A Message from Our CEO
From all of us at BBBS of the Big Bend, we sincerely hope that you and your family are safe and healthy. As a nonprofit whose core mission is to defend potential through one-to-one interactions, we are taking the challenges that have transpired and are quickly creating a new way for matches to maintain their relationship, while maintaining safety as well.
We are providing support and communicating to our Bigs, Littles and families on how they can stay connected and continue their friendship during this time. Whether it be by telephone, facetime, email or text, now is the time to make those relationships stronger than ever. We are also rallying behind the parents in our program as they face their own challenges as a result of this crisis.
While our agency will suffer along with all the businesses and other non profits in our community, we know that by supporting each other and providing resources to our most vulnerable populations, we will get through this.
Bigs, Littles, and Staff
All BBBS Big Bend staff began working remotely and they will continue to do so until further notice. We will continue making matches and encouraging potential volunteers and families to enroll online and complete the intake process with us virtually.
The Big Bash
This event was scheduled for May 15 and is temporarily postponed. We are grateful for our sponsors and hope that you will continue to support us as we move this event to a later date.
Bowl for Kids’ Sake
This event is scheduled for the fall and we hope that all teams will continue to support our signature event at that time.
We are so grateful to our Bigs, families, Board members and community supporters for your continued support
Thank you,
Alva Striplin, CEO
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.