“Donnie and I donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters because as a Big Brothers Big Sisters employee who has worked with the clients, their families and the volunteers for the last 7 years, I know what an important service our agency provides. Whether it’s a telephone call, a Christmas card, or just running into them at the grocery store, I hear great stories about what a difference it has made in their lives. Supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters is a family endeavor. It’s not just Donnie and I, but our two sons, their wives and their families that support Big Brothers Big Sisters through their participation in our annual Bowl For Kids Sake and other fundraising activities.”
Donnie and Laura Scott
…in your Community
Fifteen year old Raymond stepped off the bus to meet his single mother at work. Out of nowhere, a gang member jumped him – just to intimidate and show who owns the neighborhood.
For the next few months, Raymond’s school work suffered and he took on an “attitude” in defense. Thanks to his Big Brother Bill and a school counselor, he is now back on track.
Raymond’s dad is in prison. Having his Big Brother Bill who listens and has done things with him for the past five years – like camping, attending sport events, or exposing him to social events beyond his neighborhood – means the world.
As a result of four years of federal funding, 348 youth were provided mentors whose parents were currently or had a history of incarceration. These grants were matched by companies such as Kaiser, Macys, SC Johnson, Mentor Network, and many individuals. Their lives were changed for the better, thanks to mentors joining their lives as special friends.
…in your Schools
We partner with 6 elementary and two high schools in Madera and Cutler-Orosi for our “High School Bigs” program. High school students mentor elementary 1st – 4th graders an hour a week, continuing even through the summer twice a month. Fansler Foundation has been a multi-year partner with us for this program, along with Ruiz Foods in the past, and currently Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District.
The “Bigs” gain the added value of learning about volunteerism early, learning about child development, and gaining experience that helps on college applications. Uniformly, the Bigs tell us they have gotten as much out of it as the Littles.
…at neighborhood sites
Madera and Tulare Counties each have active matches where adults meet at sites in the community such as the Boys & Girls Club, a recreation center, or a school for 1 hour a week. Site-based matches often play games, do crafts, work on homework or just spend time together talking. These simple activities and the relationships formed result in long-term benefits for our community’s children.
That’s Your Money at Work
