Monday, November 16, 2009
Note From the Executive Director
Dear Members and Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters:As we say goodbye to the warmer weather and welcome fall, I am reminded of those of you who regardless of the weather, regardless of the season, keep on giving! A warm thank you to our volunteers, who season after season are making a difference in the lives of children throughout Hamilton and Burlington.How can you continue to help? Forward the link for this blog to a friend and tell them you think they would make a great mentor. It is the spreading of the word about Big Brothers Big Sisters by our members that is our most successful recruitment tool. In this blog you will find information on H1N1. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington we have made the conscious decision not to impose a policy, but rather, to ask our families and volunteers to use their best judgment in terms of whether or not to have their regular contact with their match. In other words, please use good judgment and act on the side of caution if you are concerned about having the flu or being exposed to anyone with flu like symptoms. We are VERY excited to announce the release of our new – state of the art website. Watch for our launch over the next month. Within our website there will be several fun and interesting spots to keep members and families informed as well as an opportunity for new volunteers to apply on-line.Because you asked….within the body of this communication I will be starting to answer questions of interest that have been posed to me, since the last blog. Hopefully, you will find this new section of interest. Don’t hesitate to send your questions my way to Marianne@callbigbrothers.com.WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY LINE? For many, many years now, our community has been very supportive of this agency by providing goods, discounts and tickets for our members use. When you dial our Hamilton office number 905-525-3860 and hit extension “3” this takes you to the activity line, where we let members and families know of upcoming events, discounts and free tickets. You simply follow the instructions. WHAT IS THE COACH HOUSE? Our current Hamilton office was built many years ago by the volunteers fromBig Brothers with help from members of the community. Prior to this building being constructed and becoming our home, we owned a building on Victoria Street in Hamilton that was a former estate, with a “hired help residence” out back. Many, many years ago, during the days of horse and buggy, horses were housed in the building behind our former office. Eventually that area was turned into a recreation centre for members and thus called the “coach house”. When this building was erected, the members of the day wanted to keep our history alive and we named the recreation area downstairs “the coach house” in tribute to our humble beginnings. Every Big Brother and Big Sister in our traditional match has a key to the coach house and you are free to make use of this recreational space, with your little, at your leisure. The coach house is also home to our SOAR programs as well as training for Go Girls and Co-op High School mentoring.WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PROGRAM EXPANSION GOALS? Yes, we are growing. Our goal is to provide mentoring services to each child that comes forward in need of a mentor. In order to do this we continue to attempt new approaches, while maintaining our strict screening and selection process for volunteers. In January 2010 we hope to be in a position to offer a second SOAR program in Burlington as well as expanding our Go Girls! program to Burlington area schools.Until next time, do enjoy the fall!Marianne
Our commitment to the community.
Children are 25% of our population, but 100% of our future. Pizza Pizza (Westdale) and ‘The Brothers’ at Homelife Macro Realty Inc. Brokerage care about community development and have teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington to help raise money and awareness. We believe in healthy communities where children are given every opportunity to reach their fullest potential - the healthy development of children is our highest priority. For each home that is purchased or sold through ‘The Brothers’ in 2009/2010, a $200—$1,000 donation will be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters to help them reach their goal of matching every child who needs a mentor, with a mentor.
Please help us support this long-standing community organization. There are almost 250 children waiting for a mentor. Your support is appreciated! To find out more visit www.callbigbrothers.com.
Please help us support this long-standing community organization. There are almost 250 children waiting for a mentor. Your support is appreciated! To find out more visit www.callbigbrothers.com.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Note From The Excecutive Director
Dear Members and Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters:
As we say goodbye to the warmer weather and welcome fall, I am reminded of those of you who regardless of the weather, regardless of the season, keep on giving! A warm thank you to our volunteers, who season after season are making a difference in the lives of children throughout Hamilton and Burlington.
How can you continue to help? Forward the link for this blog to a friend and tell them you think they would make a great mentor. It is the spreading of the word about Big Brothers Big Sisters by our members that is our most successful recruitment tool.
In this blog you will find information on H1N1. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington we have made the conscious decision not to impose a policy, but rather, to ask our families and volunteers to use their best judgment in terms of whether or not to have their regular contact with their match. In other words, please use good judgment and act on the side of caution if you are concerned about having the flu or being exposed to anyone with flu like symptoms.
We are VERY excited to announce the release of our new – state of the art website. Watch for our launch over the next month. Within our website there will be several fun and interesting spots to keep members and families informed as well as an opportunity for new volunteers to apply on-line.
