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Big Sister Alyson Taylor & Paula
Big Sister Alyson Taylor and Little Sister Paula have been matched since August of 2004. When this pair was first matched they insta ntly formed a strong bond with one another that will connect them long into the future. While Paula has always been a very bright girl and a good student, her mom reports that Big Sister Alyson's influence has encouraged Paula to dream big, take on great challenges, and form great self-confidence.
Since being matched with her Big Sister, Alyson, Paula moved her way up from Dean's List to consistently being named to the Principal's List, signifying her straight-A report cards. At the age of 11, Paula was already talking about wanting to save money to buy a car when she became old enough to drive. Alyson puts her background and knowledge of finance to good use to help her Little Sister. She taught Paula how to maintain a savings plan and helped set up a plan to reach her goal. Working with Paula's mom, Alyson designed a plan where the parent would contribute 0.25 cents for every $1 that Paula saved on her own.
As Paula approached high school, Alyson created a schedule with choices Paula would have for elective classes, Honors Programs, and dual-enrollment courses in order to earn college credits while still attending high school. Paula's mom was able to use this schedule not only for Paula's benefit, but for her sister's as well. Paula enrolled in the prestigious International Baccalaureate program at St. Pete High with all gifted classes, and was recognized in 2007 by President George W. Bush for her outstanding scores on the FCAT exams. She has also been awarded several Ebony Scholars and Doorways scholarships throughout the year.
Paula's mom states, "Alyson has been such a blessing to Paula! She has always been a high-achiever anyway, but Alyson has given her that extra boost!" Paula's mom said that Alyson has had a huge impact on Paula by introducing her to new ideas, and through sharing stories of her own travel, has been the inspiration for Paula to look into studying abroad. Paula's mom also said that Alyson helped her not to be afraid of new things and dreaming big.
Share your match moments with your Match Manager. You never know, your story could inspire others just like Alyson and Paula.
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| Agency Information & Events |
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Spaces are filling up fast - Register Today!
The BIG Celebration
Friday, April 27, 2012
6:00pm-9:00pm
Mahaffey Theater
400 1st Street S.
St. Petersburg
Please join us with your Little for our annual BIG Celebration - Big Brothers Big Sisters' signature event of the year to honor all of our Bigs, donors and corporate sponsors who are committed to changing the lives of children facing adversity in our community.
This will be a great time for you and your Little to celebrate your relationship and meet many other matches. Our donors and supporters will also be attending to witness and celebrate the bond that they have helped to create with our matches.
The evening will include music, dancing, a delicious dinner and ice cream bar catered by Outback Steakhouse, a photo booth, caricature artists and more. Our Master of Ceremonies for the event is Dick Crippen from the Tampa Bay Rays and the Rays mascot, Raymond, will be there as well!
The attire for this event is business casual. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
*This event is open only to Bigs, Littles, and our donors and program supporters. Space is limited and registration will close on April 18th or when full. Please make sure to register each person attending.
You don't want to miss this event! Please click here to register today.
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We Need Your Participation in our Research Study with University of Tampa Students!
Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Pinellas, Hernando and Citrus Counties is partnering with a team of graduate MBA students from the University of Tampa to continue our pursuit of enhancing your volunteer experience. The students are conducting a 2-part study that will help us serve our Bigs and Littles most effectively.
The first phase of the project was to complete focus groups and in-depth interviews, then the second phase of the study will be a brief email survey to all Bigs in both the Community Based and School Based programs.
We need all of our Bigs to complete the email survey that will be sent out in the next couple of weeks. Please be on the look-out for the email and complete the survey as soon as you can!
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Save the Date! 
Companies for Kids Golf Invitational
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Registration Starts-11:00am; Shotgun Start-1:00PM
Innisbrook Golf & Country Club
Copperhead & Island Courses
36750 US Highway 19 N Join Big Brothers Big Sisters on October 2, 2012 for the inaugural Companies for Kids Invitational Golf Classic! Please come out and support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, encouraging children's potential through one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The vision of the Companies for Kids Invitational event is to form corporate alliances with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the local business community. Together, we host an elite corporate event focused on raising significant funds for children facing adversity in our community. This will be our agencies only major golf tournament for this year, so don't miss out!Please click here for the sponsor sheet. Registration will be online soon! For more information on how you can participate as a sponsor or player, please contact Stephanie Sleight at 727-518-8860 ext. 261 or StephanieS@bbbspc.org
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Children Hoping for a Community Based Big Brother or Big Sister
The following list shows the number of children who are hoping to be matched in the Pinellas Community Based program. There are currently 75 girls and 217 boys, for a total of 292 children!
