| | | | | | | | July 2020 Hello Friends! We hope you are enjoying your summer! Oftentimes, it feels fleeting and in a blink of an eye we'll be talking about going back to school, apple picking, and that crisp Fall air. We encourage you to take time for yourself this summer. Enjoy the beautiful weather, or, if heat isn't you're thing, enjoy the AC! Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters, summer is a time for training, reflection, and preparation. Our staff are in the midst of a summer long training program. Staff members are presenting their own training sessions in their areas of expertise and in addition, we have several guests providing trainings. It is a great opportunity to educate ourselves and learn from other professionals and peers. We reflect on the year that has passed and we begin to prepare for another school year. We appreciate you taking the time to read our e-newsletter this month. Thank you for investing in our agency and programs. Because of you, we are able to defend the potential of over 1,000 kids. Warm Regards,
The Team at Big Brothers Big Sisters | | | | | |  | We are so thankful for this incredible video and article highlighting how our mentoring programs have shifted when matches were not able to meet in person. We are so appreciative of our creative Bigs, like Angela in the video above, who don't let social distancing get in their way of making a difference! Angela and her Little, Jade, were matched in December 2019, not long before social distancing took effect. We're so glad they found a way to keep building their relationship through cooking! | | | | | | Our Community mentoring program is one we are very proud of. Littles are matched with Bigs from the community and they're able to do all sorts of activities that suit their interests. It could be playing basketball, doing arts & crafts, cooking together, going to the movies...whatever they like! As you can imagine, the last several months have been challenging for these matches. We are excited to share that matches from our Community program are now able to meet in-person, following safety guidelines. Our staff have compiled these guidelines, based on recommendations from the CDC and the Bigs and the Littles' guardians must both sign off on it. Right now, if matches are meeting in-person, they are required to do an outdoor activity. Check-out some of the photos that have been shared with us below! | | | | | | | | Keep Kids Connected | August 7 We’ve united across borders in order to provide the connection, support, and stability for our youth. On August 7th from 2:00pm-3:00pm EST we will be streaming our first, national, Keep Kids Connected virtual event. It will contain testimonials, interviews, and media that highlights the essential work that we do. This event will stream nationally on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America facebook page. | | | | Rodman Ride for Kids | Sept. 26 Each year, we team up with the Rodman Ride for Kids for a bike riding event in Foxboro, MA. Due to Covid-19, this year's ride will be conducted virtually. Participants are able to get creative in how they raise pledges - walk, run, ride...anything goes. Learn more here! | | | | The Big Night In | October 29 Pick out your favorite pajamas because we're inviting you to The Big Night In! We will no longer be hosting an in person event for The Big Celebration on October 30th but instead plan to host a fun and exciting virtual event. We will be hosting an online auction starting on October 19th and will be celebrating with a virtual event on October 29th. More info to come! | | | | | | | | Stand With Us Today to Defend Potential When children and teens have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and to focus on academics. Today's youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential. | | | | | | | | | | | |
