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Resources for our Bigs, Littles & Families during COVID-19

By In The News

Posted March 18, 2020 at 12:00 pm | Updated September 21, 2021 at 5:30 pm


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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay strongly encourages volunteers, parents, and youth who are eligible to get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus to do so at your earliest convenience, if you have not done so already.   These vaccinations are free of charge and now readily available at many Publix, CVS, and Walgreen pharmacies, among other locations.

While this is a personal decision that each of you must make, I want to remind you that getting vaccinated is not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of all that we serve as well as the safety of our agency staff and overall community. While many of our Bigs and Littles have found creative ways to meet virtually and spend time together to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we also recognize the many mental health and other positive benefits of in-person meetings when done safely.  Having in-person meetings is a personal and important decision between each Big, Little, and the parent/legal guardian of the Little. While there is never any guarantee that you will not be infected with the virus every time you step out of your home, as we all know there are reasonable precautions, we can take that will reduce that risk.  Accordingly, when a Big/Little match make this decision to meet in person, here are the steps you (and everyone) are responsible for following:

  • Always Follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines.
    • Your activities can take place outside or at a location following CDC guidelines.
    • You must refrain from physical contact (no hugging, high fives, etc.).
    • You must wash your hands often or use a hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands.
    • You must avoid touching your face.
    • You must wear a mask when meeting unless you are at least 6 feet apart from one another; Big Brothers Big Sisters have masks available for you.
    • You must stay 6 feet or more apart from one another when possible, and
    • If either of you are in a high-risk group for the COVID-19 virus (e.g., either of you have underlying health issues), you should continue to only meet virtually until this pandemic is behind us.
  • Only the Big & Little Can Participate. The activity is to include only the Big and Little (i.e., no friends or other family members).
  • Transporting Littles. Bigs transporting their Little need to maintain as much distance as possible in the vehicle (i.e., all Littles, regardless of age should sit in the backseat of the vehicle and wear a mask). As an alternative, the Big can drive to the Little’s home and go for a walk, play in the yard, bring lunch and have a picnic at a neighborhood park, or the Little’s family may provide transportation to and from an activity if the activity is being held in a public setting;
  • COVID-19 Symptoms. If you have met in person and develop any symptoms such as a fever (even low-grade) or a member of either of your households do, please report this to your Match Support Specialist as soon as possible and discontinue any further outings. If you have been exposed to someone who tests positive for the virus, do not meet for at least two to three weeks.
  • No Requirement to Meet In-Person. Just to be clear, we are NOT requiring matches to meet in-person. Meeting virtually is always an option.

Thank you so much for being such a vital part of Big Brothers Big Sisters and our important mission. If you have any questions, we are here for you! Please reach out to us via your Match Support Specialist here at our agency.  Please stay safe and healthy…. we need you!

Very truly yours,

Stephen A. Koch

President & CEO

 

Staying Connected

Prepare a plan with your Little so you can still stay in touch using FaceTime, Zoom or similar online tools. The FaceTime App is most likely already on your iPhone. Remember that your Littles will have to download/install whatever tool you choose, as well. You can also consider Google Duo and WhatsApp. Schedule time to see your Little just like you would an in-person visit and plan what you will be doing in advance with their parent or guardian. Please discuss all this with your Match Support Specialist if you have questions or problems. We have also created a YouTube playlist with videos on how to use the tools below.

There are many great ways to stay in touch with your Little virtually:

Additional Resources for Staying Connected

Closures

YMCA Suncoast and Tampa Metropolitan YMCA locations will be closed effective Tuesday, March 17th at 9 pm through Sunday, March 29th.

School Closures: As of March 17, 2020, the Florida Department of Education announced that all public and private K-12 schools will be closed through April 15, 2020. All end-of-year testing has been canceled. Parents, below are some educational resources and activities that you may find beneficial to keep your child engaged and throughout the extended break from school.

