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Aug 17
Match Big Lisa and Little Robin

Match Story: Robin & Lisa

By Match Stories

Big Lisa and Little Robin reached their fourth match anniversary this August! Since the beginning of their match, Lisa has supported Robin in her school work. Lisa even gave Robin a few pointers to help her stay organized and improve her grades, especially math. Lisa helped Robin transition to high school last year, empowering Robin to feel confident in her potential to succeed. Robin finished the school year with all A’s and B’s in her classes and even made it on the honor roll! Robin is excited to graduate from high school in a few years and feels she will most likely attend college in the future.

Robin feels that Lisa is a positive role model in her life. Not only does Robin enjoy spending time with her Big, but she also feels very close to Lisa. When not hitting the books, these two enjoy watching movies at the theatre, going out to eat, and attending outings hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters. During the pandemic, Lisa and Robin didn’t miss a beat. They stayed in touch via phone calls and texts so their friendship could continue to grow until they could see each other in person again.

As Robin continues to attain her goals and reach her fullest potential, there is no doubt that Lisa will be there to support her!

Defend the potential of youth in our community by supporting our one-to-one mentoring programs. Make a donation or volunteer as a mentor today!

Jul 15

Match Story: Justin & Alan

By Big Futures, Match Stories, School-to-Work

Little Justin and Big Alan met as a School-to-Work match at Nielsen in 2017, where Justin would visit his Big at his workplace to learn post-graduation and professional skills. Justin was interested in computers and technology, so he was a perfect fit to be matched at Nielsen because they use technology to gather information on audiences with media insights.

Alan was an excellent listener when Justin needed someone to talk to about his plans after high school and what was going on with his life. And Alan was excited to show Justin the ropes at his workplace. After graduating high school, Justin and Alan chose to enroll in Big Futures so that Big Brothers Big Sisters and Alan could continue to support Justin in his goal of attending college.

Justin was grateful to have Alan as a support system these past four years. Justin’s family fell on hard times and struggled both before and during the pandemic. Even when Justin had challenges enrolling into Hillsborough Community College (HCC) for a year, Alan was there for him throughout the process, and Justin was finally able to register!

Today Justin has completed his first year at HCC and made the Dean’s List studying Computer Science. He hopes he will get all As and Bs in his next semester and stay on the Dean’s List.

Defend the potential of youth in our community by supporting our one-to-one mentoring programs. Make a donation or volunteer as a mentor today!

Jul 10
A young African American girl smiles at the camera wither her hands in the air

The ACEs Conversation

By Resources

Domestic violence, parental neglect or mental illness, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse are all examples of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Unfortunately, 45% of kids in America will endure exposure to one ACE before they turn 18. Alarmingly, one out of ten has experienced multiple ACEs.

Household dysfunction can have long-term effects on children, especially if no one is there to help them heal from the after-effects of trauma. ACEs are linked to anxiety, depression, chronic pain, diabetes, liver disease, and stroke. Experiencing multiple ACEs can lead to toxic stress and subsequently long-term damage to the brain and body.

That’s why Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay offers training to its volunteers and parents so they can familiarize themselves with the effects of ACEs.

Part of the strategy to building resilience in a child is providing a formal mentoring relationship. Harvard studies show that positive relationships with a parent or caregiver can help buffer a child from the effects of stress. (And the BBBS program model tracks the outcomes of the mentees in our programs.)

Want to show support but are afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing? Remember the acronym CLICC, representing the five supportive gestures: Celebrate, Listen, Inspire, Comfort, Collaborate.

Learn more about healing gestures to affirm children’s experiences here.

Become a Big and be a positive, supportive mentor for a child in our community. Join us for one of our upcoming Virtual Big Orientation & Training info sessions. View our schedule.

 

Additional Resources

How To Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Harvard Infographic and FAQ Guide

Toxic Stress and its Effects on Brain Development

CDC Fast Facts

Neglect and the Early Years of Life (Video)

CDC-Kaiser ACE Study

Jul 02
Aerial view of two girls sitting at a table using an Apple brand computer

Internet Safety in the Summer

By Resources

Now that school is out, kids spend more time in front of their phones and computer screens. Our youth have grown up with the internet and various kinds of technology, but it’s still crucial to remind them about online risks and how to avoid or report unsafe behavior.

