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- 1. Big News Volume 1 Issue 2 Why couldnt the baker go to the game? 8-year-old Andrew asks as he leaves a voicemail for his Big Brother. Youll have to call me back for the answer. Because he didnt have enough dough! he exclaims when Carlos calls him back. Lisa says, When I became a young, single parent, I knew Big Brothers Big Sisters would be a good way to find a positive role model for my son. Carlos has not only been a positive sounding board for Andrew, but also an essential resource for Lisa. Andrew has emotional issues stemming from the absence of his absent biological father. They have fun together, but they also have heart- to-heart talksso Carlos has important insight. Carlos talks regularly with Lisa on the phone and often accompanies her when she visits Andrews counselor. It shows that he really cares about my son, she says. The pair always has fun on their outingssporting events, visits to the park, going out for pizza, watching movies. We have found a gold mine in Carlos. He has really taken Andrew under his wing. When Andrew and Lisa first signed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Andrew waited more than a year to be paired with Carlos. It was very discouraging for him, Lisa explains. My daughter only had to wait about three months. I encourage more men to volunteer, the life of a young boy will never be the same. Its sad when a relative doesnt understand the difference they can make, but its great that someone with no connection to the child can make this kind of commitment. That, to me, is priceless... Be a Volunteer Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable things youll ever do. Not to mention, one of the most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to help shape a childs future for the better by empowering them to achieve. And the best part is, its actually a lot of fun. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do. Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are youll enjoy them even more with your Little and youll be making a life-changing impact. Start Something Volunteer Advocate DonateKnock Knock
- 2. The annual Cash for Kids Sake event hosted by Big BrothersBigSistersofEastTennessee(BBBS)isbackfor its third year in hopes of raising more funds to further one-to-one mentoring in the East Tennessee area. This year Cash for Kids Sake, a Reverse Raffle and Silent & Live Auction presented by Graham Corporation, will take place Thursday, October 8th at The Foundry. Emcees for the evening include, Voice of the Vols and former Big Brother, Bob Kesling, WATE Reporter and current Big Sister, Kayla Strayer, and WLVT Sports Anchor, Sara Mitchell. The program includes a testimonial from a BBBS parent and special performances by BBBS Littles. The program includes a testimonial from a BBBS parent and special performances by BBBS Littles. Tickets are $250, which includes entry for two guests and their dinner at the event. The grand prize winner will be the last ticket drawn and will win $15,000! Additional cash giveaways will be drawn throughout the evening. Auction items include Caribbean Vacations, Weekend Get-A-Ways, Tailgate TN Package for 25 of your closest friends, Health and Spa Packages, a jewelry station, and more Purchase a ticket by visiting CashForKidsSake. org or by calling Alli Damas at 865.523.9455 2015 Cash For Kids Sake About Us Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported onetoone relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Through these relationships, children achieve success throughout their lives.
- 3. African-American Mentoring We all need someone we can relate to. Sometimes theres no better role model for an African-American child than an African-American adult Amachi Program This program provides caring adult role models to children coping with parental incarceration. Juvenile Justice Initiative This program provides caring adult role models to youth have experience with the Juvenile Justice System. mentor2.0 This program serves youth in high- school as they transition through high- school and beyond. The curriculum based mentoring program provides im- portant skills to youth helping to prepare them for young adulthood. Special Programs
- 4. BBBS of East Tennessee 119 West Summit Hill Dr. Ste 101 Knoxville, TN 37902 Little steps lead to a Big impact With the help of a network of donors, partners, family members, and advocates, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully matches children facing adversity with caring, adult role models. We partner with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community and hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program achieving: Educationalsuccess,Avoidanceofriskybehaviors Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to enhancing our role in being a part of a collaborative system of support that leads to positive outcomes for East Tennessees youth. We partner with families, donors, volunteers, schools, government, and other organizations to provide children facing adversity with the tools they need to not only succeed, but thrive. Research demonstrates that Big Brothers Big Sisters evidenced based programs helps children stay in school and out of trouble. To ensure we are able to effectively and efficiently address childrens needs long into the future, we are focusing on building and strengthening our relationships with key educational and juvenile justice partners. Together we will create stronger families, better schools, and safer communities.