Monday, November 15, 2010
Counting all “seasoned” service volunteers
Counting all “seasoned” service volunteers. Whether you are a Big Brother, Big Sister, In School Mentor, Soar volunteer we want your input. On November 24, 2010 6:00pm – 7:30 pm we are hosting a volunteer forum for volunteers who have been with Big Brothers Big Sisters for one year or more. The evening will be informal and facilitated by Anne Bermingham and Michael Howes of 2WA Consulting. Anne and Michael will be focusing in on questions which will help us become more aware of our volunteers and how they see this organization now and in the future...can we count you in...PLEASE? Please register by emailing Marianne@callbigbrothers.com or calling 905-525-3860 x 312
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
JUMP START
A HUGE thank you to Jumpstart for all they do for the kids at Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.
Since 2005 when Jump Start was piloted in the Niagara region, Jump Start has grown nation wide and has provided a number of Little Brothers Little Sisters with opportunities of sport and recreation. Jump Start is a registered charity that helps financially disadvantaged families in times of need to get kids involved within their community with a the goal of keeping kids active.
Research has proven that participation in sport and recreation does increase a child’s chance of success in life through:
• A healthier lifestyle;
• Increased self-esteem and confidence;
• Opportunity to learn important leadership skills;
• Improved school performance and future education expectations;
• More positive relationships and strengthened support networks.
Any current client of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington may be eligible for funding of a sport or recreational program. Funding will only be granted for one activity per season per child (Spring-Summer) or (Fall – Winter). A maximum grant amount of $300.00 may be available which should be considered in choosing the activity / sport of choice.
Applications for funding are to be completed by the parent and they are available at any time by contacting the Case Manager/ Worker who will lead you through the process. The first submission for Spring and Summer 2011 programs will be March 1st then the 1st of each month ending on June 24th 2011. Submission for Fall 2011 – Winter 2011-2012 will be accepted starting in July 2011 and ending on October 31st 2011.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Big Brothers Big Sisters programs give young people a helping hand to reach their full potential and become confident, caring adults.
All this, through a simple act of friendship!
There are many ways you can support our mentoring programs:
● Volunteer to be a Big
● Participate in a fund raising campaign (like Bowl for Kids Sake)
● Become a donor and help build a friendship
● Offer your expertise to a committee or event team
● Become a corporate partner
Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.
Since 2005 when Jump Start was piloted in the Niagara region, Jump Start has grown nation wide and has provided a number of Little Brothers Little Sisters with opportunities of sport and recreation. Jump Start is a registered charity that helps financially disadvantaged families in times of need to get kids involved within their community with a the goal of keeping kids active.
Research has proven that participation in sport and recreation does increase a child’s chance of success in life through:
• A healthier lifestyle;
• Increased self-esteem and confidence;
• Opportunity to learn important leadership skills;
• Improved school performance and future education expectations;
• More positive relationships and strengthened support networks.
Any current client of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington may be eligible for funding of a sport or recreational program. Funding will only be granted for one activity per season per child (Spring-Summer) or (Fall – Winter). A maximum grant amount of $300.00 may be available which should be considered in choosing the activity / sport of choice.
Applications for funding are to be completed by the parent and they are available at any time by contacting the Case Manager/ Worker who will lead you through the process. The first submission for Spring and Summer 2011 programs will be March 1st then the 1st of each month ending on June 24th 2011. Submission for Fall 2011 – Winter 2011-2012 will be accepted starting in July 2011 and ending on October 31st 2011.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Big Brothers Big Sisters programs give young people a helping hand to reach their full potential and become confident, caring adults.
All this, through a simple act of friendship!
There are many ways you can support our mentoring programs:
● Volunteer to be a Big
● Participate in a fund raising campaign (like Bowl for Kids Sake)
● Become a donor and help build a friendship
● Offer your expertise to a committee or event team
● Become a corporate partner
GAME ON
Introducing our newest program...Game On!
Developed for male
adolescents, Game On! uses a mentor approach to provide boys and young men with information and support to make
informed choices
about a range of
healthy lifestyle
practices. Through nontraditional,
physical activities and
encouragement to live a healthy
lifestyle, participants learn important
life skills, better communication skills and tactics
to improve emotional well-being.
Developed for male
adolescents, Game On! uses a mentor approach to provide boys and young men with information and support to make
informed choices
about a range of
healthy lifestyle
practices. Through nontraditional,
physical activities and
encouragement to live a healthy
lifestyle, participants learn important
life skills, better communication skills and tactics
to improve emotional well-being.
Introducing our 2010/2011 Board of Directors.