Talk to kids about online safety issues, such as inappropriate websites to avoid, malware, fraud, phishing scams, and sexual predators. Keep an open dialogue with your kids about their safety and what they are doing on the computer and smartphone.

Set clear rules about internet and phone usage. Some examples are:

    • Do not give out personal information. Avoid using birthdates, legal name or other identifiers in handles
    • Do not post your photo on public sites.
    • Do not open emails, texts, or DMs from someone you don’t know. If they claim to know you but the message seems strange, show it to a trusted adult.
    • Always report inappropriate messages to a trusted adult
    • Ignore or delete hurtful, insulting, or bullying messages and comments
    • Never agree to meet up with someone you’ve only chatted with online
    • Set time limits for being on the computer

Other guidelines for improved internet safety include:

  • Keep kids’ computers in a common area to monitor activity
  • Check your child’s browser history
  • Activate privacy features within the internet browser and all devices
  • Know your children’s passwords and change them regularly. Again, avoid using birthdates or easily guessed information.
  • Watch for changes in behavior that may indicate cyberbullying or contact with an online sexual predator.
  • Monitor chats within live streams on Twitch, YouTube, and gaming platforms

Technology has enhanced the way we learn and communicate, but we also have to adapt the way we keep our kids safe while online. We’ve included some online safety tips below:

CDC: Information on Safety in the Home & Community

Child Safety Tips & Resources

Internet Safety for Kids

Jun 25

BBBS Tampa Bay to Receive Funding from ECMC Foundation Employee-Directed Grant Program

By Big Futures, In The News

GO! Program to provide $1 million to organizations throughout the U.S.

 

As part of an annual program designed to give back to nonprofit organizations nominated by ECMC Group employees in the communities where they live and work, the company’s philanthropic arm, ECMC Foundation, will provide $1 million in grants to 101 nonprofits throughout the country. The grants aim to fill gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic, address educational equity, and provide support to communities during this crucial time.

This year, ECMC Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (BBBS) as part of the 2021 GO! Program (Generating Outcomes: Funding Innovation and Racial Equity in Education). In its seventh year, the program allows each employee under the Foundation’s parent company, ECMC Group, to nominate and vote for local nonprofits to receive grants that support the Foundation’s mission of improving educational outcomes among students from underserved backgrounds.

“The GO! Program is designed to engage all employees in thinking about the mission of ECMC Foundation and how it might be best achieved where they live and work,” said Peter Taylor, president of ECMC Foundation. “We believe in supporting creative and innovative education programs and solutions in employees’ local communities, and we look forward to seeing how these grants help organizations close educational equity gaps during this pivotal time in our nation.”

Grant dollars will fund the Big Futures program at BBBS of Tampa Bay, which serves Alumni Littles, or mentees, up to age 26 and their mentors with additional support and guidance in helping Littles make educational and career choices. The goal of the Big Futures program is that our Alumni Littles will be enrolled, employed, or enlisted after high school to earn a living wage by age 26. The Big Futures program focuses on goal setting and accountability, with resources that align with their goals, skill-building workshops, special events, and developing community relationships that result in unique education and career opportunities for mentees.

“Even as we begin the long road to recovery from the pandemic, nonprofit organizations continue to support our communities, despite experiencing challenges themselves,” said Jeremy Wheaton, president and CEO of ECMC Group. “We are honored that ECMC Foundation continues to contribute in our communities to support the organizations that move the needle on education equity and to serve under-resourced populations of learners.”

 

Jun 22
Green, black, and white logo stating 2020 Quality Award Big Brothers Big Sisters

BBBS of Tampa Bay Receives National Quality Award 2020

By In The News

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Receives 2020 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Quality Award

The accolade acknowledges the agency’s outstanding leadership and staff in implementing mentoring programs for local youth in the 7-county service area.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (BBBSTB) is honored to be awarded a 2020 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Quality Award Winner. The BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council selects agencies every year for excellence in igniting the power and promise of youth with 1-to-1 mentoring and other key benchmarks. Throughout this past year’s challenges, 49 out of the 236 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country received this honor.

