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.
Wade Boggs: Guest Speaker at 44th Annual Benefit Dinner
Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs joins the 44th Annual Benefit Dinner as guest speaker on Monday, September 27 in Gull Lake.
Learn more about Wade Boggs: Guest Speaker at 44th Annual Benefit Dinner
2020 Annual Report
The 2020 Annual Report summarizes an unprecedented year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan.
Read more about 2020 Annual Report
Meet Little Brother DaMarvion and Big Brother David
Little Brother DaMarvion and Big Brother David were paired because of their love of sports and being outside. Little Brother DaMarvion is an energetic and active 9 year old who loves basketball. Big Brother David is a perfect match for DaMarvion since he also likes to play (and coach) basketball.
Read more about Meet Little Brother DaMarvion and Big Brother David
Pride Month Review
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan, we recognized the LGBTQ+ community and Pride Month in June with our Celebrating Pride campaign, featuring profiles and videos of local members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Match of the Month: Kloie & Laura
Little Sister Kloie and Big Sister Laura are June’s Match of the Month. This award honors a match’s dedication to each other and commitment Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan’s mission: empowering the potential of youth through one-to-one mentoring.
Celebrating Pride: Avery Green
Avery Green wants LGBTQ+ youth to hear, “Be yourself, be unapologetic. It’s going to be okay, you’ll find your people and your place. Sometimes it can be hard and people may not understand you, but you are strong. Everything that makes you different or stand out- people will value those things the most.”
Celebrating Pride: Demetrias Wolverton
Demetrias Wolverton wants BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth to know they shouldn’t, “… be afraid of occupying spaces as your authentic self, because queer people of color have been the pioneers of social justice and civil rights movements since the beginning of time.”