Clearwater: 15 girls, 35 boys
Dunedin: 1 girl, 7 boys
Largo: 8 girls, 29 boys
Oldsmar: 3 girls, 3 boys
Palm Harbor: 2 girls, 7 boys
Pinellas Park: 3 girls, 12 boys
Safety Harbor: 2 girls, 1 boys
Seminole: 1 girls, 9 boys
St. Pete: 42 girls, 110 boys
Tarpon Springs: 1 girl, 4 boys
The Community Based program is ideal for someone who has more free time during weekends and evenings and prefers a flexible schedule. Volunteers take the child on 2 outings per month for 2-4 hours, at times that are convenient for both the Big and the Little. Children Hoping for a School Based Big Brother or Big Sister The list below reflects the number of children who were not able to be matched this school year. We currently have a 56 total of children hoping for a School Based Big. Belleair Elementary School - Clearwater: 7 boys Campbell Park Elementary School - St. Pete: 2 girls, 10 boys Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy - Countryside: 2 boys High Point Elementary School - Clearwater: 11 boys, 5 girls John Hopkins Middle School - St. Pete: 5 girls Lakewood Elementary School - St. Pete: 3 boys Ozona YMCA - Palm Harbor: 1 boy Sandy Lane Elementary School - Clearwater: 2 girls Sunset Hills Elementary School - Tarpon Springs: 1 boys Sunset Hills YMCA - Tarpon Springs: 2 girls, 3 boys Thurgood Marshall Fundamental - Palm Harbor: 2 boy
The School Based program is ideal for someone who needs a consistent schedule to meet with their Little Brother/Sister and has time during the day. Volunteers meet with a child at their elementary or middle school for one hour per week. Some of our School Based Bigs choose this program because they want to invest their lunch break one day a week, or they have kids at home but they still want to get involved. Do you have friends or colleagues who are interested in getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters? If you would like to host a recruitment drive or lunch and learn at your office, place of worship, networking group or social club, please contact Christa at ChristaW@bbbspc.orgor 727-518-8860 x227. |
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Reaching BIG Potential Lunches
Do you know someone who wants to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters or get involved? Consider inviting them to attend one of our Reaching BIG Potential Events. This free, one-hour informational session will provide you with an inside look at what Big Brothers Big Sisters achieves in our community.
- Thursday, April 19th - SPC Allstate Center, Conference Room 110: 3200 34th Street South, St. Petersburg
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| Become a BIG Partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters! |
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Make BBBS Your Charity of Choice!
Are you involved with an organization who is planning an event or fundraiser? Do you have, or know of a business who would like to give back to the community? Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Pinellas, Hernando and Citrus Counties is looking for local organizations to participate in our Charity of Choice program!
A couple of ideas on how to become a Charity of Choice partner would be to have a special day at your place of business where a % of the proceeds benefit our agency, or to hold a special event for a group, where part of the the entry fees or food and beverage sales benefit our local children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
To participate, all event planning would be the sole responsibility of the organization that chooses us as their Charity of Choice. Due to a very limited staff, our agency cannot participate in actual event planning, but could potentially send a representative on the day of the event. To help promote the event, our agency would be happy to communicate details of your event to our constituents through email newsletters and social media, as appropriate.
Big Perks
Thanks to our supportive community partners, we are able to offer our Bigs and Littles great discounts for local businesses and activities. This is a great way for our Littles to experience activities that they would normally not be able to do. We need your help to expand our offerings!
To view a complete list of our Big Perks, visit:www.bbbspc.org/bigperks
If you have a Charity of Choice idea or suggestion or would like to offer our matches a Big Perk, please contact Christine Battista, Marketing & Communications Coordinator: 727-518-8860 ext 231, or ChristineB@bbbspc.org
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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How do I talk with my Little about posting pictures and/or information about themselves on their Facebook page and/or other social media websites?
This is a topic that has come up a lot, not just the children in our program. It's important for you to explain to your Little that that once a picture is posted in the internet, it is there forever. Many kids don't realize that they don't know who is viewing their pictures so educating them is important in keeping them safe. Let them know that they should NEVER give out their real name, ages, phone numbers and/or address, they should NEVER meet with anyone they have met on the internet, even if they think it's someone their age, and they should always tell a trusted adult if someone is trying to get this information from them. Child safety is always our top priority so if your Little is putting themselves in danger by providing any information on-line about themselves, please let their parent/guardian know. And always, feel free to talk with your Match Support Specialist to get more help on dealing with this situation.