Resources

Educational Resources

Best Practices to Limit Exposure and the Spread of Coronavirus

Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus

Food Pantries & Meals for Kids

Local Agencies & Updates

Additional Resources

  • Free Access to Spectrum Broadband: Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households
  • Lakeland Electric, Duke Energy, and TECO will not disconnect power for nonpayment amid coronavirus pandemic: Duke Energy announced on Friday it would no longer disconnect customers’ power over nonpayment during the coronavirus pandemic. Lakeland Electric is suspending service disconnections for non-payment until further notice. Tampa Electric announced on Sunday that they will not disconnect customer’s power for nonpayments at least until the end of March.
  • The Disaster Distress Helpline: The Disaster Distress Helpline answers calls and texts related to infectious dis-ease outbreaks. Call or text to connect with a trained counselor 24/7. Call 1-800-985-5990. Spanish-speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for 24/7 bilingual support
  • Department of Workforce Solutions
  • Tampa Metropolitan YMCA Childcare Relief: The YMCAs of Tampa Bay are offering all-day youth relief care for essential workers at 23 Y locations to help support the children of healthcare and emergency response professionals who are playing important roles combating the coronavirus.
  • State of Florida Employ Florida Reemployment Benefits Guides in English and Spanish
  • Florida Department of Children and Families ACCESS Florida COVID-19 Updates
  • Tampa Bay Times: Florida’s unemployment benefits: We answer your questions
  • Free Laundry Services in Tampa
  • Internet Essentials Free Internet from Comcast FAQ
  • Parents Ultimate Guides: Struggling to keep up with the media and tech your kids are using? Common Sense’s Parents’ Ultimate Guides can help keep you up to date and answer your questions about all the latest titles and trends. Whether you’re trying to figure out if a new app is safe for your teen or if a popular game includes blood and gore, we’ve got you covered. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, let us know!
  • Hillsborough County Public Library Reemployment Assistance Drive-Thru Help
  • Sex, Lies & Media Training for Adults from Selah Freedom: ​​Sex, Lies & Media Training helps interveners (parents, teachers, youth workers, etc.) learn about how predators and recruiters can approach innocent youth online through social media. It educates adults on the red flags to look out for, how a predator can manipulate and exploit a child, and how to protect the next generation from this crime. Gain practical tools to keep your kids safe online and learn how to facilitate conversations about this issue with them. 1 out of 9 children are approached by a predator online. With kids online more than ever before due to COVID-19, it is vital that parents are educated and empowered to protect them. This is a FREE virtual training on Thursday, April 23rd at 5:30pm. Once you have registered, a link will be emailed to you to attend this training.
  • The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County has released their 2020 Family Guide for Services in Hillsborough County in English and Spanish
  • Free Tax Prep Assistance: Due to the coronavirus, Hillsborough County Extension is not able to provide in-person tax prep assistance. We are offering free tax prep assistance for Hillsborough County residents who can connect via web meeting. We will do our best to offer as much one-on-one assistance as possible. Since demand may exceed our capacity, we are also offering free access to this tax prep software. Appointments for one-on-one assistance are required and may be made for the following times: Tues – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Appointments must be made in advance. For more information, contact Denise Kantak, 813-744-5519 ext. 54141 or Kantakd@HCFLGov.net
  • Good Digital Parenting ResourcesThe Family Online Safety Institute’s Good Digital Parenting resources provide parents and caregivers with the tools they need to confidently navigate the online world with their families.
  • Connect Safely Quick Guides for Internet Safely
  • Create A Family Technology Plan:  Families can create a family technology plan together by answering where they will use screens, when they will be used, for how long, and for what purpose
  • BayCare Behavioral Health Parent Conversation Hour: Parenting can be challenging and at times overwhelming. COVID-19 poses its own set of challenges for parents: having to adapt to new roles as parent and teacher, creating new routines, and finding ways to keep family and friends connected. This group creates a platform for parents to be able to discuss challenges, create solutions, and develop skills to empower them as parents and create change within their families. Virtual meetings Monday 9-10 am and Thursday 3-4 pm. Space is limited, please pre-register
  • How to Balance Children’s Screen Time During the Pandemic
  • Understanding Screen Addiction and Responsible Digital Use

Coping with Stress

We know the existing relationships of our Bigs and Littles are important to keep intact, especially during stressful times. The World Health Organization has some helpful guidance on how to cope with stress and help children cope too.

Dealing with Grief

Self-Care Tips for Children & Adults

We understand that this is a very stressful time for a lot of us. Stress can have a significant impact on work and school performance, your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships with others. It is important to manage stress in healthy ways. Below are some ways that can help you to cope with stress.