Because you asked….within the body of this communication I will be starting to answer questions of interest that have been posed to me, since the last blog. Hopefully, you will find this new section of interest. Don’t hesitate to send your questions my way to Marianne@callbigbrothers.com.
WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY LINE? For many, many years now, our community has been very supportive of this agency by providing goods, discounts and tickets for our members use. When you dial our Hamilton office number 905-525-3860 and hit extension “3” this takes you to the activity line, where we let members and families know of upcoming events, discounts and free tickets. You simply follow the instructions.
WHAT IS THE COACH HOUSE? Our current Hamilton office was built many years ago by the volunteers from
Big Brothers with help from members of the community. Prior to this building being constructed and becoming our home, we owned a building on Victoria Street in Hamilton that was a former estate, with a “hired help residence” out back. Many, many years ago, during the days of horse and buggy, horses were housed in the building behind our former office. Eventually that area was turned into a recreation centre for members and thus called the “coach house”. When this building was erected, the members of the day wanted to keep our history alive and we named the recreation area downstairs “the coach house” in tribute to our humble beginnings. Every Big Brother and Big Sister in our traditional match has a key to the coach house and you are free to make use of this recreational space, with your little, at your leisure. The coach house is also home to our SOAR programs as well as training for Go Girls and Co-op High School mentoring.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PROGRAM EXPANSION GOALS? Yes, we are growing. Our goal is to provide mentoring services to each child that comes forward in need of a mentor. In order to do this we continue to attempt new approaches, while maintaining our strict screening and selection process for volunteers. In January 2010 we hope to be in a position to offer a second SOAR program in Burlington as well as expanding our Go Girls! program to Burlington area schools.
Until next time, do enjoy the fall!
Marianne
As we say goodbye to the warmer weather and welcome fall, I am reminded of those of you who regardless of the weather, regardless of the season, keep on giving! A warm thank you to our volunteers, who season after season are making a difference in the lives of children throughout Hamilton and Burlington.
How can you continue to help? Forward the link for this blog to a friend and tell them you think they would make a great mentor. It is the spreading of the word about Big Brothers Big Sisters by our members that is our most successful recruitment tool.
In this blog you will find information on H1N1. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington we have made the conscious decision not to impose a policy, but rather, to ask our families and volunteers to use their best judgment in terms of whether or not to have their regular contact with their match. In other words, please use good judgment and act on the side of caution if you are concerned about having the flu or being exposed to anyone with flu like symptoms.
We are VERY excited to announce the release of our new – state of the art website. Watch for our launch over the next month. Within our website there will be several fun and interesting spots to keep members and families informed as well as an opportunity for new volunteers to apply on-line.
Because you asked….within the body of this communication I will be starting to answer questions of interest that have been posed to me, since the last blog. Hopefully, you will find this new section of interest. Don’t hesitate to send your questions my way to Marianne@callbigbrothers.com.
WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY LINE? For many, many years now, our community has been very supportive of this agency by providing goods, discounts and tickets for our members use. When you dial our Hamilton office number 905-525-3860 and hit extension “3” this takes you to the activity line, where we let members and families know of upcoming events, discounts and free tickets. You simply follow the instructions.
WHAT IS THE COACH HOUSE? Our current Hamilton office was built many years ago by the volunteers from
Big Brothers with help from members of the community. Prior to this building being constructed and becoming our home, we owned a building on Victoria Street in Hamilton that was a former estate, with a “hired help residence” out back. Many, many years ago, during the days of horse and buggy, horses were housed in the building behind our former office. Eventually that area was turned into a recreation centre for members and thus called the “coach house”. When this building was erected, the members of the day wanted to keep our history alive and we named the recreation area downstairs “the coach house” in tribute to our humble beginnings. Every Big Brother and Big Sister in our traditional match has a key to the coach house and you are free to make use of this recreational space, with your little, at your leisure. The coach house is also home to our SOAR programs as well as training for Go Girls and Co-op High School mentoring.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PROGRAM EXPANSION GOALS? Yes, we are growing. Our goal is to provide mentoring services to each child that comes forward in need of a mentor. In order to do this we continue to attempt new approaches, while maintaining our strict screening and selection process for volunteers. In January 2010 we hope to be in a position to offer a second SOAR program in Burlington as well as expanding our Go Girls! program to Burlington area schools.