Darren Gillis Chair
Mike Worster Past Chair
Matthew McIsaac 2nd Vice Chair
Odette Barnicki Director
Kanata Cowan Director
Patricia Gonsalves Treasurer
Douglas Green 1st Vice Chair
John Stewart Director
Chantel Broten Director
David Duncan Director
Marianne Noakes Ex-Officio
Jay Llewellyn Director
Brian Puddington Director
Mike Worster Past Chair
Matthew McIsaac 2nd Vice Chair
Odette Barnicki Director
Kanata Cowan Director
Patricia Gonsalves Treasurer
Douglas Green 1st Vice Chair
John Stewart Director
Chantel Broten Director
David Duncan Director
Marianne Noakes Ex-Officio
Jay Llewellyn Director
Brian Puddington Director
CALLING ALL "NEW" VOLUNTEERS
Calling all “new” volunteers aged 18-24 – give us your report card. Tell us how we are doing; tell us how you would like to see us change to be better responsive to you as a volunteer. On November 25, 2010 from 5:30pm - 7:00 pm we are hosting a volunteer forum for younger volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The evening will be informal and facilitated by Anne Bermingham and Michael Howes of 2WA Consulting. Anne and Michael will be focusing in on questions which will help us become more aware of our volunteers and how they see this organization now and in the future...can we count you in...PLEASE?
Should we be tweeting? Should we communicate more using technology? Is it weird to have your Casemanager actually “call you on the phone”? Tell us! Please register by emailing Marianne@callbigbrothers.com
Should we be tweeting? Should we communicate more using technology? Is it weird to have your Casemanager actually “call you on the phone”? Tell us! Please register by emailing Marianne@callbigbrothers.com
UNITED WAY
United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton has strengthened lives by bringing together the financial resources of our cities—business, labour, individuals, government, and foundations—in support of a network of social services and health agencies. Through these agencies and their programs, people found help and, in many cases, opportunity for a better life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one such agency. Without United Way there would be no way for us to deliver the volume of services we are able to in our communities. We urge you to support the United Way
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Volunteer Opportunity
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
LITTLE ARTIST NEEDED
‘If your ‘little’ is interested in painting something to be displayed on the walls of Big Brothers Big Sisters, then bring them out to the Coach House (in the basement of the Big Brothers Big Sisters office) on either Thursday January 13th, Tuesday January 18th, or Thursday January 20th or better yet, bring them all three evenings! We have several canvases to be painted, and a volunteer to make frames, so come on out and unleash that inner Picasso!
Have you been to the Big Brothers Big Sisters office lately? If you have, I’m sure that you noticed that we need some decorations on our walls! We thought, “Who better to decorate them than the kids in our programs?” If these evenings don’t work for you and your little, but you would like to contribute – contact Kim at kirish@callbigbrothers.com she’ll hook you up with a canvas to make your masterpiece.
Have you been to the Big Brothers Big Sisters office lately? If you have, I’m sure that you noticed that we need some decorations on our walls! We thought, “Who better to decorate them than the kids in our programs?” If these evenings don’t work for you and your little, but you would like to contribute – contact Kim at kirish@callbigbrothers.com she’ll hook you up with a canvas to make your masterpiece.
MARK YOUR CALENDER FOR TIM HORTONS BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE
Event Dates
Saturday March 5th 4-6 p.m. at Splitsville
Wednesday March 9th, 6-8 p.m. Prime Time
Wednesday March 23rd, 6-8 p.m. Splitsville
Saturday March 26th, 4-6 p.m. Splitsville
Wednesday March 30th, 6-8 p.m. Prime Time
Thanks to our amazing and generous title partner Tim Hortons, incentive partner Best Buy Burlington and Boston Pizza we the coolest incentives around.
Keep your eye on http://www.callbigbrothers.com/ for ongoing event details, or better yet, call Bob at 905-525-3860 x 308 / rsalac@callbigbrothers.com to volunteer.
Saturday March 5th 4-6 p.m. at Splitsville
Wednesday March 9th, 6-8 p.m. Prime Time
Wednesday March 23rd, 6-8 p.m. Splitsville
Saturday March 26th, 4-6 p.m. Splitsville
Wednesday March 30th, 6-8 p.m. Prime Time
Thanks to our amazing and generous title partner Tim Hortons, incentive partner Best Buy Burlington and Boston Pizza we the coolest incentives around.
Keep your eye on http://www.callbigbrothers.com/ for ongoing event details, or better yet, call Bob at 905-525-3860 x 308 / rsalac@callbigbrothers.com to volunteer.
With the help of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Hamilton & Burlington chapter Jason and Bazil found one another.
Jason had been told by his brother about the shortage of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Hamilton and Burlington area. There just weren’t enough adults to mentor the young population in need.
