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NFL Inspires Change with the Big Draft

By In The News

Big Brothers Big Sisters is teaming up with the NFL to inspire change because now is the time. Although the NFL season is over, our search for potential Bigs is only just getting started.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our mentoring program helps build bridges and break down barriers by pairing one adult volunteer (Big) with one child (Little) and supporting each Big/Little match at every stage. There are currently over 600 local children waiting for a Big. We are launching The Big Draft to recruit more Bigs. We would be thrilled to have your help in sparking excitement for the Big Draft by encouraging volunteers to sign up as Bigs.

You can help by using your voice to be part of the defenders of potential and ensuring the biggest possible future for our youth. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn for updates on the campaign and tag your friends, family, and colleagues who you think would make great Bigs. You can also share our campaign with your social media followers using our The Big Draft social media toolkit. Learn more about The Big Draft at www.bigdraftplaybook.com

 

Get started as a Big by attending a Big Orientation & Training session.

2021 Bigs & Littles of the Year

By Match Stories

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay staff members nominate Bigs & Littles who have shown outstanding growth in our program and truly exemplify what it means to ignite the power and promise of youth. We are proud to announce our 2021 Bigs & Littles of the Year!

 

BIG BROTHER CHRIS & LITTLE BROTHER JAMES

Chris and James

For more than five years, Chris has provided support, guidance, and stability in helping James through some challenging times, including his father‘s passing. Chris enjoyed his relationship with James so much that he joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Board of Directors. And James, now 16, paid Chris perhaps the highest compliment, sharing recently that he hopes to be a Big Brother himself one day.

WATCH

 

BIG SISTER JULIA & LITTLE SISTER MADISON

Madison and Julia

Little Sister Madison was only seven years old when she first met Big Sister Julia and was not quite sure what to think of this new person in her life. Now, after five years of fun and friendship, both agree that their relationship is destined to last a lifetime. And Julia has enjoyed the experience so much that she joined the agency’s Pinellas Leadership Council and has actively helped promote the agency to potential new corporate partners and volunteer mentors.

WATCH

Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

By Resources

Every February, people across the nation come together for events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. Now is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history, contributions, and global impact of the African Diaspora with your Little. We hope these activity suggestions will inspire you and your Little to honor Black History Month and learn more together!

MOVIES TO WATCH:

  • Hidden Figures 
  • Black Panther
  • A Ballerina’s Tale
  • The Princess and the Frog

EASY RECIPES TO MAKE TOGETHER:

BOOKS TO READ:

  • Ages 5-12

Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? by Patrice McLaurin | Journey into the often forgotten contributions of African-American inventors, that contributed to the American landscape. It chronicles the school day of a little boy, highlighting different inventions that he uses throughout the day, all of which were invented by African-Americans. 

  • Ages 8-12

Black Heroes: a Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U. S. A. by Arlisha Norwood | You’re invited to meet ancient Egyptian rulers, brilliant scientists, legendary musicians, and civil rights activists–all in the same book! Black Heroes introduces you to 51 black leaders and role models from both history and modern times. 

  • For your teenaged Littles, click here to see a list of 74 Teen and Young Adult novels written by Black authors!

 

Kenya & Flo

Match Story: Kenya & Flo

By Match Stories

Little Kenya and Big Flo have been matched since February of 2016. They started as a Site-Based match at a local school. When Kenya was suddenly transferred to a different school, Flo and their Match Support Specialist got permission for the match to continue at Kenya’s new school. Flo traveled almost an hour each week to continue her visits with Kenya. And when Flo was traveling abroad for work, she made sure to call Kenya on Saturdays and check-in with Kenya’s mom frequently.

When Flo’s work schedule changed in 2018, she couldn’t continue seeing Kenya during the week. Still, Flo felt that since the match had been together for a long time already, they were ready to transition to the Community-Based program. And Kenya’s mom agreed. Kenya’s Match Support Specialist met her at school to talk about going from Site-Based to Community-Based, and Kenya was so thrilled. “I remember how big her eyes got with excitement!”