Until next time, do enjoy the fall!
Marianne
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
List of Programs and services
Concession Program for Matches - When a match is made between a Big and Little, they are given a concession pamphlet that entitles them to some special treats or events. Our thanks to our Sponsors & community friends.
Group Activities and Outings – Offered 4-6 times per year, for example we have group activities and outings. We will always put these on the activity line, where you will be required to leave your name and phone number if you wish to attend. Some one will get back to you as soon as possible.
Computer and Bike Give Away Days - Usually twice a year we at Big Brothers Big Sisters are given computers and some bikes. When that happens, we will put it on the activity line so that you can register for these programs.
Summer fun – Some of the summer fun this year is a program called Summer Buddies where the Littles get to spend some time with a mentor at one of our community schools for a period of one week from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00 pm. We also have Ti-Cat tickets, and a fishing event.
Coach House- Once you have been matched, your caseworker will give your Big a key to the Coach House. In the Coach House, there are different games, like a pool table, foosball table, along with other things to do.
Tickets, Tickets, Tickets – Please call the activity line at 905-525-3860 x 3 where you will find a listing of different activities. Leave your name and phone number for the activity that you would like to do and someone will get back to you.
Summer Buddies Throughout the summer months, students from the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the YMCA Summer Opportunities Program are matched in 1:2 mentoring relationships with our unmatched children. Together with other matches, they actively participate in relationship building activities and ‘old time summer fun’.
Community Matching program offers services to children aged seven to 18 years, mostly from single parent families. They are matched with individual volunteers, or with volunteer couples or families. Our traditional matching program is a one adult, one volunteer program.
Couples and Family Matching program is designed much like our Community Matching Program. However, Couples and Families volunteer together to provide friendship to a child.
In School Mentoring program provides services to children who have been identified by school personnel as being "at risk" of not achieving their full potential. These children may be struggling with socialization skills and/or are lacking in self-esteem, and may be more likely to drop out of school. This program brings together business, education and volunteer sectors to promote the social, emotional and educational well-being of children. It involves a one-to-one relationship between an adult and a child who meet weekly on school premises. This program is designed for boys and girls and uses both male and female volunteers. We collaborate with both the Public and Catholic School Boards for this program in Hamilton and Burlington.
Child Safety and Empowerment program is offered to clients, parents and volunteers. It provides tools and education in the area of child safety with a focus on the prevention of child sexual abuse. This program encourages the safety of our clients and families, at home and in the community.
Promise Scholarship and Project Hope Initiatives provide motivational tools and financial assistance to encourage children to pursue post-secondary education.
In partnership with the Canadian Tire Jump Start program, our agency identifies children in need who would benefit from participating in an organized sport or recreational activity and could not ordinarily do so without assistance. The agency disburses funds to the appropriate service provider to cover the cost of registration. Consideration is also given to fund equipment and transportation costs.
SOAR (Social Opportunities, Activities, and Relationships) is a group program with separate programs for girls and boys waiting to be matched with Big Brothers or Big Sisters. Volunteers provide learning and recreational activities for children and youth. Areas of focus are Special Events, Recreation, Sports, Personal Development, Employment and Volunteer Work in the Community. Each volunteer is matched with a few children who meet with other SOAR volunteers and children as a group for two hours a week over a 12-week period. In 2008/09 we had four groups running; SOAR for Girls, Soar for Boys both Junior and Senior and SOAR UPS for a special group of Burlington kids.
The Go Girls! Program provides girls and young women with information and support to make informed choices about healthy, active living while maintaining sensitivity toward the emotional, social and cultural issues they may face. Specifically, the project addresses the issues of physical activity, balanced eating and positive self-image for youth participants between the ages of 12 and 14 through mentoring relationships.
All of our service volunteers are screened and trained by Big Brothers Big Sisters professional staff. Our case managers and caseworkers provide ongoing monitoring and relationship support for children and volunteers. The families we serve receive support services and encouragement from our professional staff.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington
presents
GOLF 2009
Friday, August 28
8:30am shotgun start
Century Pines Golf & Country Club
$95.00 per ‘girl’ includes:
· 9 holes of golf & cart
· Girlie lunch
· Marketplace shopping expo
· Chocolate popsicles
· Prizes & surprises
· Silent auction
· On-course contests
Space is limited! Call Bob Salac (not a girl) 905.525.3860 x 308 or go online at www.callbigbrothers.com to register! Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available.
All proceeds support the Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program for adolescent girls.
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