  • Go for a walk
  • Gardening
  • Read a book
  • Do some yoga
  • Cook a new dish
  • Burn a scented candle
  • Cuddle with a pet
  • Meditate
  • Write in a journal
  • Watch a movie
  • Pray
  • Drive to a new place
  • Make a list
  • Clean out a junk drawer or closet
  • Call a friend on the phone
  • Take a deep breath
  • Draw a picture
  • Watch your favorite movie
  • Write down some goals
  • Exercise
  • Write a letter
  • Learn a new skill

Support for LGBTQ+ Youth: In this time of uncertainty many LGBTQ+ youth, who likely already feel isolated, might be feeling even more detached by the social distancing mandates in your area. Support can be accessed by phone, chat & text and additional resources are available online

 

Things to do at home

Things to do with your kids while social distancing for coronavirus:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has launched our Lunchtime Stories with BBBS Tampa Bay! Tune in to our Facebook page each weekday at 12:30pm as our staff reads a few chapters from a book each day
  • Florida Aquarium SEA-SPAN: The Tampa attraction is hosting a daily Facebook Live while it is closed due to coronavirus. It will be broadcast at 10 a.m. each day to keep you up to date on happenings at the aquarium. On March 17, you can watch to see the lemurs celebrate
  • Tour through famous museums: Sure you can’t leave your house but don’t let that stop you from enjoying all our world has to offer. Travel and Leisure put together a list of museums that offer virtual tours
  • Learning at home: There are tons of websites for educational activities for kids. We found this Facebook post detailing a bunch of websites you could try
  • Get on a schedule: Maybe that doesn’t sound like the greatest plan but it can be really helpful for kids. BusyToddler.com came up with a schedule that can help you plan your days. This is also an example of a daily schedule for kids who are home during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • 30-day LEGO challenge: We found this one that could be fun! Take the 30 day LEGO challenge and make something new every day
  • Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems: Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLES. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. New episodes will be posted each weekday at 1:00 p.m. ET and then remain online to be streamed afterward. Check back each weekday for new LUNCH DOODLES!
  • Coronavirus Sanity Guide: Meditations, podcasts, blog posts, and talks to help build resilience and find some calm amidst the chaos
  • Clearwater Library: Access eBooks, digital comic books, audiobooks, magazines, and more with your Clearwater Library card
  • Polk County Library: Polk County residents can register for a library card over the phone. Check here for a list of numbers to call. Although libraries are currently closed, bibliophiles can utilize hoopla – a free digital streaming service to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, + TV shows using your own electronic device
  • Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums: There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well
  • Google Arts & Culture’s collection of historic and cultural heritage sites
  • Google Arts & Culture’s collection of national parks
  • Nightly Met Opera Streams: During this extraordinary and difficult time, the Met hopes to brighten the lives of our audience members even while our stage is dark. Each day, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming on the Met website, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m. EDT until 6:30 p.m. the following day. The schedule will include outstanding complete performances from the past 14 years of cinema transmissions, starring all of the opera’s greatest singers. The performances are being made available through the Met Opera on Demand streaming service, and are also accessible through Met Opera on Demand apps on all of your favorite devices.
  • Stay-at-Home Care Package by Big Life Journal: ideas for indoor and outdoor activities for kids and teens
  • The Cincinnati Zoo: The Cincinnati Zoo hosts animal features on their YouTube page that are fun and educational!
  • Audible Stories: Free stories for kids of all ages while they are out of school
  • Raymond’s Activities for Kids from the Tampa Bay Rays that includes coloring pages and activity pages
  • Disney has shared the official Dole Whip recipe so you can satiate your sweet tooth
  • 10+ Ideas to Celebrate a Birthday at Home during Social Distancing
  • Kids can design their own Disney park online with ‘Imagineering in a Box’
  • Free Digital Cooking Classes For Kids Every Week Day with DELISH
  • The James Museum from Home: Connect with us through weekly curated content based on our collection. Explore art, movies, books, music, children’s activities and more. Each week the content is freshly considered and developed by our curatorial and education teams. We invite you to discover a new way to experience the museum and learn more about our collection.
  • Girl Scouts at Home: Bring the exploration, fun and learning of Girl Scouts to your family even when circumstances are keeping Girl Scouts from meeting up in person. Afterall, Girl Scouts isn’t somewhere girls go or something they do—it’s who they are day in, day out. Use these self-guided, free activities to keep your girl, your troop, and your community connected.
Big Sister and Little Sister

VIRTUAL Big Orientation & Trainings

By In The News

Most children and families served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are facing increased anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mentoring relationships protect against the harmful effects of stress and build resilience among children. In response, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has completely reoriented our programming to virtually facilitate these life-changing relationships that ignite the potential of youth in our community. 

Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a mentor (Big). All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your mentee (Little). The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session, where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations, and the kids we serve. Let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. Check out our Virtual Big Orientation & Training dates or learn more about becoming a Big

IMPORTANT Bowl For Kids’ Sake & COVID-19 Update

By In The News

To our dedicated friends and supporters,

We want to keep you apprised of all we are doing at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay to ensure the health and safety of our staff, donors, volunteers, Littles and their families.

