In this week’s Community Partner spotlight, you will find stories of how your dollars have made a difference and how together, we are building the kind of community we can all hope for. We are strengthening the foundation of our community by engaging individuals and promoting collective action.
Together with our community partners, we deliver impact in three focus areas: helping kids to be all they can be; building strong communities, and moving people from poverty to possibility.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland (BBBS) falls under our Kid’s focus area. Research shows that the early years of life are some of the most important and informative years in human development. That is why United Way prioritizes children’s funding as one of our three focus areas. Through investments made into this focus area, United Way helps to guide children and youth down a healthy path as they grow and transition into adulthood.
BBBS is the leading child and youth mentoring charity in our community. They have a 49-year history of serving up to 1,000 children and their families each year, with up to 200 volunteers.
What does BBBS do? Children between the ages of 6 and 16 years old who are marginalized and at risk are matched with trained adult mentors in one-to-one or group programs. Mentored youth learn how to identify, build, and keep healthy relationships that help to buffer toxic stress and provide safe passage to adulthood. BBBS believe that every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
BBBS Match Story
“Lucas and Phoenix were matched just prior to the pandemic, February 2020. Throughout the pandemic the two managed to maintain their new match with video chats and video games. A great accomplishment in difficult times. Since then, Lucas and Phoenix have been spending their time together doing physical activities – hikes, skate park, soccer. Lucas has even helped teach Phoenix how to bat and throw a baseball. This past summer, our agency provided donated tickets to a Jays game for Big Brother Lucas and Little Brother Phoenix to attend. It was Phoenix’s first train ride and Jays game! The two had a blast! As a mentor, Lucas says that what keeps him motivated is that Phoenix is excited to see him each week. He is likes that he brings a smile to Phoenix face. The word that Phoenix would use to describe their match is great! He thinks Lucas is fun and cool!”
