Plant City – Last month, Big and Littles in our mentoring program were asked to assume the role of CEOs for the day and toured City Furniture’s expansive showroom and warehouse. Andrew Koenig, City Furniture CEO, spoke to the group and gave a glimpse into the operations of the entire facility to engage future entrepreneurs and leaders. Thanks, City Furniture, for the behind-the-scenes look during the Big Hearts and Little CEO tour!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay was chosen as an honoree for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2023 One Tampa Bay Award. Criteria for nonprofits focused on program efficacy, operating expenses, and strategic vision of the agency. Local businesses that engage in philanthropy and who embody corporate social responsibility will also be honored. The staff and volunteers The Tampa Bay Business Journal has celebrated nonprofits and philanthropy through its Nonprofit of the Year awards since 2005. Click here to meet all fifty of this year’s nonprofit and corporate honorees of the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2023 One Tampa Bay Award.
On October 5 at the Tampa River Center, WEDU PBS and Ernest Hooper from United Way Suncoast hosted leaders, volunteers, and sponsors to celebrate and honor the critical work of various nonprofits in our community. One of our Big Brothers, Darrell, was selected by our program staff to be filmed by WEDU PBS about his experiences as a volunteer and recognized at this special event. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay thanks Darrell, his Little Brother, and all of our friends at WEDU PBS!
See event photos below and watch Darrell’s WEDU PBS video highlight here.
Our National office recently announced the return of the BBBSA Youth Equity and Empowerment Scholarship with support from the Deloitte Foundation! The scholarship program will provide young people with financial support for college and credentialing programs. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America will award post-secondary scholarships to young people through the BBBSA Youth Equity and Empowerment Scholarship—with support from the Deloitte Foundation. This scholarship opportunity will help create pathways to opportunity for the workforce of tomorrow. Young people currently enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters during the 2023-2024 academic year as well as those formerly enrolled, are encouraged to apply.
Eligible applicants are:
Eligibility is limited to students with career interests and academic pursuits in one of the following areas:
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About The Deloitte Foundation
The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.
Gamma Zeta Lambda Initiative Strengthens Big Brothers Big Sisters Partnership
Innovative Program Serves as a Model for Serving Local Youth and Growing BBBS Mentoring Matches
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Gamma Zeta Lambda Chapter (GZL/Tampa Alphas) celebrates the second year of an expanded partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (BBBS of Tampa Bay).
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Go-To-High-School, Go-to-College, in 2022, GZL launched the dual-purpose Alpha Phi Alpha 100 Hours Initiative in Tampa. It’s a campaign to strengthen the fraternity’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS) national partnership by increasing the number of Alphas signing up to become Bigs while developing a pipeline of young men for the chapter’s Men of Tomorrow (M.O.T) program, which offers opportunities for personal development, academic enrichment, and college readiness activities through 12th grade.
Gamma Zeta Lambda pledged to match with nine and ten-year-olds who, after spending 100 one-to-one mentoring hours with their Alpha mentor in BBBS community-based program, will be positioned to get involved with M.O.T. Studies show that formal mentoring relationships improve or maintain outcomes in areas from school attendance and academic performance to socialization with peers and self-confidence. The 100 Hours Initiative is a forward step in meeting the critical need for Black role models in the communities we serve.
For their increasing impact and introducing innovative ways for Alpha Phi Alpha to scale partnerships across the country, GZL received the inaugural Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Chapter of the Year Award at the 97th Anniversary General Convention in Dallas, TX.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Gamma Zeta Lambda Chapter was chartered in Tampa, Florida, in 1945 and has run the Men of Tomorrow program collaboratively with the GZL Educational Foundation since 1987.
Submitted by:
Brothers Jake Earl and Antwan Key
Gamma Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
August 26, 2023 | Gamma Zeta Lambda Chapter, Tampa, FL
UPDATE: Have made a total of 32 connections so far thanks to Alpha Phi Alpha Gamma Zeta Lambda and other community members. The majority of the children on our waiting list are boys in need of a positive male role model to serve as a mentor and friend.
With 1 in 3 kids growing up without a mentor, from August 1 through November 9, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is searching for 100 Men in 100 Days to volunteer and become a mentor to a boy in need of a positive role model. An overwhelming number of kids on our waiting have requested a Big Brother, or mentor, to connect with. While many of our Littles have at least one caring parent or guardian at home, studies show that a formal mentoring relationship improves or maintains outcomes in areas such as school attendance, academic performance, socialization with peers, and self-confidence. To aid in our quest for 100 Men, we’re sharing some basics on what it takes to be a volunteer Big Brother with BBBS of Tampa Bay:
Consistency is Key
The kids in our programs need stability and positivity. Keep your promises; show up when you say you’re going to show up. Throughout the relationship, simply being there is really what it’s all about. We understand there might be some hesitancy to join, but we match you with a Little Brother based on shared interests to ensure the relationship feels as natural as possible.
