Jun 25

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

By bbbs 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

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BBBS of Tampa Bay Receives National Quality Award 2020

By bbbs 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

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Match Story: Calub, Mark & Craig

By bbbs 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

Love0

Match Story: Anthony & Frank

By bbbs 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

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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 bbbs 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

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June Conversation Starters

By bbbs 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.

May 30

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100 Men in 100 Days

By bbbs In The News, Resources

This summer, from May 30 through September 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is searching for 100 Men in 100 Days to become a mentor. 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 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 where you’ll meet other 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?

Let’s Get Started

In 2020, more than 2,400 children were paired with caring adult mentors throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, and Alachua counties. Defend potential and ignite the power and promise of youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters. 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 our schedule.

May 28

Love1

Celebrating Pride Month

By bbbs In The News, Resources

Pride Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall uprisings in June of 1969. The Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, NY was the site of riots and demonstrations by members of the gay community against a police raid. This sparked the beginning of a movement to change discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ Americans.

Big Brothers Bigs Sisters of Tampa Bay welcomes and celebrates the differences that make us all unique! As we celebrate Pride Month, we will answer commonly asked questions about the LGBTQ community and feature stories of LGBTQ volunteers on our social media.

What is “Coming Out”?

“Coming Out” is a phrase we often hear when describing an individual’s LGBTQ journey. “Coming Out” refers to the process that people who are LGBTQ go through as they work to accept their sexual orientation or gender identity and share that identity openly with other people. This process can be mentally and emotionally draining. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we know it takes courage to be who you truly are. Learn how you can support your friends and family if they come out with this resource from Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

What does being transgender mean?

Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. It’s ok to have questions about the transgender community! Visit HRC FAQ page to educate yourself and become a better ally to the trans community.

Why is it important to ask for pronouns?

Pronouns are connected to gender identity. Using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them. It’s important to ask for everyone’s pronouns rather than assuming a person’s gender identity based on the way they present themselves. Learn more about pronouns and ways to ask for them at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and MyPronouns.org.

Can I tell people about my friend’s LGBTQ status?

Exposing someone’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or gender non-binary identity to others without their permission is called “outing”. Outing someone can have serious repercussions on employment, economic stability, personal safety, or religious or family situations. Be someone your friends and family can trust with the HRC Coming Out Ally Resource.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is committed to ensuring its programs are inclusive to all youth and volunteers. Equality, diversity, and inclusiveness are critical components of our mission. We encourage volunteers of all sexual orientations, races, colors, religions, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, ages, national origins, disabilities, marital status, or military status to get involved and become a defender of potential in our community.

Show your support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay during Pride Month by sharing your experience or wearing your pride shirt on social media and use the hashtag #BigPride!

Together, let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. Become a mentor to a child in our community.

May 28

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Letter from the CEO: Get Vaccinated

By bbbs Resources

The news is increasingly positive about our fight against the COVID-19 virus here in the United States. More than half of all U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated (i.e., 130 million people), with another 70 million already in the process of being vaccinated. In addition, 5 million adolescents who are 12 years of age or older have already received at least one shot.

Can we say we are winning yet? Well, we have clearly already won some major battles, but the war is not yet won. Accordingly, the fight continues! President Biden has set a national goal of 70% of the adult population being vaccinated with at least one shot by the 4th of July, as our next big goal in this war.

I am reaching out today to all our Big Brother Big Sister volunteers to strongly encourage each of you to get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus 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 the children & families we serve as well as the safety of our agency staff and the overall community.

While we are finally gaining significant ground against this terrible virus, we have seen it reappear time and again in different locations here in the U.S. and across the world. We have also seen new variants of this virus develop that are much more contagious than the original form of this virus, the most recent of which is from India, where the virus is currently out of control.

In this country, the virus has impacted our communities of color worse than almost any other. Well over 70% of the children we currently serve are members of one of these communities. Accordingly, we all must do all we can to keep all our children and youth as well as their families as safe as possible by getting vaccinated. This is also consistent with our efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas, including public health.

The children and youth we have the privilege of serving have been entrusted to us by their parents or legal guardians. It is our duty to do all we can to protect the safety and well-being of all these children and youth and to position ourselves as best we can to improve their lives by helping them all achieve positive outcomes in the months and years ahead.

The pandemic has cost us all very much, personally, as a community, and as a nation. We are increasingly close to having this virus under control in this country. You getting vaccinated as well will greatly help with this effort and lead to the eventual elimination of COVID-19.

If for some medical or other reason you are unable or are otherwise unwilling to get vaccinated, we ask that you please continue always to wear your mask while with your Little, practice social distancing, and other practices recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Whether vaccinated or not, the CDC website provides up-to-date advice for when you need to wear your mask still and when you can remove it. See the CDC link below in my ‘P.S.’ for lots of good information about this, which is updated periodically.

Please reach out to your Match Support Specialist at our agency if you have any questions regarding the above or have other ideas/suggestions on how to keep everyone safe!

I and everyone at our agency deeply appreciate all that you do very, very much.

All my best,

Stephen A. Koch

President & CEO

P.S. For information about the vaccines available as well as where to get a vaccine, please visit the CDC website.

Note: Children under 12 are still not eligible to get vaccinated. We need to look out for all our children and youth as best we can until they are all safely vaccinated.

May 19

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Match Story: Bianca & Alyssa

By bbbs Match Stories

Meet Little Bianca & Big Alyssa! They have been matched for five years in our Community-Based program. They have tried so many neat things together, like exploring local Asian markets, painting rocks at the beach, and taking a trip to the aquarium. Although the past year presented challenges, as it has for all of us, Bianca and Alyssa found ways to stay connected virtually by talking on the phone or playing virtual games together.

Lasts school year, Bianca was being picked on at school. Bianca was unsure what to do, so she went to her Big Alyssa, who provided words of encouragement to her Little and continued to check in with her. This school year, Bianca has been working hard in her classes while navigating her first year of high school and doing online courses. Bianca is glad to have her Big to help her navigate life’s challenges.

Bianca thinks her Big Alyssa is friendly, kind, and fun. Bianca says that her Big is very creative, and she is always happy when they are together. Because Bianca and Alyssa have been matched since Bianca was five or six years old, Alyssa says it has been a great privilege to watch her Little Bianca grow so much over the years.

Do you want to help a child in our community reach their full potential? Find out how you can become a Big by attending a Big Orientation & Training session.

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

What is “Coming Out”?

What does being transgender mean?

Why is it important to ask for pronouns?

Can I tell people about my friend’s LGBTQ status?

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