So at the age of 31 Jason decided to give back to the community and became a Big Brother at the Big Brother Big Sister organization in Hamilton, ON. That is when he was matched with his 13 year old “little brother” Bazil.
Bazil, who is originally from Zimbabwe, does not have any siblings at home. Before meeting Jason he often found that he was alone and did not get involved in many activitie that is where Jason came to the rescue for young Bazil.
Bazil has been able to learn all about hockey, web designing and traveling from his big brother. Jason has taught his little brother how to rollerblade, which has become one of Bazil’s favorite pass times during the summer. Skating has not been isolated to pavement for these two. One of Jason’s favorite memories is when he took Bazil ice skating for the first time ever. Despite being from a warm climate, Bazil loved ice-skating!
It isn’t all fun and games for this pair. Jason has also been able to be a mentor for Bazil. Particularly with math, Jason has been able to help his little brother through his struggles with fractions.
Bazil’s favorite part of having Jason as his big brother is having someone to turn to when he is having a problem. He has someone he can relate to and trust to give him good advice.
When asked what being a Big Brother meant to Jason, this is what he had to say:.
“I really enjoy having Bazil as a Little brother. After 9 months of spending time together, I find that he is opening up more and more each time we meet up. Generally, he is a quiet and shy child to people he is not familiar with. But once you get to know him you see a side of him that is inquisitive, thoughtful and active. What's interesting is that our relationship involves mutual exchange of teaching and learning. I remember the first day we got together, we went to the library and sat in front of the computer where he began introducing me to the various types of transport trucks. He began naming the make and model of each transport truck and what the difference between each were. I remember thinking, "wow I'm learning so much, shouldn't I be the one to pass on knowledge to him?". You can tell he has a passion for transport trucks. I recently asked him what he liked most about having me in his life and he responded saying that he liked having someone he can turn to besides his mother. He has a sister who is married and lives in Hamilton and another sister who lives in England so to connect with them is difficult. I was surprised to hear what an impact I have had in the time we've been together but to have him articulate it meant a great deal to me. I got involved with the BBBS looking to help out but I never thought my life could be enriched the way that it has been.”
This pair is a great example of how important it is for a young person to have a positive role model in their life. All it takes a little bit of your time to make a world of difference.
Jason had been told by his brother about the shortage of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Hamilton and Burlington area. There just weren’t enough adults to mentor the young population in need.
So at the age of 31 Jason decided to give back to the community and became a Big Brother at the Big Brother Big Sister organization in Hamilton, ON. That is when he was matched with his 13 year old “little brother” Bazil.
Bazil, who is originally from Zimbabwe, does not have any siblings at home. Before meeting Jason he often found that he was alone and did not get involved in many activitie that is where Jason came to the rescue for young Bazil.
Bazil has been able to learn all about hockey, web designing and traveling from his big brother. Jason has taught his little brother how to rollerblade, which has become one of Bazil’s favorite pass times during the summer. Skating has not been isolated to pavement for these two. One of Jason’s favorite memories is when he took Bazil ice skating for the first time ever. Despite being from a warm climate, Bazil loved ice-skating!
It isn’t all fun and games for this pair. Jason has also been able to be a mentor for Bazil. Particularly with math, Jason has been able to help his little brother through his struggles with fractions.
Bazil’s favorite part of having Jason as his big brother is having someone to turn to when he is having a problem. He has someone he can relate to and trust to give him good advice.
When asked what being a Big Brother meant to Jason, this is what he had to say:.
“I really enjoy having Bazil as a Little brother. After 9 months of spending time together, I find that he is opening up more and more each time we meet up. Generally, he is a quiet and shy child to people he is not familiar with. But once you get to know him you see a side of him that is inquisitive, thoughtful and active. What's interesting is that our relationship involves mutual exchange of teaching and learning. I remember the first day we got together, we went to the library and sat in front of the computer where he began introducing me to the various types of transport trucks. He began naming the make and model of each transport truck and what the difference between each were. I remember thinking, "wow I'm learning so much, shouldn't I be the one to pass on knowledge to him?". You can tell he has a passion for transport trucks. I recently asked him what he liked most about having me in his life and he responded saying that he liked having someone he can turn to besides his mother. He has a sister who is married and lives in Hamilton and another sister who lives in England so to connect with them is difficult. I was surprised to hear what an impact I have had in the time we've been together but to have him articulate it meant a great deal to me. I got involved with the BBBS looking to help out but I never thought my life could be enriched the way that it has been.”
This pair is a great example of how important it is for a young person to have a positive role model in their life. All it takes a little bit of your time to make a world of difference.
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