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The Buddy Program strengthens our community by guiding and inspiring youth through mentoring.
December E-Newsletter 2010 |
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Win a Signed Gretchen Bleiler Snowboard
Dear ,
As 2010 comes to a close, it is more clear than ever that youth in the Roaring Fork Valley NEED the Buddy Program and the vital services that we provide. Recently, one of our case-managers calculated that over ¼ of her Little Buddies have a parent/guardian who was incarcerated in 2010. The recession has brought more children and their families to our Buddy Program door, and we need YOUR help to provide mentoring, counseling, and extra-curricular and educational scholarships to all of them.
One of our amazing patrons has offered an one-of-a-kind SIGNED Gretchen Bleiler snowboard for us to give away as an incentive to encourage more support for our local youth. Please donate $75 or more online before December 31st, and you will be entered to win!
Peter Waanders and Egbert O., a Buddy Pair in our Community Program, were asked to give an interview on KSNO recently to discuss the significance mentoring has on their lives. Peter has been a positive role model and mentor to Egbert for 9 years - more than half of his life. With Peter's guidance, Egbert has focused on his academics, started his own dog-walking business and traveled to Taiwan to study for a year on a Rotary Youth Exchange program. Egbert has also learned the importance of giving back to his local community - he is now a Peer-to-Peer Big Buddy.
THANK YOU!!! Kindest regards, Diane Anderson, President, Buddy Program Board of Directors Catherine Anne Provine, Executive Director |
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The Impact of Two Programs
Joseph, a caring boy who has struggled socially, was referred to the Buddy Program in 2009. While on our waitlist, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. As the oldest brother in his family, Joseph was deeply affected by his mother's illness. He was forced to take on adult responsibilities and was anxiety-ridden. As his family struggled during her treatment, the Buddy Program was able to provide extra-curricular scholarships to Joseph which allowed him to be a kid on the soccer field again and have fun!
 Last spring, Joseph was paired with his Big Buddy, Russell. His response in finding out that he got a Buddy was "Thank you SO much!" Joseph not only benefits from having an additional person to spend time with, but he has also become involved in our Experiential Mentoring Program.
After participating in D.R.E.A.M. Day Camp this past summer, he told one of his counselors that "I feel like I can be myself again." By being involved in both programs, Joseph has improved his self-confidence and social skills. |
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We are excited to announce that Michael Carter, a Big Buddy in our Community Program won a free season ski pass in the online end-of-year donation contest! Don't forget - if you donate $75 or more online before December 31st, you will be entered to win a signed Gretchen Bleiler snowboard! |
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Is it Wednesday yet?
Wednesdays are "Buddy Day" in Carbondale which means that 14 dedicated high school students from Roaring Fork High School spend their lunch break with their Little Buddy (2-4th graders) at Crystal River Elementary School (CRES). Many teachers report getting asked: "Is it Wednesday yet?" In a letter addressed to the Big Buddies, the school counselor writes "All week I hear about the positive impact you have on our children, and how each and every child involved feels 'special' because they have a Big Buddy." The Buddy Program is proud to be serving more youth in this part of our Valley.
Big-hearted Volunteers Mentor Carbondale Middle School Students
The Buddy Program launched its School-based mentoring program at Carbondale Middle School (CMS) this fall, matching 2 adult volunteers with students selected by the scho ol counselor. Between a busy work schedule, kids of their own and personal responsibilities, these two committed mentors have shown up every week to be greeted with a big smile by their Little Buddies . Big Buddy, Jeff Chapman, is paired with an 8th grade boy who seems overjoyed by the one-on-one attention he receives from his mentor. This January, we look forward to matching two more Buddy Pairs to build more relationships throughout this academic year! |
Thank you for your continued support. We would love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email rebecca@buddyprogram.org with any comments or suggestions.
Sincerely,
The Buddy Program 110 East Hallam Street, Suite 125 Aspen, CO 81611 P: (970) 920-2130 |
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