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Dear
I have had the privilege to be part of BBBBS-PP for over 10 years and I am still delighted by letters such as the one below sent in by former Big Sister, Meg Derr Shuger:
"Years ago my "little" and I were matched. At first I wasn't sure it would be a successful match, but we played it out and it worked. Through the years we have always stayed in touch. Cathy was at my wedding and there when I had my daughter and my son. She became the best babysitter ever and an aunt to my kids. As Cathy grew up we always talked and she came to me with problems and happy things also. A couple of years ago, Cathy married and I was able to help out with the wedding details; just like any older sister would! Now Cathy and Bobby, her husband, have a little girl. I am fortunate to be a part of her life! This past Friday, Bobby and Cathy bought their first home! I am so proud of them! I like to think that some of this has come about because of myself, my family, and the BBBS program. I just wanted to thank you on making such a wonderful match all those years ago."
No matter the state of our economy - no matter the period in history - one thing remains constant - the need for positive youth mentoring. Kids need our support during the best of times, and most certainly, now. During times of economic duress, stress levels rise. Abuse, violence, depression and isolation increase.Our youth need a trusted adult to talk to and to be a kid with.
The good news is that Big Brothers Big Sisters model of youth mentoring works! We are a proven program with strong endorsements:
· "Blueprint Model Program" -
Center for the Study & Prevention of Violence
· "Model Program" - National Dropout Prevention Center
· "Best Practice" - Center of Substance Abuse Prevention
· "Proven Successful" - Children's Defense Fund
· "Top 10 Best Run Non-Profits" - Forbes Magazine
Please contact us today to see how you can further support our efforts. Click on the link below to make a donation or visit our website to learn more about us and our Child Care Tax Credit.
Best Regards, 
April M. Speake
BBBS-PP Executive Director |
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Match Highlight
Big Brother Marvin  & Little Brother Caine
Marvin and Caine have been matched for almost a year and a half. Caine, is being raised by a single mom and has an older sister and a younger brother with special needs. With mom searching for work, there is not a lot of time for one on one attention. Marvin is an extra positive adult in his life that is there to listen and provide support. Caine is a tall kid for his age and has struggled both academically and socially in school. He has been in fights with other kids resulting in suspension from school. Marvin continually encourages his little brother to walk away from problems instead of fighting. During the first year, Marvin & Caine participated in fun activities such as basketball, watching movies, playing video games & bowling. At their year anniversary, the match was required to set some goals. One thing Caine wanted to improve was his reading. Now, before each activity they spend time together reading. Marvin has expressed deep satisfaction in seeing his little brother make such great improvements. Caine has expressed that he has not only become a better reader, but is enjoying it more as well. They are currently reading "The Indian in the Cupboard" together. |
| What' New
The "Big Give"
Did you know that there are thousands of children in our community ready and anxious to have a "Big" of their own? We are asking that you help us "Be Big" and answer the call.It costs over $1,000 to support a Big Brothers Big Sisters match for one year and we depend on community support to pay for our programs. Please help us continue our quality and valuable programming. Big Brothers Big Sisters-Pikes Peak is launching the "Big Give". The "Big Give" is an opportunity for you to get your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, old classmates, and other contacts to help support Big Brothers Big Sisters-Pikes Peak through your personalized fundraising page. Please go to the First Giving link http://www.firstgiving.com/6566 and click the Get Started button today. Add a picture of you and your family (or contact me and I can send you a picture of one of our wonderful matches) and write a little or lot about your experience with BBBS-PP. Have fun - be creative - help others appreciate the difference YOU are making in the life of a child. Once you are finished email your link to all of your contacts.
Anyone can participate!
Contact Danielle Summerville, Manager of Fund Development, 719.633.2443 ext. 204 or danielles@biglittlecolorado.org with questions. Good luck and thank you for helping us "Be Big" in our community. |
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A "Little" News
We would like to congratulation Stephen Pittman on being awarded the Gallup Scholarship. Stephen and his family attended the 2009 Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception in Denver on April 30, 2009 where he was recognized as the 2009 Gallup Scholarship recipient. Stephen has been a Little in our program for 10 years. Stephen will be graduating from William J. Palmer High School in Colorado Springs May 2009. Stephen will attend Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa in the fall and major in chemistry. Congratulations Stephen, job well done!
And than you Tom for your steady support as a Big Brother!
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BBBS-PP Board Member  Chris Ryan
Big Brothers Big Sisters-Pikes Peak is proud to introduce you to Chris Ryan, board member, big, donor and volunteer for BBBS-PP for over 5 years. Thank you Chris for your undying passion in putting mentors into children's lives.
Q: Why Big Brothers Big Sisters-Pikes Peak?
A: I decided to make BBBS a focus of my personal and financial efforts because of the important work the organization does and the huge contributions made to the child, the mentor, the community and society. I have very little spare time so wanted to make sure any group I was involved in is able to achieve positive and measurable benefits. And from my experience as a mentor and board member, I am extremely impressed by the efficient and effective way the organization is run. The leadership and staff members work extremely hard and often at much lower compensation than they would receive at private companies.
They love what they do and this is evident in the results. In my opinion, there is no place else where donors can do so much good with their contributions.
Q: Who was your mentor when you were growing up?
A: I can't identify one particular mentor, although there were times I could have used one. And I do remember instances where a teacher or coach made an impact on me through their words or actions. My family situation wasn't ideal and the fact that responsible and productive adults took an interest in me made a real difference in my perspective, in how I viewed myself and my future. Obviously, the kids who have the benefit of a one-on-one mentoring relationship can have their attitudes and lives transformed. I admire the mentors who give so much of themselves but from my mentoring experience, Bigs and Littles both gain from the experience.
Q: What you enjoy doing in the community?
A: I enjoy living in the shadow of Pikes Peak. This is a great area for outdoor sports and the arts. My family and I are involved in hiking, bike riding, golf and tennis, and attend many performances at venues such as Pikes Peak Center and World Arena. |
Ruth Wilson
Big Brothers Big Sisters-Pikes Peak |
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