Free Fun Fridays!

 Save The Date   

Connecting kids to success now and in the future 

And here are the facts to prove the powerful impact of each match!

Better Choices  

NOW:

52% less likely to skip school

46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs

33% less likely to engage in violent behavior

27% less likely to begin using alcohol

(Statisitcs found by a National Study conducted by Public / Private Ventures)

The

LONG-TERM IMPACT

 of a connection:

84% said they learned the importance of helping others

81% said the experience changed their perspective on what they thought was possible in life

77% set higher goals than they would have on their own

69% said their relationship with their Big helped them make better choices as an adult

65% reported reaching a higher level of education than they thought possible

(Statistics found in a 2009 survey conducted on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters by Harris Interactive � online)

Alumni Association! 

The Worcester campus of Unum, a leading health care benefits provider, has been a corporate partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters' for the past decade. Each year, approximately 20 Unum employees mentor children from the Elm Park Community School in Worcester. Unum employees have provided invaluable support to the agency as well as to the children in the area through teaching life skills, supporting their education as well as helping to expand their horizons. Unum has even initiated a "Bring Your Little to Work Day," a special day when Littles have the opportunity to go to work with their Bigs.

Unum not only provides wonderful mentors for the children in the community, but the company also provides important cash grant awards so that Big Brothers Big Sisters, including Unum employees, can continue to serve the children who need us most in the Greater Worcester community.  Additionally, a number of Unum employees have served on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors over the past decade.    

As a company, Unum has been actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters' largest annual fundraiser - the Rodman Ride for Kids. Each year, employees from Unum work to raise a team goal of $10,000 on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters by completing a 25, 50 or 100 mile bike ride and asking that colleagues and friends support their efforts financially. With Unum's involvement, the Ride event continues to be an important revenue stream for our agency.

In 2010, Big Brothers Big Sisters presented Unum with the Dr. H. Martin Deranian Fellowship Award. The award is given each January and named in honor of Dr. H. Martin Deranian, a Shrewsbury resident who has been a Big Brother for over 40 years. The award is given to an individual mentor or group of mentors who go above and beyond the expectations set by the agency and have made a long-term impact. Unum could not have been more deserving.

Big Brothers Big Sisters looks forward to continuously collaborating with wonderful corporate partners, such as Unum, for many years to come!

Allen's mother, Laura, explains their relationship:  "He thinks Peter is his real brother.  He asks every day if today is the day (during the week) that he'll see Peter."

Peter and Allen have had the chance to do a lot of fun things together, such as playing laser tag and going to the movies.  But during the summer, there is one thing that Allen always wants to do with Peter - go fishing!  Allen says that he would spend every day fishing if he could - it's relaxing.  Peter also has attended some of Allen's karate activities, another way he shows that he supports his Little Brother.     

On a recent report card, Allen received high honors.  He was also sent home with a note from his principal about his improved performance in school.  Allen's mother believes that her son's classwork and motivation to succeed are directly linked to his relationship with his Big Brother.  With encouragement and a positive role model to look up to, Allen's confidence is sky high!

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been fortunate to be the beneficiary of several grants and corporate gifts during the last few months. A special thanks to:

• TJX Companies ($25,000)
• Sudbury Foundation ($10,000)
• Foundation for Metrowest ($5,000)
• Hanover Insurance ($5,000)
• The 200 Foundation ($1,500)