Use Your Resources
As a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, you have access to various resources such as conversation starters and invitations to exclusive Match events (see your match support team member and look in your Promotions folder email) where you’ll meet other volunteer Bigs. Your assigned Match Support Specialist (MSS) will check in with you, your Little Brother, and your Little Brother’s family member. This helps ensure the match continues to be sustainable and positive for all parties involved.
Why Volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay?
One benefit of mentoring with BBBS is flexibility. You choose when and how you volunteer with BBBS of Tampa Bay. Depending on the program, you’re required only to commit 4-8 hours per month or about every other week for 12-15 months minimum. You’re not only changing the life of your Little but you’re also bound to learn things about yourself. Mentoring really is a two-way street! Are you ready to be one of the 100 Men by doing something BIG for a Little?
Let’s Get Started
In 2022, more than 2,096 children were paired with caring adult mentors throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando, Marion, Sumter, and Alachua counties. Do something BIG for a Little in your community. Learn how to become a Big and be a positive, supportive mentor for youth in the greater Tampa Bay area at a Virtual Big Orientation & Training session. View the schedule to get started making an impact on local youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay now!
Back-to-School season is here, and with it comes the final days of summer. If you and your Little are looking for fun activities as they transition back to class, we’ve got you covered!
New School Year Goals: It’s the start of a brand new school year! Help your Little write a list of a few goals they would like to work on this school year (i.e. read a book each week, join a club, organize backpack before bedtime, etc.)
Make Suncatchers: Brighten up your windows with homemade suncatchers! Learn to make handprint or leaf suncatchers.
Make a Gratitude Jar: Decorate and label a large jar together. Put notes inside with something you each are thankful for. Once the jar is full, take the notes out and read them together.
Create Your Own Board Game: Do you have a Little who enjoys playing board games? Grab some craft materials and work together to create your own fun board game!
Visit a Local Fire Station: Contact the fire department administration office to make an appointment for a station tour and chance to ask some questions about becoming a firefighter.
Make Book Covers: Purchase a couple of composition notebooks plus project supplies, and teach your little how to make fabric or paper book covers. Google instructions and get creative!
Create an “Animal Book”: Using a binder or folder with paper, research a new animal each time you get together. Write down interesting facts, try your hand at drawing, and include other creative ideas for creating your own book about animals. You can pick animals in alphabetical order or however you see fit!
Fly a Kite: Pick up a kite from the store or make your own. Then, help your little release it into the air at the beach, a park, or the backyard.
Learn How to Play Disc Golf: Go to your local park and play disc golf with your little! Click here to view the rules of the game!
Back-to-School/Hope in the Park: August 4th from 5pm to 7pm at 1875 Nursery Rd, Clearwater, FL 33764 Join Clearwater First Church of Nazarene for our Back 2 School Bash/HOPE IN THE PARK (we will be in the Gym – in air conditioning this month!!), School Supplies (while supplies last – child MUST be present), Games, FREE COMMUNITY DINNER, FOOD ASSISTANCE (while supplies last; no documentation needed) and lots of Family Fun (Free Inflatable, Games in the Gym). This event is for ALL AGES! Invite a friend! Click here for more details.
Back-to-School Bash: August 6th all day at Clearwater Beach Retreat Complex (69 Bay Esplanade, 51 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, FL 33764) Get pumped for going back to school by playing games, eating some delicious barbeque and listening to live music at Morningside Recreation Center. Click here for details.
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway: August 6th from 10 am to 11 pm at 1510 NW 4th St Ocala, FL 34475 To prepare for the new school year, join the community as students are handed free drawstring bags filled with school supplies. Click here for more details.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: July 25th-August 7th Purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2022 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. Qualifying items include- learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less; most school supplies selling for $50 or less; clothing, footwear, and accessories selling for $100 or less; computers and accessories (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use) selling for $1500 or less.
Tarpon Springs First Friday: August 5th from 6pm to 10pm at 324 E. Pine St Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 A free family event held the first Friday of the month- featuring art, food, shops, and music, with a fun theme every month!
Wawa Summer Fun Day at Bok Tower: August 4th & 5th from 8am to 5pm at 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, 33853 Bok Tower Gardens, in association with Wawa, is offering complimentary admission on the first Thursday and Frida of August and September. Click here for more details.
St. Pete Second Saturday Art Walk: August 13th all day at 2955 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Every second Saturday of the month studios and galleries all over St. Pete swing open their doors, inviting anyone and everyone to check out their latest work for free! Meet the artists and gallery owners during this casual, festive evening as over 40 studios and galleries in the five Art Districts come together as one arts destination. Click here for more details.
