We can't begin to fully understand how COVID-19 will impact the youngest in our community. Even with current social distancing guidelines our staff are encouraging matches to meet digitally, providing ideas and support for doing so, and connecting with families and connecting families to resources to make sure their needs are met.
For over 60 years, BBBS has been providing this high quality and important service to Southwest Michigan families. It continues to be critical during these uncertain times and will continue after the pandemic passes. Experience and evidence-based research tells us our programs will be even more critical once the pandemic passes.
How does Big Brothers Big Sisters help Kasaius?
Matching
When Big Brothers Big Sisters works to match a Little with a Big, we take into account the needs, personality, interests, and goals of both the child and the adult volunteer. We introduce the Little and his or her family to the Big slowly and make sure everyone is fully committed to the match before it is made official. Little Brother Kasaius is outgoing and up for anything, so he needed a Big who was creative and had a variety of interests.
Relationship Management
Children like Kasaius get the most out of their one-to-one relationship with their Big when the Big, the parent or guardian, and the child talk openly with their Match Support Specialist. Working as part of the team helping the child succeed, the Match Support Specialist can help identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and connect the family with essential services.
Activities
When Kasaius’ Big Brother saw the email from BBBS saying that there were spots open in a free acting class, he jumped at the chance to take Kasaius. BBBS affiliates across the country provide activities for Bigs and Littles and also alert Bigs to opportunities in the community. This enables Bigs to get to know other Bigs, who might be experiencing similar things and who might have great suggestions for more new activities.
Screening and Training
Child safety is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ highest priority. To achieve the highest standards possible, we work constantly to review and strengthen our background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge. We also make sure our Bigs and our staff have the training and resources they need to help Littles on their path to success.
April: Match of the Month
Congratulations to Big Brother Domonic and Little Brother Jordan, April’s Match of the Month! Match of the Month is a new feature for 2021. Each month a match will celebrated…
Big List of Books for Littles
In honor of National Reading Month, you shared book recommendations for youth ages 6-16. Check out the top picks here!
Read more about Big List of Books for Littles
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Curtis Woods Jr.
Curtis Woods Jr., an Army National Guard veteran and local entrepreneur, is a pillar in Southwest Michigan for the ways he gives back and the example he sets.
Read more about Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Curtis Woods Jr.
A statement from our agency
The recent events in Georgia, coupled with a long history of systemic and emergent injustices perpetuated against Asian communities, reinforce the need for our agency to again state that we stand in solidarity with communities of color in Southwest Michigan.
Sign up now for Bowl for Kids’ Sake: Cornhole Edition
Bowl for Kids’ Sake is changing! To keep everyone safe this year, Bowl for Kids’ Sake will be a cornhole event in late summer. Sign up now!
Looking for Littles
Every child would benefit from having a mentor who cares about them. Do you know any children would like to participate in our programming?
Black Heroes Round Up
In celebration of Black History Month, BBBS featured 18 Local Black Heroes. Meet these Black leaders and trail blazers here.