming match story is brought to you by our friends at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

Big Sister Deb and Little Sister Yoslayna have been matched for about one quarter, but they have both dove headfirst into their match! Deb and Yoslayna get together every other weekend and Yoslayna says they have a lot in common, as they both enjoying drawing and going on fun adventures. Deb and Yoslayna are both creative individuals and always incorporate art and creativity into their outings. You can find them making slime, tie dying, or painting landscape across county parks. Other activities the match enjoys include going to the beach, bowling, and reading the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books. Deb and Yoslayna are also working on creating a memory book filled with pictures, momentos, and journal entries from their outings. One of Yoslayna’s goals is to be more decisive. Deb says Yoslayna has been using TikTok and YouTube to give her ideas for activities that the two of them can complete together. The duo tie dyes t-shirts, socks, scrunchies, and even shoelaces!

Deb says her favorite thing about being a Big Sister is the ability to escape the chaos of her own life and focus all of her energy into making sure Yoslayna is having fun and learning. Deb incorporates natural environment teaching and learning into her outings with Yoslayna. When they made slime Deb talked to Yoslayna about the different scents, colors, and textures they created. Deb works on Yoslayna’s reading and critical thinking skills by having her read the instructions for and prepare the crafts they do together. Deb also chats with Yoslayna about her grades and school attendance, instilling a sense of responsibility and self-efficacy into their outings.

Yoslayna says her Big is always telling her jokes to make her laugh. Deb says it’s remarkable how thoughtful her Little Sister is; Yoslayna knows the birthdays of everyone in her family and is a known as phenomenal gift giver. Deb always gushes about how sweet Yoslayna is and how lucky her family is to have her in their lives. Deb says she feels lucky to have Yoslayna in her life too.

Looking to make a positive impact in the life of a child in your county as a Big Sister, Big Brother or Big Sibling? Have questions about mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay? Click here to see the no-pressure FAQ session schedule.

Jun 08

June Match Activities

By bbbs Resources

Summer is here! Now that school is out, you and your Little have three whole months to fill with fun activities. To give you some help coming up with ideas, here are some awesome events and activities you can do with your Little this month! Whether you want to be in the air-conditioning or soaking up the sun, this list has you covered. Check it out and enjoy summer fun with your Little!

Indoor Activities

20 Summer Stem Activities

Summer is here and that means that you and your Little can take your learning outside with Summer STEM Activities! Steam Powered Family has an awesome list of 20 STEM challenges for the summer! Click here to view the list!

Learn Origami

Get an origami book and fun paper. Create animals and shapes. Give them to friends or family as gifts.

Read Your Way to the Ballpark

Since summer is here, now is a great time for you and your Little to do some reading together through the Reading With The Rays program! Click here for more details.

Get a Book of Riddles

Riddles are a great way to keep your mind sharp. See if you can stump each other, then write your own riddles!

Visit a Nursing Home or Retirement Community

Play games, sing songs or have lunch with the residents.

Easy DIY Tie-Dye T-Shirts | Grab some plain white t-shirts and tie-dye ink and make some rainbow-themed tie-dye t-shirts with your Little! Click here to see a fun video on how to make tie-dye t-shirts!

Outdoor Activities

Go Bird Watching

Take photos and keep track of your sightings. Use an app or guidebook to identify different birds.

Easy DIY Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Grab some plain white t-shirts and tie-dye ink and make some tie-dye t-shirts with your Little! Click here to see a fun video on how to make tie-dye t-shirts!

Have a Beach Picnic

The weather is nice and sunny! Go to the beach with your Little and have a picnic!

Collect Rocks and Paint Them

Turn them into pet rocks, garden ornaments, or gifts for others.

Play Sand Volleyball

Play at the beach or check your local parks.

Go Berry Picking

Enjoy fresh or bake them into a pie!

Make Paint Pouring Art

Learn how here

Juneteenth Community Celebration- June 18th

Juneteenth is the commemoration to celebrate the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Juneteenth is known to be a day of reflection and celebration as well as a time to come together and educate one another.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate “Freedom, Hope, and Opportunity.” There will be music, food, games, and free health screenings available for all who attend this free event!

For more details click here

38122 Martin Luther King Blvd, Dade City, FL

The Great Tarpon Springs Scavenger Hunt (City-Wide)- All month long

Hosted by Tarpon Springs Recreation, this is a month-long, city-wide event.

For more details click here

100 E. Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Recurring Events

Yoga In The Park: Every Sunday at 10:30 am at Julian B Lane Riverfront Park. For details click here

First Mondays Presented by American Stage and Creative Pinellas: Starting June 6 through February 2024. A free monthly series of staged readings. For details click here

Children’s Board Free Tuesday: Free admission to Glazer Children’s Museum on the first Tuesday of every month, from 10 am—5 pm. For details click here

Fresh Market at Wiregrass: Select Saturdays each month (June 4th &18th ), featuring 70+ vendors on Paseo Drive at the Shops at Wiregrass. For details click here

Armature Works Run Club: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, enjoy a scenic 5k run on the Riverwalk. All ages and experience levels are welcome. For details click here

Jun 03

My Little Came Out To Me. How Can I Support Them?

By bbbs Resources

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! BBBSTB is proud to be an inclusive and diverse organization supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Should your Little come out to you during your match, it is very important to support and care for them through their journey as an ally. While you might not understand every aspect of being gay or transgender, all that matters is showing your Little that you are in their corner no matter what. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has gathered some resources and tips for you, and your Match Support team is always a text or call away.

Below are some helpful tips on how you can respond:

1. Acknowledge your own feelings (internally!)

2. Thank them for disclosing to you.

3. Reinforce that you are trustworthy (acknowledge the risk they are taking by confiding in you.)

4. Tell them that you care about them.

5. Ask what you can do to support them.

6. Ask who else knows. You do not want to accidentally “out” them.

7. Keep it private and confidential. Again, do not “out” them.)

If you are unsure of how to respond you can say, “Thank you for sharing this with me. This is new to me but I care for you and I will continue to be here for you.”

Our partners at Metro Inclusive Health in Tampa and St Petersburg offer youth socials, hangouts, and summer camps. Youth Programs at Metro Inclusive Health are designed to support the social and emotional empowerment of youth and young adults.

Click here for additional information and resources for LGBTQ+ Youth and Friends/Supporters.