It's the Little Things - One Buddy Pair's Story  

Dear ,

Like many youth in our Valley today, Julia's mom is single and working two or three jobs to make ends meet for her family. Julia is only 11 but knows the responsibilities of a parent, as it is her duty to take care of her three younger brothers after school and on the weekends. The school counselor saw Julia struggling socially and academically and knew that she was missing someone in her life to just have fun and be a kid with, both very important aspects for healthy youth development. The counselor referred Julia to the Buddy Program.

Julia was matched with her Big Buddy, Hannah, 2 years ago.  Together they enjoy hiking, playing soccer, having lunch and laughing a lot. Julia is now achieving in school, well-liked by her peers, and is working on accepting compliments. She has even joined the band with the help of a Buddy Program scholarship.

Julia's Big Buddy exemplifies what the Buddy Program is all about by being a consistent, caring role model; not by giving fancy presents, but by giving the support and guidance Julia needs to build a productive and meaningful life.  

New research confirms that"Mentoring is a strategic intervention that gives communities a way to multiply their support for young people. Mentoring programs not only improve outcomes  in the areas of academic achievement, behavior, and social and emotional health, but they also can improve these outcomes simultaneously."-  The National Mentoring Partnership, November 1, 2011. 

Wait List Little Buddy: Leslie A.J. 

Age: 7 years old

Grade: 2nd grade 

Annual "Celebrate Your Buddy" Dinner at the Caribou Club    

A celebration, indeed!  Nearly 200 Buddy Pairs and their families celebrated together at the Buddy Program's annual "Celebrate Your Buddy" Dinner on November 16th to honor of all the Big Buddies who make the Buddy Program possible through their tireless efforts as volunteer mentors.  

Held this year at Aspen's prestigious Caribou Club, the atmosphere was both elegant and cozy.   Everyone at the Caribou doubled their efforts to be sure that the Little Buddies and their siblings were highly entertained all evening with face-painting, cool temporary tattoos, card games and amazing magic tricks.  Chef Miles Angelo delighted the guests with a fabulous buffet dinner of gourmet fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, fresh veggies and salad.  The piece de resistance was undoubtedly the chocolate fountain accompanied by a myriad of dip-able delectables-marshmallow, pretzels, cookies and berries - a very Willy Wonka-esque experience not soon to be forgotten by any of our Little Buddies!  The excitement of the chocolate fountain was only matched by the grooving tunes spun by the DJ.  It was great to see all of our Little Buddies busting incredible moves on the dance floor alongside their Big Buddies!

During the evening we gave special honors to John Speers who received the Buddy Program Angel Award; Basalt Elementary School Principal Suzanne Wheeler, who received our Hero Award; and Gordon Nelson, whose wife Nancy was honored with the creation of a Continuing Education Scholarship in her name. 

ANNUAL BUDDY PHOTO CONTEST 

As the holidays approach, and you and your Little Buddy make gingerbread houses, or play in the snow, email your case manager the photos or upload them to our Facebook page! The WINNERS will be featured in our special January e-newsletter!  

www.buddyprogram.org