In an abundance of caution, we are suspending all Bowl for Kids’ Sake bowling parties until we navigate this ever-changing situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Helping to mitigate the spread of the virus means minimizing contact with large groups of people, especially at indoor events. With Bowl for Kids’ Sake being our oldest national fundraiser and a major line of revenue to support our programs and the almost 3,000 children we serve across our community, it is imperative that we continue fundraising for this important campaign. We still need your help! The good part is that you can STILL register a team and fundraise! Instead of having the physical bowling parties that were scheduled, we will be holding a VIRTUAL Bowl for Kids’ Sake campaign.

Thanks to our wonderful partners, we are able to offer some incredible prizes for those teams who raise $50 or more as a thank you for your financial support until we are able to reschedule our bowling parties to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments.

Please stay tuned to our website (bbbstampabay.org) and our social media pages (FacebookTwitterInstagram LinkedIn) for official updates.

We are resilient in our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Thank you for all you do to support us in these endeavors, as we need you now more than ever.

Sweet Alice Award

Congratulations to our Sweet Alice Award Recipients

By In The News

At our inaugural Annual Meeting of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, we revealed our new Staff Award: the Sweet Alice Award. This annual award recognizes non-supervisory, program staff who demonstrate the core values of our Pinellas County founder of Big Sisters, “Sweet” Alice Young. We were so honored to have Sweet Alice with us at the event to announce the recipients of the awards with the Chief Program Officer and Senior Vice President of Programs, Jen Libby.

Over 50 years ago, Alice, a young woman from Clearwater, heard about Big Sisters in Tampa and thought “there must be little girls in Pinellas County that need a Big Sister”. So Alice gathered 30 of her friends together and just like that, established Big Sisters of Pinellas. Alice became the first Big Sister of “the club”. 

Today, there are thousands of children in Pinellas County who have had a mentor in their lives thanks to Sweet Alice. Alice has personally shown us the long-term, community impact that one individual can have. Sweet Alice’s value and care for all children formed part of the foundation and structure of our culture. 

We couldn’t be more proud of our three Sweet Alice Award recipients of 2020, who honor Sweet Alice’s initiative and inspiring can-do attitude in their work for our agency every day:

Camellia Lindsey, Community Relations Specialist

Camellia Lindsey Sweet Alice Award

Our first Sweet Alice recipient provides the highest level of customer service. She’s an exemplary employee, who demonstrates that Sweet Alice initiative and serves as a very knowledgeable, friendly first point of contact for our agency. She’s a quick thinker and thorough, never taking the easy way out. She’s always eager to take on new projects and challenges even without being asked – just like Sweet Alice! She was one of the pioneers for our new Matchforce system and went above and beyond to become an expert so that she could provide support to others. Camellia’s co-workers throughout the agency regularly comment on how she goes above and beyond to assist and share her knowledge in an exceptionally friendly way.

Alyssa Reas, Match Support Specialist

Alyssa Reas Sweet Alice Award

Our second award recipient puts her heart into supporting our matches. She takes time to get to know the parents, the Bigs, the youth, and the school staff. From advocating for kids on our waiting list to driving around dropping off school supplies for families to connecting a grandparent to community resources, she’s dedicated to ensuring each person feels supported and connected and has the best Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay experience. The result of her efforts is Matches that are still together many years later! Alyssa is deserving of the Sweet Alice Award for continually going above and beyond for recognizing the needs of those she serves and dedicating herself to personally meeting those needs.

Cathleen Schneider, Match Support Specialist

Cathleen Schneider Sweet Alice Award

Our third recipient of the Sweet Alice Award for 2020 has supported decade long matches. She values relationships and it’s evident in every aspect of her work. She takes the time to get to know each and every child, volunteer, and participant. She develops and fosters individual, long-lasting relationships. Like Sweet Alice, she never hesitates to help without being asked. She’s served as the leader of several projects, events, and committees and is herself a volunteer and takes the time to meet her matches in person. She researches and shares resources that help her matches grow stronger and stay together longer. Cathleen exemplifies Sweet Alice’s core values through her initiative, in the way that she inspires us and the long term impact she has made in this community.

Please join us in congratulating Camellia, Alyssa and Cathleen, our recipients of the 2020 Sweet Alice Awards, and truly VIP staff members.