Kenya and Flo have been taking full advantage of all the events BBBS offers for our Community-Based program. They have visited our partners at the YMCA several times, where Kenya got to work on her swimming skills. They’ve participated in The Night of Confidence Building with Reach Services and Pinellas Community Church, shopped for Christmas gifts for Kenya’s family thanks to TQL, attended the annual Holiday Skating Party, and much more. The photo above is from the Mike Alstott Football and Cheerleading camp.

They have continued to stay in touch throughout the pandemic by calling and texting each other every Saturday. Kenya has felt overwhelmed at times but always keeps a smile on her face. Her strength and optimism come from the influence of her wonderful Big Sister, Flo.

A Message from Pam Iorio and Artis Stevens of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

By In The News

January 6 was a very sad day for our country. A mob took over the United States Capitol, inciting violence, causing loss of life, and temporarily halting the counting of the electoral votes – a ritual that speaks to the very heart of our democracy.

These destructive actions don’t reflect the ideals of our country or the good conscience of most Americans committed to creating a more perfect union. Unfortunately, Wednesday was not simply about an isolated moment but a climate in our country that can continue to sow division and disruption if we choose to not speak to it, confront the challenges we face, and most importantly, hold up the common respect and values we share as a community.

It is also a stark reminder of why Big Brothers Big Sisters exist; that it’s during our greatest challenges that young people need us most. And that they know there are positive adults and mentors they can talk to and depend on to help them navigate the uncertainties and inequities they encounter in the world.

As mentors, we can take this opportunity to talk with the young people we serve. To encourage them to know that within their world of Big Brothers Big Sisters exists a safe space, where they can honestly express themselves and ask questions about what we are living through and the impact it is having on all of us. Our Bigs provide this safe space for our Littles to process their thoughts and feelings. Our staff are available to provide resources.

How we react to this assault on our democracy can inspire our young people and encourage them to a life of meaningful public service—but it will take all of us as no one organization or one person can do this alone. We need each other more than ever to provide the vital mentoring programs that serve the most vulnerable young people and families in our communities.

Let’s stand together focused on our mentoring mission to shape new generations and inspire the best from our great country and communities for years to come.

We know we are Bigger Together.

Pam Iorio
President and CEO

Artis Stevens
Incoming President and CEO

Step Up and become a Big this National Mentoring Month

By In The News

Did you know that January is National Mentoring Month? National Mentoring Month focuses national attention on the need for mentors and how each of us can work together to ensure positive outcomes for our young people. 

This National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay will be highlighting our Bigs to show how mentoring amplifies change, one relationship at a time. With more than 700 youth across our eight counties waiting to be matched with a Big, the only way to ensure they have someone inspire them to reach their potential is for more adults to step up and volunteer to become Bigs. BBBS Tampa Bay asks people in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, and Alachua counties to defend the potential of our youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Get involved this National Mentoring Month by becoming a volunteer mentor. The first step is to attend a Virtual Big Orientation & Training. You can view the full schedule of Big Orientation & Trainings here.

Follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter. Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to tag a friend who would be a great Big using the hashtag #BBBSMentoringMonth. Visit bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big to learn more.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Mentoring

By Resources

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, about two-thirds of children experience at least one traumatic event by the age of sixteen. Trauma is one or more events or situations that feel physically or emotionally harmful or threatening. Common causes of trauma include child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), grief, being a witness or victim of violence, neglect, war/terrorism, medical trauma, mental illness, bullying in school, or separation from loved ones. Trauma-Informed Mentoring understands and considers the nature of trauma and promotes environments of healing and recovery rather than practices that may inadvertently re-traumatize.

Trauma can cause youth to have intense physical and psychological stress responses. The impact of trauma can have significant effects on the developing brain, such as, the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) which helps us to process thoughts; the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) which helps us to regulate our emotions; and the Amygdala which helps us to regulate fear. Youth suffering from trauma effects can have long-term impacts:

  • Affects the perception of reality
  • Wires brain to expect danger
  • Takes away a sense of safety
  • Triggers flight, fright, or freeze response
  • Creates a sense of helplessness
  • Creates relationship problems
  • Results in serious behavior problems

There is evidence that suggests strong mentoring relationships can help youth to recover and thrive after experiencing trauma. Mentors can help youth build resilience through the following strategies:

Comfort – Be patient and calm. When children are not under stress, try practicing activities that can help them cope when they do feel stress.