“Over the past several months, I’ve heard from agency leaders in rural towns and metropolitan communities, those in the suburbs and every place in between,” said Artis Stevens, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “And there’s one theme I’ve noticed everywhere, and that’s the power of resilience. We congratulate these agencies for earning these top honors. The level of commitment and dedication is outstanding with staff doing all they can to make sure our youth will not only survive these challenging times but thrive.”

The Big Brothers Big Sisters national organization was founded more than 100 years ago and originally sprung from a need to offer an alternative path for youth facing the juvenile justice system. We still partner with the Juvenile Justice Department, but now focus on more proactive methods to keep kids on the right track. Our mentoring programs achieve measurable outcomes, such as academic success, avoidance of risky behaviors, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Our agency is proud to have served more than 2,400 children in 2020.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is to be formally recognized as a 2020 Quality Award Winner at the 2021 Virtual ‘Bigger Together’ National Conference held June 28 –July 1, 2021.

Jun 17
Match Story Calub, Mark & Craig

Match Story: Calub, Mark & Craig

By Match Stories

Meet Big Couple Mark and Craig with their Little Brother Calub. Despite only being matched since November 2020, these three have made so many great memories! When they first met, Calub didn’t know how to swim, so they decided to make this a goal they could work on together. Calub has already gained a lot of confidence in and around the water, jumping boldly into the pool.

When Mark and Craig pick up Calub for their outings, Calub climbs in their car and starts singing songs. Since they met in November, it started with Christmas songs, but Calub also likes to sing country music. The radio doesn’t even have to be on for Calub to start singing, and the Big Couple will join in when they hear a familiar tune.

Mark and Craig feel it is essential to start talking about college so that Calub knows he can achieve his goals, but when asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Calub says he wants to be Santa Claus!

Mark and Craig see Calub usually every other week, although if it were up to Calub, they would be getting together every week. Through their consistency and being paired so well, Mark, Craig, and Calub have many exciting adventures ahead!

Jun 17
Match Story Anthony & Frank

Match Story: Anthony & Frank

By Match Stories

Big Brother Frank and Little Brother Anthony have been matched for over three years, since July of 2018.

After Frank and Anthony met, Anthony moved into a foster home. But no matter what happens in Anthony’s life, his Big Brother Frank has always been there for him. Before COVID, they would see each other consistently at least twice a month. They would attend BBBS match events, such as fishing clinics and pumpkin carvings, plus bowling and putt-putt golf. When they had to put a pause on in-person activities, Frank continued to call Anthony every week. Frank wanted Anthony to know that his Big Brother would always be there for him.

Frank has found creative ways to keep Anthony engaged over the phone with science experiments and writing short stories. Anthony was so excited to share these fun activities with his Match Support Specialist and even gave them step-by-step directions for the experiment. Lately, the two have gotten back into writing short stories with their most recent short story called “Living Tacos.” Anthony dictated the five-page story over several phone calls, and Frank helped him by typing it up.

The story is about a magic chef who creates living tacos that get kidnapped and taken to the moon by an evil wizard. But the magic chef makes another special living taco named David and sends him to the moon to rescue the others! In the end, David the special taco realized “a great truth, that evil cannot defeat evil. Only love can defeat evil!”

Frank’s relationship with Anthony has empowered Anthony to remain resilient despite the challenges he has faced. Anthony knows his Big Brother will always be a consistent friend, no matter what. Frank was excited to get vaccinated so that he and Anthony could plan their first outing in over a year. Both are excited to see each other again because no matter what they do together, these two always manage to have fun!

Anthony is truly on his way to reaching his fullest potential with support from his Big Brother Frank. Want to be a shoulder to lean on for a kid in our community? Become a mentor or Big, and you can help a child like Anthony reach their full potential with just a few hours of your time each month.