Brothers at the Rays

January is National Mentoring Month

By In The News

January is National Mentoring Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is celebrating those who are already volunteering as mentors, “Bigs”, and also recruiting volunteers.

Every January, the news is full of the same stories: people are trying to eat more healthfully, hit the gym more often. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is changing that story and asking: What if this year, you could resolve to something more important, more impactful? What if you could make a resolution worth keeping, one that inspires more resolutions? In 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is asking people in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties to resolve to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

“Bettering yourself in the new year is a great goal,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay CEO Stephen Koch, “but we know people are also thinking about how to better their community and how to make sure that when they reflect on the year, they know they made a difference.”

More than 400 youth in the Tampa Bay community are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister, and the only way to ensure they have someone to inspire them to reach their potential is for more adults to step up and volunteer to become Bigs. Being a Big means committing to spending a few hours a month with a young person doing things that you love to do, like playing basketball, visiting the library, or learning how to cook.

Tampa Bay residents can get involved with National Mentoring Month by coming to a local Big Orientation & Training. You can view the full schedule of Big Orientation & Trainings here.

On social media, Tampa Bay residents can get involved by following Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter. Throughout the month, Big Brothers Big Sisters is encouraging followers to tag a friend who would be a great Big Brother or Big Sister, using the hashtag #BBBSMentoringMonth. Visit www.bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big to learn more.

Horizon Organic #ConfiDANCE

Big Brothers Big Sisters Teaming Up with Horizon Organic to Spread Confidence

By In The News

This back-to-school season, Horizon Organic is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters to further our organization’s mission to help children realize their potential and confidently build their futures through one-to-one mentoring.

Horizon Organic recognizes the unlimited potential inside every child and is asking you to use the world as your stage and take to Instagram or Facebook to show your #HorizonConfiDANCE. More than 8 million kids in the US don’t have a supportive, sustained relationship with a caring adult mentor, which is why Horizon is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and their continued efforts to build confidence through mentorship. According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2017 Youth Outcomes Survey, 92% of Littles are more confident in school after one year of mentorship with a Big.

Horizon wants to power up passions that will lead to something stronger than bones: self-confidence! We want to celebrate passions leading to confiDANCES during this back-to-school season. You can show us your confiDANCE in any way that celebrates you! Anything can be a dance move if it shows your confidence!  Whether you scored the game-winning goal, snagged that A+ on your paper or got a delicious dinner on the table by 6pm – it’s all something to celebrate!

Horizon invites you to join in its support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, furthering the organization’s mission to help children realize their potential and confidently build their futures through one-to-one mentoring.  For every dance shared on Facebook or Instagram, Horizon Organic will donate $5 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, up to $200K. Just use #HorizonConfiDANCE. To be featured on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Facebook or Instagram page you can send your video to Kelli Serio at KelliS@BBBSTampaBay.org

Click here, to learn more.

Introducing: Big Futures

By In The News

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is announcing our newest program to help Littles beyond high school.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is excited to introduce our newest program: Big Futures. This program will allow us to expand our services to continue helping Littles beyond their high school years. This program will serve Alumni Littles up to age 26 with support and guidance in making educational and career decisions with the goal that they are enrolled, enlisted or employed after high school and earning a living wage by age 26.

Big Futures will help set Alumni Littles up for success by assisting with career planning, enrolling in post-secondary education, assistance with financial aid, developing workplace skills, applying for scholarships, writing resumes, and applying and interviewing for jobs. This will be done in a few practical ways, such as:

  • Goal setting and accountability
  • Directing matches to resources that align with set goals
  • Offering workshops and special events
  • Developing community relationships that result in unique education and career opportunities for Alumni Littles

To apply for the Big Futures program, a Community-Based, Site-Based, or School-to-Work Little must have:

  • Graduated from high school, or
  • Will graduate high school in the Spring, or
  • Is 18 years of age or older

If you are interested in applying for the Big Futures program or your organization would like to partner with us to provide services to our Alumni Littles, please reach out to Dallas Ruffin, 813-769-3618 or DallasR@BBBSTampaBay.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Named 2018 Pinnacle Award Winner

By In The News

For the first time in its 54-year history, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay agency has been named a Pinnacle Award winner for 2018 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nationwide mentoring organization’s highest honor.

The award, announced by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Nationwide Leadership Council, recognizes the very best local agencies for increasing their revenue and growing their overall number of Big & Little matches year-over-year for two or more consecutive years. In 2018, the Tampa Bay agency served a record 3,014 children, a 5.6 percent increase over 2017.