Listen – Be open to their ideas and opinions. Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Ask clarifying questions if you’re unsure of what they meant.

Inspire – Ask them who their role models are and what they like about them. Help them focus on what qualities they admire in other people.

Collaborate – Engage them with a step-by-step problem-solving process until you reach a solution.

Celebrate – Encourage trial and error problem-solving skills to teach them how to persevere. Celebrate the process and the effort even when things don’t go as planned.

 

Below are some additional recourses for mentors to learn more about trauma-informed mentoring:

Mnetorvt.org | Bigmentoring.org | SAMHSA.gov | Mentoring.org

 

Mani Jonathan & Joyce

Match Story: Mani, Jonathan & Joyce

By Match Stories

Big Couple Jonathan & Joyce, and their Little, Emanuel (Mani), have been matched for a year and have been going strong from the moment they met each other!

The three have done various activities together from going to the park, biking, visiting downtown Tampa, museums, and many more fun outings. Jonathan & Joyce set out to be positive role models for Mani and ignite his potential to achieve big goals. Since Mani met his Bigs, he has shown great improvements in his grades.

Mani always tells his Match Support Specialist, Jasmine, “ I have the best Bigs, and I’m lucky enough to have two!”. Mani’s mom is thankful that Jonathan & Joyce consistently there for Mani.

Although the pandemic has made it hard for the match to keep their normal routine, the Big Couple still made efforts to check in on Mani through phone calls and video chats. They have also gone on socially-distanced bike rides and practiced math flashcards from a safe distance. They are all glad to have one another to talk to and lean on during these uncertain times.

3 Ways to Support BBBS for #GivingTuesday

By Fundraising Events

#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It started as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. December 1st is your chance to do good for our community. Join our mentoring movement and show your support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on #GivingTuesday!

Make a Donation

The Triad Foundation has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar every individual donation received by our agency up to $50,000!

DONATE

Become a Big

Mentoring relationships protect against the harmful effects of stress and build resilience among children.

VOLUNTEER

Advocate

Use your voice and advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. You will inspire others to give and create a wave of good.

– Follow us on social media & interact with our posts
– Start a Facebook fundraiser
– Post an #Unselfie video to share why supporting #BBBSTB matters to you!
– Use the Instagram donation sticker
– Share this post

Showing Gratitude this Holiday Season

By Resources

2020 has been a challenging year for many due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have all been affected by it in one way or another. We can go on for days about the negative impact the pandemic has had on individuals and our community, which is true, but it’s also important to have gratitude for the positive outcomes that have resulted. Sometimes, looking for the silver lining in negative circumstances can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

In the month of November, gratitude is a common theme that comes up, and it allows us to reflect and to give thanks for the positives in our lives. Examples of positive aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic may include:

  • Increased sense of community—people are coming together in communities.
  • Positive environmental effects — pollution has decreased.
  • Positive relational affects — many people feel more connected or are having deeper relationships with family, friends, & coworkers.
  • Families have been able to spend more quality time together.
  • New technological innovations have occurred.
  • Street crimes have decreased.

This is a great opportunity to open up a conversation and model looking at a positive silver lining with your Little.  Below are some fun activity ideas that you and your Little can do together which may help your Little learn about the importance of thankfulness, mindfulness, and how to better cope with stressors in their lives.

  1. Identify The Positives – Help your Little identify what they have to be grateful for in life.
  2. Create A Gratitude Journal – Gratitude journals are great ways to encourage children and teens to identify and express appreciation in a creative way.
  3. Play A Game of Gratitude Charades – It can be played just like regular charades, but with a twist. Instead of having everyone write down answers to a category, have them think of different ideas related to gratitude.
  4. Perform Random Acts of Kindness – No matter what our situation in life, we can find happiness through practicing kindness to others. Check out this list of 50 simple acts of kindness ideas!
  5. Create A Gratitude Jar – Creating a gratitude jar is a simple, yet effective activity on gratitude. It encourages youth of all ages to take the time to really think about what they are grateful for.

 

Article by Shanice Gooden, Program Quality/Data Integrity Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

 

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