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| BIG Opportunities for Littles |
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2012 Student Legal Intern Program
The Clearwater Bar Association is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Student Legal Intern Program (SLIP) which will welcome high school interns in the summer of 2012. Applications are accepted through April 27, 2012, with the class serving its six-week internship from June 11 through July 20, 2012. Selected applicants will be interviewed the week of May 14.
The CBA's SLIP interns will be paid up to $1,700 for the six week program (roughly $7/hour). To be considered, applicants will complete a lengthy application, submit a school transcript, two letters of recommendation and prepare a 600 to 750-word essay. This year's essay topic is: Tell us a story that explains why this internship is an important opportunity for you. Selected applicants will be interviewed in person by appointment, date to be announced. Students must live in or attend school in north Pinellas County and have completed 10th grade but not yet graduated from high school. All students are given equal consideration for selection in the program regardless of G.P.A. Applicants who would benefit the most from this experience will be given top priority.
If you would like to apply for an internship please contact the Clearwater Bar Association or phone at (727)461-4869 or visit http://clwbar.org/intern.html. All applicants will be given equal consideration and if selected for the program will be required to provide a social security number.
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| Tickets Available for Matches |
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Pop Goes the Rock at the Mahaffey Theater
Tuesday, April 10
7:30 pm 401 1st Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Thanks to a generous donation from one of our supporters, we have tickets for our matches to enjoy this show! POP GOES THE ROCK is the newest musical stage spectacle from CIRQUE DREAMS and the mind of Neil Goldberg, creator of the groundbreaking Broadway hit "Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy" and the famed Cirque Dreams entertainment brand. This one-of a kind variety show unites generations through a mash-up of celebrated pop and rock tunes that will entertain family audiences of all ages. Cirque Dreams daring aerialists, gravity defying balancers, powerful strongmen and an array of edgy awe-inspiring acts are accompanied by a hip dance crew, cool singers and a jammin' band performing over 20-chart topping hits live on stage.
Goldberg's stage wizardry blends an international cast of astonishing Cirque Dreamers who transform a carnival funhouse into a rock 'n' roll party that's movin' & groovin' to an original live band. Music and fantasy ignite the funhouse when Jack pops out of his box and catapults the artists into feats of impossibilities, mayhem and uncontrollable sensory spectacle that never stops until...Jack's back in the box. The songs for POP GOES THE ROCK are presented and performed live through special arrangements with Sony ATV/Music Publishing and accompany over 14 variety acts, more than 100 costumed characters, elaborate lighting, special effects and more. Song titles include "Call Me Irresponsible", "King of the Road", "Womanizer", "Beautiful," "Zoot Suit Riot," "She Bangs", "The Heat is On," "In the Summertime," "Let it Ride," "Apologize," "No More Mister Nice Guy," "Never Gonna Let you Go" "Like a Prayer," "Right 'Round," "Jump (For My Love)," "Rapper's Delight," "I Love the Nightlife" and decades more! For more information, visit: http://www.cirqueproductions.com/public-shows/pop-goes-the-rock-by-cirque-dreams/ for photos and more information.
**Please Note that ALL tickets must be picked up at our office or at Gold's Gym.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: 918 West Bay Dr., Largo FL 33770 (Mon.-Thurs. 9am - 6pm, Fri. 9am - 4pm)
Gold's Gym: 203 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (Open 24 hours from 5am Monday-9pm Friday; Sat. 8am-7pm; Sun. 8am-5pm)
*If you select to pick up tickets at Gold's Gym, please note that we need 1 full business day (excluding weekends) from the time you request tickets to transport your tickets from our office to Gold's.
Tickets are given on a first come first serve basis. Please confirm your Little's availability before registering. It is very important that if you register for these tickets, that you and your Little attend. If you are unable to make it for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. Please click here to register.
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Disney on Ice presents Ice Dare to Dream
Thursday, May 17
7:00 pm
Tampa Bay Times Forum
401 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
Due to a generous donation from one of our supporters, our matches can experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit of Disney on Ice Dare to Dream! This hilarious hair-raising escapade Tangled; as Rapunzel her unlikely companion Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog, in a magical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a life time!
**Please Note that ALL tickets must be picked up at our office or at Gold's Gym.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: 918 West Bay Dr., Largo FL 33770 (Mon.-Thurs. 9am - 6pm, Fri. 9am - 4pm)
Gold's Gym: 203 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (Open 24 hours from 5am Monday-9pm Friday; Sat. 8am-7pm; Sun. 8am-5pm)
*If you select to pick up tickets at Gold's Gym, please note that we need 1 full business day (excluding weekends) from the time you request tickets to transport your tickets from our office to Gold's.
