November 2005UW Home PageDonate On-line2004 Annual Report

Agency Spotlight

Someone to Listen - Jennifer & Denise

What does the agency do: Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to help children in our community reach their full potential and become responsible adults by facilitating long-term, personal relationships between children and adults/mentors who serve as friends and role models. The demand for Big Brothers Big Sisters has never been greater. Currently the goal for Big Brothers Big Sisters is to attract one million adults nationwide to become mentors. Locally, BBBS is aiming for 1000 volunteers. This is an ambitious but attainable goal because BBBS knows the importance of mentoring programs. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a proven service that produces changes in the lives of young people. This service benefits the community at large by improving schools and helping bring youth crime down. Today in Lorain County, over 150 Bigs influence their Littles. The service BBBS provides help ensures that the mentoring relationship will flourish. BBBS caseworkers provide screening, monitoring and communications with Bigs, Littles and their parents.

Fast Facts:

• Right now, there is a long waiting list with 25 of the children on the list waiting almost three years to find a match.
• Currently there are 150 Big Little matches in Lorain County.
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters are available to any children who, for whatever reason, want a Big.
• Littles come from all areas of Lorain County and various economic situations.
• Volunteer do a wide variety of activities with their Little. BBBS believes each match is unique and as such, each Big and Little would plan unique activities depending on what they like doing.
• Our case managers personally interview and screen all volunteers to determine if they are equipped to be a Big and to determine the child who would make a good match.
• Activities like summer picnics, a Christmas party, tickets to events are provided to matches.

In This Issue:

First annual Small Business Blitz a success! Twice as Nice - LifeShare and United Way team up! Read the Results! – Day of Caring Community Pantry Drive Spotlight on our Volunteers The Business of Caring - Read why North Coast Correctional Treatment Facility Supports United Way Looking for reasons to invest in United Way – Here’s 10! (on-line video) Fund Distribution Volunteers Needed Upcoming events at our partner agencies! Donate online - it's safe and secure

Save the Date:

November 28th 11 am - 6:30 pm LifeShare/United Way Blood Drive Lorain County Family YMCA, Lobby 1121 Tower Blvd, Lorain November 29th 11 am- 6:30 pm Lorain County Community College, College Center 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria December 31st Distribution Volunteers Applications due to Tina Clark