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 - TJ & RODNEY
Big Brother Rodney and Little Brother TJ have been matched in our community based program for over 3 years!
They have done a lot together over the years and it has been great for staff to continue to see both Rodney & TJ at most Big Brothers Big Sisters events. This past year, they attended our Big of the Year celebration, went to see the Harlem Globetrotters, bowled in our annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser, and played tons of kickball at our Big Summer Social this past month.
When staff asked Rodney about his expectations for being matched versus the reality of being matched, he replied “I really tried not to have any preconceived ideas about what the match would be like. But the match has been better than I expected, and has been really rewarding.”
TJ recently asked staff how long he and Mr. Rodney could be matched for. When staff told TJ that they could be matched until he turns 18, TJ was extremely excited to hear that they could be matched that long and has said, "He is the best Big Brother!"