 

Jun 07
Back of a black hat with the word Equality in white bold text and rainbow stripe above and below

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

By Resources

June is LGBTQ Pride Month! BBBSTB is proud to be an inclusive and diverse organization supporting the LGBTQ community. If your Little comes out to you during your match, it’s very important to support and care for them through their journey. First, learn what coming out means. “Coming Out” is a commonly used phrase we hear when describing an individual’s LGBTQ journey. “Coming Out” refers to the process an LGBTQ person goes through as they work to understand and accept their sexual orientation or gender identity — and share that identity openly with other people. Someone who is coming out might not ever come out to certain family members or individuals, and it’s critical to always respect this choice.

Below are some helpful tips on how you can respond as a good Ally:

Acknowledge your own feelings (internally!)
Thank them for disclosing to you.
Reinforce that you are trustworthy (acknowledge the risk they are taking by confiding in you.)
Tell them that you care about them.
Ask what you can do to support them.
Ask who else knows.
Keep it private and confidential.
If you are unsure of how to respond, simply say, “Thank you for sharing this with me. This is new to me but I care about you and I will continue to be here for you.”

You don’t have to have all the answers if your Little discloses being LGBTQ, just make sure they walk away feeling like they made the right decision by coming out to you. Click here for some important information and resources for LGBTQ+ Youth and Friends/Supporters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay supports diversity. We support the LGBTQ community and encourage volunteers from all walks of life to apply as a mentor for youth in our community. Do you want to learn how to become a Big? Attend our Big Orientation & Training info session. View the schedule.

 

Jun 01
Conversation Starters

June Conversation Starters

By Resources

Do you need some ideas for things to talk to your Little about? Check out our June Conversation Starters to help you and your Little learn about new topics and discover new hobbies and interests. 

LGBTQ Pride Month: Remind your Littles that BBBS is inclusive and welcoming of all people. Do you or your Little know anyone who identifies as LGBTQ? What challenges have they had in their lives? What can you or your Little do to help support an LGBTQ person who may be struggling? 

National Candy Month: Invent a new kind of candy. Draw a picture of what it would look like. Come up with a crazy flavor together. Chocolate-covered Skittles, maybe?

National Fresh Fruit and Veggie Month: What are your favorite fruits and veggies? What are your favorite recipes or favorite ways of eating them? Check out this list of lesser-known fruits and veggies. Which would you choose to try? 

June 1st is Say Something Nice Day: What was the last compliment you received? What was the last compliment you gave? Here are 7 reasons why you should pay a compliment to someone every day. 

 June 4th is National Cheese Day and National Donut Day: If you had to eliminate cheese or donuts, which would go? What is your favorite kind of donut? What is your favorite type of cheese? What kind of crazy donut would your make?

June 8th is National Best Friends Day: Who is your best friend? How did you and your best friend meet? How long have you known your best friend? Who was your best friend when you were a kid? Why is it important to have a best friend?

June 14th is Flag Day: Learn about flag day. Try this Flags of the World Game. If you had your own flag for your family/neighborhood/ community, what would it look like? Draw a picture of your flag.

June 18th is National Picnic Day: What is your idea of the ultimate picnic? Fresh seafood on a mountain? Dessert buffet in a treehouse? Gourmet hot dogs at the top of the Statue of Liberty? Be creative! 

June 19th is Juneteenth: Do you or your Little Celebrate Juneteenth? If so, how? Check out this video. 

June 20th is Father’s Day: Do you or your Little celebrate Father’s Day? What traditions do you have? If you had all the money in the world, what would you do for your dad (or father figure) to show him that he is special? 

June 21st is World Day of Music: Listen to some music samples from around the world and discuss. Check out these exciting instruments from around the world. 

June 23rd is National Hydration Day: Do a water drinking challenge. Can your Little drink 6 glasses of water in the day? Here are some facts about drinking water. 

June 27th is Helen Keller Day: Learn about Helen Keller together. Here are 8 incredible facts about Helen Keller.

June 30th is Social Media Day: How much time do you/your Little spend on Social Media every day? Every week? Discuss internet safety. Challenge your Little to cut out an hour of social media a day or week and do something creative or read instead.

 

Do you want to learn what it takes to become a Big? Learn more at our Big Orientation & Training info session. View the schedule.

 

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