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| Activities in Our Community
The following activites are not hosted by BBBS - staff may not be present.
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Be sure to visit the "Bigs Only" section of our website to view recurring community events that you and your Little can take part in. Please click on the links below to view the information most helpful to your match:
Match Activity Ideas - organized by age group
Big Perks - coupons and deals for local activities
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Each Saturday
Sunset Cinema at Pier 60
All Movies Start at Approx. 6:00 p.m.
Pier 60
10 Pier 60 Drive
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Bring blankets, low lawn chairs or towels to plop on Clearwater Beach and watch free movies. Conceesions for sale. No alcohol. Show starts around dusk. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 434-6060 or www.sunsetsatpier60.com.
April 6 - PG-13 rated film Hop
April 7 - PG rated film Secret of MoonAcre
April 13 - PG rated film Johnny English Reborn
April 14 - PG-13 rated film Legally Blonde
April 27 - PG rated film The Smurf's
April 28 - PG rated film Jack & Jill
Saturday, April 7 Horseback Easter Egg Hunt 3:00 pm Saddle Up Riding Club 6080 94th Ave.
Pinellas Park, FL 33782 Kids ages 2 to 16 can ride a horse in search of Easter eggs hidden in suspended buckets throughout the woods. There will also be games, food and interaction with farm animals. Price: $5. For more information, contact (727) 520-3132. "Fun in the Sun" Day 10:00 am 5730 Shore Blvd. S.
Gulfport, FL 33701 Kids age 8 and younger can celebrate Spring at this event with a touch-a-truck, Easter egg hunt, inflatables, food and photos with Peter Cottontail. For more information, contact (727) 893-1068.
Sunday, April 8Boyd Hill Nature Preserve1101 Country Club Way S.St. Petersburg, FL 33705Learn about the habitat, eating habits and other mysteries of our state reptile, the American Alligator on this hike through the preserve's wetlands. Price: $3, $1.50 children. For more information, (727) 893-7326. Miniature Train Rides 10:00 am Largo Central Railroad105 Central Park DriveLargo, FL 33771 Kids of all ages can ride the miniature trains of Largo Central Railroad. Price: Free (donations for train maintenance appreciated). For information, contact (727) 587-6775. Saturday, April 14
Lego Building
10:00 am Southwest Recreation Complex and Pool
13120 Vonn Road
Largo, FL 33774
Monthly program helps children learn about construction, programming and teamwork skills while creating their own Lego masterpieces.
This month's theme is "Robots." Price: $7. For more information, (727) 518-3125.
Countryside Second Saturday
2:00 pm
Countryside Library
2741 State Road 580
Clearwater, FL 33761
Countryside Library has launched a new family-oriented activity series that will be held the second Saturday of each month.
Bare Bones Science: Demos and More - Larry McClellan presents cool science projects that can be duplicated at home. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 562-4970 or visit www.myclearwater.com
Sunday, April 15 Open House 10:00 am Nature's Classroom 13100 Verges RoadThonotosassa, FL 33592 Enjoy animal experiences, children's activities, live music, student art exhibits and more at this outdoor nature preserve. Price: $5 for parking. For more information, contact (813) 987-6969. 10:00 am6901 U.S. Highway 19 N.Pinellas Park, FL 33781The 62nd installment of H&R Trains' well known judged layout competition, with exhibits of every scale of model railroading. Also, model train-related vendors, how-to classes, seminars, demonstrations, children's downhill wooden train races and train car painting, door prizes and more. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 526-4682. Saturday, April 21 Clam Bayou Clean Sweep 8:30 am Clam Bayou Park Meet at end of 34th Ave S., off of 37th St. St. Petersburg For years Keep Pinellas Beautiful has been partnering with different groups, agencies, and cities to clean up Clam Bayou. Now, with the new additions from SWFWMD of 3 stormwater ponds, 4 restoration areas, and skimmers diverting the litter to areas easily accessed, and before the debris can go out to Boca Ciega Bay, we are going to do a clean sweep this spring and be able to see the majestic area the way it was intended...CLEAN! Please register at stoplitter@tampabay.rr.com or contact (727) 533-0402. Keith Munslow 11:00 am and 2:00 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall Murray Studio Theater1111 N McMullen-Booth RoadClearwater, FL 33759Munslow looks at real-life experiences of kids and families with humor in this interactive show featuring fun, funky music and stories. Price: $8. For more information, contact (727) 791-7400.