Here are some free and low-cost activities and community resources for your Little and their family. Remember, your local county library will have options to access digital and physical books and movies.
Heading outside? Use SPF (no matter your complexion.) All skin tones need protection from UVA/B rays. Keep hydrated; bring refillable water bottles. Stay in the shade. Wear a hat.
July 1-7 various Firework Displays around the area including the cities of Tampa and St Petersburg
July 11 – Complete physicals and free backpacks with supplies. Various sites and times across Pasco. Find details here.
July 29 – Florida Technical College is offering free backpacks and more at every campus, including Lakeland campus, Kissimmee campus and Orlando campus. Sign up here.
July 29 The Bullard Family Foundation’s Annual Back to School Bash. FREE to all K-12 Hillsborough students. 9AM-1PM at Raymond James Stadium. Learn more here.
Do you need some ideas for things to talk to your Little about? Check out our May Conversation Starters to help you and your Little learn about new topics and discover new hobbies and interests.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month – Learn more about the history, contributions, and global impact of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with your Little.
National Bike Month – Does your Little know how to ride a bike? When did they learn? How often do they ride? Discuss Bike Safety. Research the Tour De France and famous cyclists.
National Photograph Month – Try a Picture Scavenger Hunt. You and your Little come up with a list of things to take photos of and share via Video Chat or email. Your list might include: An Animal, A Person, A Plant, An Action Shot, a Fruit or Veggie, A Selfie, A Building, Something from the Kitchen, Something that has a shadow, something that has texture, etc.
National Salad Month – Do a salad challenge: Can your Little eat 5 Salads in May? What are your favorite kinds of salads? Does Fruit Salad count as a salad? How about Tuna Salad or Chicken Salad?
May 1st is May Day – Research May Day together. Do you or your Little celebrate this holiday? Is it a Holiday we should celebrate more?
May 2nd is National Fitness Day – Why is fitness so important? What do you do to stay fit? Brainstorm some fun ways to stay fit physically, emotionally, and mentally.
May 5th is Cinco De Mayo – Do you or your Little celebrate Cinco de Mayo? What do you do to celebrate? Check out this video from PBS Kids.
May 5th is National Teacher’s Day – Why are teachers so important? If you were a teacher, what would you teach? Do teachers get enough appreciation for all that they do? Why or Why not?
May 7th is World Athletics Day – What is your favorite sport to play and to watch? Check out this article from Sports Retriever about unique sports that you probably haven’t heard of.
May 9th is Mother’s Day – Do you or your Little celebrate Mother’s Day? What traditions do you have? If you had all the money in the world, what would you do for your mom to show her that she is special?
May 11th is National Technology Day – Make a list of available technology today that wasn’t available when Big was young. Make another list of technology that wasn’t available when someone in their 40s, 60s, 80s was a kid. What piece of technology do you think you could live without if you had to?
May 15th is National Endangered Species Day – Research some of the critically endangered species on the World Wild Life list. Why do animals become endangered? What can people do to keep animals from going extinct?
May 23rd is World Turtle Day – Check out these turtle facts from Petco. Would you consider a turtle for a pet? How many different kinds of turtles are there?
May 26th is Sally Ride Day – Learn about Sally Ride together from Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls. Would you like to be the first at something? Would you travel to space?
May 31st is Memorial Day – Why is Memorial Day important? Watch this video from Homeschool Pop to learn more facts about Memorial Day.
Do you want to learn what it takes to become a Big? Learn more at our Big Orientation & Training info session. View the schedule.
Big Sister Cheryl & Little Sister Destynee have been matched in our Community-based program since December 2016. They have grown close to each other over the duration of their match, and they have been a consistent support for each other through life’s transitions and trying times during the pandemic. Destynee views Cheryl as an important person in her life, and a safe person for her to speak to and spend time with. Cheryl describes Destynee as a social butterfly who likes to cheer up those around her!
They both enjoy bird watching and eating at IHOP and Denny’s. Destynee’s reading skills have improved; Cheryl noticed Destynee was able to read and play the activity games on IHOP’s children’s menu. Further strengthening Destynee’s reading skills, she started reading more books after realizing she could get a prize at the library for every book she reads. When Destynee and Cheryl cannot see each other in person, they video chat with one another. Destynee often uses that time to practice her YouTube influencer skills and shows Cheryl her evening routine activities.
Cheryl stays engaged with our agency and goes above and beyond in advocating for BBBS with other potential volunteers. Cheryl consistently and intentionally shows up for Destynee; their match is a great example of how mentoring can positively impact a young person’s life.
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