BBBS of Southern Nevada Newsletter – Winter 2011
During this Holiday season I would like to say Thank You to our Appreciated Donors, Dedicated Staff, Wonderful Volunteers and Tireless Board Members for your ongoing support of our mission and agency. We could not be a positive influence in the lives of children within our community without you!
According to Philanthropedia, which surveys experts on their views of charities’ impact and organizational strength, Big Brothers Big Sisters is not just making a difference, but has been ranked the best of the best on a list of most recommended, high impact national nonprofits serving youth. BBBS received praise for its effective mentoring model that leads to positive and measurable youth outcomes for children who face adversity. This first place ranking was the result of recommendations from 88 national at-risk youth experts.
BBBSN follows the best practices of the national parent organization in the delivery of programs. The process and practice guidelines of our Service Delivery Models ensure quality programs delivered with a primary focus on child safety and the realization of positive outcomes. Measurable program impacts for the past year include: Little’s participating in our Site Based programs had an increase of 11.5% in their Reading scores from the first to third trimester report cards in the 2009-2010 school year.
There was a decrease of absences of 29% reported by Little’s in our Site Based program from the previous school year.
65% of the Little’s in our Community Based program reported increased scores in Social Acceptance on the Youth Outcomes Survey. Improved scores in this area are linked to improved educational achievement and avoidance of risk behaviors.
But with over 400 children on our waiting list we need your continued support as volunteers, clothing & household donors and financial investors in our programs. Please spread the word at work and in the community about our mission and results but most importantly the work will still have to do…..You can make a difference as a volunteer or a donor with our organization!
I would like to take a moment to let you know that January is National Mentoring Month. What better way to start the year than by supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters quality one-to-one mentoring relationships for children in need, based on a proven model that includes careful “matching” and ongoing support for mentors, kids and parents/guardians.
Happy Holidays and a Successful New Year to you and your Family!
Sincerely,
Gerry Shear, Board Chair
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada
Holiday Bike Bonanza
Kindness is the greatest wisdom. -Anonymous
This Holiday Season we went Big and launched our newest annual fundraiser, the Holiday Bike Bonanza. During this special event we presented bikes to 70 Littles from our Site and Community Based Mentoring Programs.
The event was held on Saturday, December 3rd at the Element Hotel Las Vegas. With the help of our sponsors we raised over $30,000 to go directly to support our mentoring programs. Each supporter was given the opportunity to graciously present their sponsored Little with a bike.
We would like to especially thank all of our sponsors who made this event possible: Cardinal Health for their generous bicycle donation, Element Hotel for providing the venue and catering, Credit One our Presenting Sponsor, NV Energy and Nevada State Bank our Silver Level Sponsors; as well as our supporting sponsors, GENCO, American Family Insurance, Cragin & Pike, Teri Peers, Copper Mountain Solar, Paul Rhineberger, Tracey Chernay, Al & Lauren Barbarich, and EZ Pawn.
Nevada’s Big Give
On November 17th, 2011 Nevadans came together and participated in Nevada’s Big Give, a statewide annual giving campaign aimed at encouraging residents to “Give Where You Live”.
Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada we held our monthly mixer in support of the Big Give. We had an overwhelming response in attendance that included, BBBSN Board of Directors, community partners, funders, Bigs & Littles.
Together, we raised over $400,000 that went directly to support local non-profits in Nevada. Thank you for supporting your community and BBBSN.
Big 101
By Dennis Tyson, Big Brother Alum
Many times I’ve been asked “What’s it like being a Big?” I usually answer that it’s gratifying, because it is, but for a Big the full answer to that seemingly simply question is anything but simple. So I thought I would articulate a few things for new Bigs to keep in mind as they grow into their role.
Being a Big is fun, difficult, challenging, rewarding, stressful, a journey and most importantly something to be experienced and enjoyed.
The role of a Big can be demanding and evolves with each encounter with a Little. The worst expectation a new Big can place on themselves (and their Little) is immediate results. In fact your role as a Big requires tremendous patience and is not unlike a gardener. Where a gardener grows plants, Bigs grow a relationship.
Much like a gardener a Big cannot expect a plant to produce fruit prematurely. As a Big it is your responsibility to take your time, cultivate your soil carefully, plant many seeds (even the same seed repeatedly), provide water, nutrition, sun light and proper pruning. Even when these duties are performed well and consistent the Big may not see a return on the investment for quite a long time. This is perfectly okay! Remember you are not the only influence on your Little.
Aside from the gardener’s hat, at one time or another you may wear the hat of friend, parent, mentor, teacher, student, listener, lecturer, guide, reality checker, manager, coach, teammate, etc. A Big may even wear many of these hats simultaneously.
Be prepared to start with your boundaries set tight but clear. As your relationship progresses so too should your boundaries.
Finally: Lead by example, be fair and most especially, be honest. Encourage the basic Life Skills (honesty, morality, ethics, responsibility). Little’s are there to learn from you so be a good solid person to learn from.
Follow Us