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.
Discover how Little moments can lead to Big impact!
MATCH OF THE MONTH - Jimmie & Myron
A few weeks ago, our agency received two letters of gratitude from a Little and his mother who are currently involved in our program. While our Littles and their families often express appreciation for their Bigs and everything Big Brothers Big Sisters does for them, it is rare to receive such a thoughtful outpouring of praise.
Thank you to both Big Brother Jimmie and Myron’s mother for defending Little Brother Myron’s potential and helping him achieve his greatest possible future.
Below are excerpts from the letters we received.
Letter from Myron's mother:
When googling “qualities of a great mentor,” a few words and phrases stuck out to me: available, patient, sensitive, respectful, flexible, supportive, knowledgeable, confident, a good listener, and concern for others. When it comes to describing my son’s Big Brother, Mr. Jimmie, this list does him no justice. It describes him, but it would take 100 more words just to complete his character.
I wanted to honor Mr. Jimmie in some way, not just by giving him a small token, but by letting the world know how fortunate me and my family are that we were accepted into such a wonderful mentorship program such as Big Brothers Big Sisters.