“This award is the result of a lot of hard, focused and strategic work by our dedicated staff, board and of course, our great volunteer Bigs.  It is also the result of our donors who believe in defending and inspiring the potential of the wonderful youth we are honored to serve through our evidence-based, outcome-oriented 1 to 1 mentoring programs” said Stephen Koch, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.  “We know that there is a lot more work to be done, and we are more committed than ever to continuing to make a positive difference for thousands of additional children and youth who can benefit from having a Big Brother or Big Sister in their young lives.”

BBBS of Tampa Bay was one of only 6 agencies, from nearly 300 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies nationwide, that will be recognized as a Pinnacle Award winner at the national conference of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, being held in late June in Charlotte, N.C.

“We are so proud of the growth that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has experienced, and we are pleased to recognize that success with the Pinnacle Award,” said Pam Iorio, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “We thank the agency for its tireless work in service of our mission and commitment to serving more children in the Tampa Bay area.”

Big Brothers and Big Sisters are adult volunteers (called “Bigs”) who are matched with children facing adversity (called “Littles”) for professionally-supported one-on-one mentoring. Last year BBBS of Tampa Bay served more than 3,000 children with positive role models throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Citrus, Hernando and Citrus counties.

The impact of the relationships is significant, with 97 percent of children matched for more than a year in 2018 being promoted to the next grade level, and 98 percent avoiding any involvement with the juvenile justice system.

The other Pinnacle Award agencies for 2018 are from Milwaukee, Northeast Iowa, Southern Minnesota, El Dorado County (CA) and Southwest Idaho.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Partners with Nordstrom Rack to Sponsor Moments of Mentoring

By In The News

In stores nationwide from April 8th – May 13th, customers can purchase Moment cards to celebrate specific moments when mentors make a difference.

 

Every kid has potential. And little moments with a caring adult can help ignite it within them to do big things, whether it’s learning to tie a tie, practicing for an interview or getting help with homework. And you can help. Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with Nordstrom Rack to celebrate moments of mentoring. In stores across the United States from April 8th – May 13th, Nordstrom Rack customers can buy $10 Moment cards to celebrate specific moments when mentors make a difference:

  • Practicing for an Interview
  • Helping with Homework
  • Prepping for Graduation
  • Learning to Tie a Tie
  • Training for Tryout

When you sponsor a moment, you give the gift of mentorship. In addition to the $10 Moment donations, customers can also donate $1 at the register with their purchase. $10 Moment donations and $1 donations are also available when making purchases online at NordstromRack.com and Hautelook.com. 100% of your donation will support matching kids with adult mentors so they can realize their potential.

Learn more at www.bbbs.org/nordstromrack.

Annual Rays VIP Bowl Thanked Top Bowl For Kids’ Sake Fundraisers with a Meet-and-Greet with Rays Cy Young winner Blake Snell

By Fundraising Events, In The News

Each year, top fundraisers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake campaign are invited to bowl with a Rays player at the VIP event

Bowl For Kids’ Sake is one of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s largest annual fundraisers, generating over $200,000 annually to support their mentoring programs that empower the potential in thousands of kids across the Tampa Bay area.  Revenue generated from Bowl For Kids’ Sake allows the agency to pair more at-risk children (called “Littles”) with adult volunteer mentors (or “Bigs”) and create a positive impact through professionally-supported relationships that will last a lifetime.  Participants in the fundraiser recruit a team of people to help collect donations and fundraise for BBBS of Tampa Bay, then celebrate their hard work fundraising with a bowling party!

Each year, the top fundraisers for Bowl For Kids’ Sake are invited to a special VIP bowling event, hosted by the Tampa Bay Rays, in appreciation to those who have worked hard to support the agency and its programs. The VIP event features bowling, pizza, raffle prizes, a silent auction, goodie bags, t-shirts, an autographed baseball for the lane captains, Raymond, the Rays’ Street Team and the chance to meet a Tampa Bay Rays player!

This year, bowlers had the chance to spend time with Rays pitcher Blake Snell, the reigning American League Cy Young winner. After an introduction by Stephen Koch, President & CEO of BBBS of Tampa Bay, Snell met with bowlers, signed autographs, posed for pictures and especially enjoyed interacting with the kids. He stopped to bowl a frame and, of course, bowled a strike! Snell was excited to support BBBS of Tampa Bay and enjoyed chatting with Littles who were attending the event with their Bigs.

You can support BBBS Tampa Bay by donating to the Tampa Bay Rays Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraising page here.

View the full photo album from the event here.

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