Note from the Executive Director

As promised, I am going to continue to put to print articles featuring questions I have been asked since our last publication. These days it seems as though I am continually being asked, "how will the uncertain economy effect Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington"? My first response "we continue to focus on what we do best, matching young people with caring adult mentors”. As a volunteer-driven organization we are continuing to recruit, train and provide ongoing professional support to foster the success of our mentoring relationships. Are we doing business differently? Yes we are.
We are finding ourselves needing to be more creative and resourceful in the way we operate. It is our responsibility to always be evaluating and paying attention to our efficiencies. Unfortunately, the reduction in available funds and the ever growing need to place mentors in the lives of children has resulted in a much higher caseload per worker. We continue to explore and utilize students and other means to continue to reach out where possible, but some of the feedback I am getting is that we are at times frustrating our membership with so very many changes. Every child, family and volunteer mentor within our organization has been assigned a service team staff member as your key contact. Others from our staff, student or volunteer compliment may be in touch from time to time, but a service staff member remains your primary contact.
I believe that now more than ever before the children and youth in our community need mentorship to give them hope for the future. At BBBS of Hamilton and Burlington we are incredibly fortunate to have the support we do from our dedicated and passionate volunteers, as well as from our committed and steadfast donors.
Together we will weather this storm of uncertain times; the children in our program are counting on it!


Marianne Noakes
Executive Director