Puppy Hugging Party 11:00 am
Southeastern Guide Dogs: Sarasota1618 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
Come get some puppy love from the guide dogs in training. Price: Free. For more information, contact (941) 953-2892.
Sunday, April 22
Imagine. A Tale of Two Sillies
11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
TECO Theater at David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N MacInnes Place
Tampa, FL 33602
The Battersby Duo brings a new, high-energy musical full of the goofy, wacky and whimsical antics that the American Library Association calls "a banquet of silliness."Price: $8.50. For more information, contact (813) 229-7827.
Tampa Stamp and Coin Expo
10:00 am
Holiday Inn Express (Dale Mabry)
4732 N Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33614 Stamps, picture postcards, stamp covers, coins, currency from across the globe will be shown and sold. Free starter stamps for junior collectors. Appraisals also available. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 364-6897 or visit www.floridastampdealers.org.Saturday, April 28
Cotee River Seafood Festival
10:00 am
Sims Park6341 Bank St.New Port Richey, FL 34652Grouper, seafood gumbo, shrimp and crab. If it's seafood, you're likely to find it at this event with live Motown and blues music, river boat tours, a boat and water sports show, kayak demonstrations, oyster eating contest, Weeki Wachee mermaids and fair food items. Price: Free admission (food additional). For more information, contact (727) 842-8066 or visit www.nprmainstreet.com.
Dexter McCluster Football Clinic 10:00 am Largo Sports Complex1640 McMullen Booth RoadLargo, FL 33771Join Kansas City Chief, Dexter McCluster, as he supervises local coaches giving football tips to area youth. A parent or legal guardian must sign a participation waiver prior to participation. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 365-0044. Sunday, April 29 Green Thumb Festival 9:00 am 7891 26th Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Annual plant and landscape festival celebrates Arbor Day and Earth Day with a colorful array of flowering plants, trees, orchids, herbs, garden art for sale, soil and water testing, tool sharpening, horticulture exhibits, Children's Plant Fair, Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.), recycling and much more. Price: Free (trees additional). For more information, (727) 893-7441 www.stpete.org/parks/greenthumb.asp. |
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1 Year
Patricia Peak & Tamaya ● William Harrell & Bradley ● Joey Wilder & Fisnik ● Michele Nixon & Kimberly ● Linda Hamlin & Alicia ● Evelyn Reyes & Katelynn ● Azuree Nystrom & Alexandra ● Harry Johnson & Derek ● Mervin and Golden Ricketts & Mark ● Katherine Elgin ● Tareah ● Frank and Catherine Barrios & Nykobian ● Heidi Hunnicutt & Kasondra ● Richard Walters & Jaden ● James Medefind & Cameron ● Anna Faiola & Jessica ● Sidorela Gllava & Victoria ● Robert and Cynthia Wright & Kanyaé
2 Years
Megan Cordero & Da'Jah ● Melanie Marquez & De'Asha ● William Morgan & Connor ● Lise Amundrud & Mekayla ● Thomas Carlisle & Christopher ● Linda Antonucci & Jada ● Jennifer Winter & Camry ● Andrea Lee & Da'Maria ● MaryBeth Margason & Ashly ● Derek Pina & Donnel ● Patti Paskow & Christina
3 Years
Alison Lawrence & Kendall ● Christina Gregoire & Amanda ● Peter Motzenbecker & Dequantae ● Rick May & Tyrone
4 Years
Cristen Martinez & Dejanee
5 Years
Alan Goetz & Luman ● Chris and Monique Evers & Jawuan ● Christopher Featherston & Travis
8 Years
Lisa Letizio and Paul Jackson & DeAngelo
10 Years
Leona Hamrick & Amanda
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Support BBBS through Matching Gifts
Please visit our online database to see if your employer has a matching program. If they do not, please reach out to your Human Resources department or business owner to inquire about starting one. Big Brothers Big Sisters can work with your organization to set up a matching program, or direct payroll deductions. |
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Office Volunteers
Our agency is in need of several office volunteers, which include the following:
- Statistician Volunteer
- Information Technology Volunteer
- Volunteer Clerical Assistant
Please click here to visit our website and view descriptions for each position.
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New Home or Phone?Please help us keep our records up to date.
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Office Closed April 9th
Our agency will be closed the Monday following Easter. We will re-open for normal hours on Tuesday, April 10th.
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Connect with us!
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