BIG CHANGES AT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

We are delighted to share the news that our Hamilton office is currently under construction and things are looking GREAT! Thanks to a grant from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario under the infrastructure initiative we have had the opportunity to upgrade our Hamilton location to ensure that it is a safe and healthy environment for our volunteers, clients and staff and a facility that they can be proud of.

The implications in the immediate future are that we have closed the coach house from use by our volunteers on an individual basis. Your key no longer works! At the present time, with all the construction it is not a safe place to bring children. We will be announcing in the near future a new and updated coach house use policy.

Watch for our grand re-opening and re-dedication ceremonies coming upon completion of the renovations.

Office visits and group programming will not be affected by this change in coach house use.

Congratulations to our golf committee who led and celebrated a successful tournament in June. Your work on behalf of the children in our programs is very much appreciated. Also thanks to the work of our staff, and summer staff our Summer Buddies program was a resounding success.

The Board of Directors of this agency has engaged with staff and volunteers to complete a new strategic plan in the fall of 2010 which will be the roadmap for this organization into the future. We are excited about this promising new look at our organization.

In November of this year our organization will complete an accreditation process through our National Organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. As a volunteer or parent you may be called on to answer questions relative to your experience as a program participant. Calls will be placed randomly to both families and volunteers.

I am currently looking for volunteers in the following areas, social work, law, insurance, human resources and financial management. We have struck a risk management committee with an eye on examining our current practice in the areas above and being pro-active in avoiding risk for clients, volunteers and the organization. The commitment would be short term and limited to one or two meetings in the coming year. If you can spare a few hours and have an interest in helping us in this way, please email me at Marianne@callbigbrothers.com for more information.

Congratulations to our Promise Scholarship, Project Hope and CIBC Youthvision winners. We are proud of you!

Marianne Noakes
Executive Director

2010 United Way Campaign

Just around the corner, as the kids get back to school, and the arena temperature is turned down, the United Way fundraising campaign kicks off.

As in previous years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington ( funded in part by United Way ) will be pitching in. A Haunted House at Burlington’s Village Square
( Halloween weekend ) and also some events that will be specific to the agency will take place. If you are interested in assisting with these events or if you are interested in attending, check our website www.callbigbrothers.com periodically for further details or follow us on Facebook.

Throughout the fall of 2010

Throughout the fall of 2010 we will be having a presence
with recruitment booths at various events, attending fairs,
hosting new events and continuing to spread the word that
mentoring works! If you would like us to come and speak
with members of your organization, or work placewe would be delighted
to arrange a presentation. Please contact Laura Hickerson
at Laura@callbigbrothers.com or 905-525-3860 x 310.

On the flip side, we often get requests to speak on behalf of
United Way and we are looking for volunteers to assist in this way.
United Way has arranged for speaker training at the beginning
of September. If you would be willing to speak on our behalf
and take speakers training from United Way please contact
Laura Hickerson at Laura@callbigbrothers.com or 905-525-3860
X 310.


BE A BIG IN A SCHOOL NEAR YOU!
Becoming a mentor is good for your
health. That’s the conclusion of a
recent study conducted by researchers at
the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of
Public Health. The study concluded that,
“seniors participating in a youth mentoring
program made gains in key brain regions
that support cognitive abilities important
to planning and organizing one’s daily
life.” In short, mentoring keeps you sharp!

Are you retired or semi-retired and want to stay active?
We have a program that will fit your schedule.

Call us today. 905-525-3860

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

For those looking for support in relationships, or dealing with separation and divorce, you may want to take advantage of some of the programs listed below. These programs are not organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters, but rather, by various community groups.

Level 1—Learning to Cope—a self help support group
Tuesdays, September 14-November 16, 2010—7:00 pm—9:30 pm (a 10 week program)
700 King St. W., Hamilton
Diocesan Office for Ministry, Family &Religious Education
Chancery Office
Contact: 905-528-7988, ext. 2249
Cost--$35.00


Keys to Loving Relationships
A program for those wanting to improve their relationship skills.
Thursdays—September 16 to November 18, 2010
7:00 PM to 9:00 pm
Diocesan Office for Ministry, Family & Religious Education
700 King St. W., Hamilton
Chancery Office
Contact: 905-528-7988, ext. 2249
Cost--$45.00 per person


Support Group for Separated and Divorced
St. Patrick’s Parish
440 King St. E; Hamilton
1st and 3rd Fridays of each month—7:30 pm
Contact: Darlene—905-522-6880


New Beginnings—A weekend for Separated, Divorced or Widowed Persons
Through the:
Diocesan Office for Ministry, Family a& Religious Education
Chancery Office
700 King St. W. , Hamilton
Contact: 905-528-7988, ext. 2249
omfre@hamiltondiocese.com
registration deadline is November 19, 2010
Weekend of November 26, 27 & 28, 2010
At Mount Mary Retreat Centre
Cost--$175.00

Thank You Ministry Promotion and the Healthy Community Fund

The Ministry of Health Promotion and the Healthy Community Fund has granted Big Brothers Big Sisters two year funding to support our newest program Game On! Game On will be formatted similarly to our popular Go Girls program which runs two one-hour sessions each week for duration of seven to ten weeks. The sessions take place in selected schools and focus on physical activity, healthy eating/nutrition and self-esteem/communication skills. With the support of the Healthy Communities Fund this program will begin in the fall of 2010.

Thank You Sport Chek

Thank you Sport Chek for supporting Go Girls and Game On with a generous donation to buy much needed sporting equipment. This donation was made possible by the hard work of Sport Check employees, customers and corporate offices. On behalf of Go Girls and Game On participants - THANK YOU!