The Holidays have arrived! As we wrap up this whirlwind of a year, we are so focused on gratitude. This year marked our first year into the merger that created BBBS of Western Massachusetts.
With the support of so many individuals and organizations, we’ve been able to get a strong start as a new agency and are well positioned to have a fantastic year in 2025, where we hope to serve more youth than ever before!
Thank you so much to all our supporters–donors, grantmakers, Bigs, Littles, parents/guardians, Board and Advisory Council Members, event participants, and staff. We truly appreciate all your kindness and generosity!
Happy New Year,
David Beturne, CEO
ANOTHER GREAT HOLIDAY PARTY
Thanks to several generous local organizations, this year’s holiday party was a HUGE success! And at long last, we were able to bring back what used to be a key part of this annual festivity–the tour through Bright Nights. And to everyone who joined us that evening, thank you for coming! It was wonderful to see you and to celebrate this special time of year with you.
Special thanks:
Ed Popielarczyk
Greenfield Cooperative Bank
LENOX
Michael’s Limousine & Bus Lines
Spirit of Springfield
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
In the spirit of the season, the folks at Airgas donated and assembled a set of bikes to donate to some of the youth in our program! Thanks to their thoughtfulness and generosity, some of our kids will have an extra gift this holiday season.
If you’d like to learn more about this major US supplier of medical and specialty gases, hardgoods, and related products, check out their website! As a key supporter of our local community, they’re a great place to do business with.
CONGRATS ON 2 YEARS!
Noah recently celebrated two years with BBBSWM! They serve a dual role with the agency, serving as the program lead for our site-based programing at Deerfield Academy. Every Friday (during the school year), Noah is responsible ensuring the safety and quality of 50 matches!
In addition, Noah has taken on social media and marketing tasks with the goal of increasing the agency’s visibility.
“Noah is an invaluable member of the BBBSWM team, providing program and marketing support. We are forever grateful for the time and energy they have given the agency.” ~ David Beturne, CEO
MEET OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL
DIRK VERNON
Where do you work and what is your role there?
I work at the Behavioral Health Network and I am the Program Director for In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentor, Family Links & Individual Flexible Supports Programs
What inspired you to get involved with BBBS?
What inspired me to get involved with Big Brother Big Sisters was the love for mentoring the youth in the Western Mass Area. Mentoring has helped the youth improve their communication skills, increase self-confidence while gaining new skills and knowledge. It is an incredible thing to see youth reach their full potential regarding their personal goals. Mentoring is a key aspect needed in this region.
What is your vision for the future of BBBS?
The vision for the future of Big Brothers Big Sisters is getting youth to help and give back the knowledge that they have gained. We can do this by finding a handful of Mentees that will be Mentors in the future. The greatest resource to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program is the youth. I hope one day when they become adults they give back to the program to foster improvement in the next generation. Big Brothers Big Sisters can then focus on areas that have a lack of mentoring and expand its influence to these areas.
What do you love most about being part of the western MA community?
I love connecting with the other community leaders to create events and opportunities that did not exist before. Western Massachusetts has many individuals that share my passion for community organizing and seeing the youth & families succeed.
What are some of your hobbies and things you like doing in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family cooking and watching movies. I also love the outdoors, hikes and archery. I coached basketball & soccer recently because I love to coach and mentor youth in my spare time as well.
STAFF PROFILE
KAT TOOMEY
What is your role at BBBS?
Case Manager in Berkshire County
What inspired you to get involved with BBBS?
I’ve always been a big advocate for mentoring programs in the Berkshires and was excited to help bring BBBS services back to the county. I believe positive youth-adult relationships are extremely important. BBBS is the most accomplished mentoring program for this purpose and I’m happy to be part of BBBSWM.
What do you love most about being part of the western MA community?
I love that everyone in Western MA is open to collaboration. Western MA is a unique place with lots of caring people and beautiful natural spaces.
What are some of your hobbies and things you like doing in your free time?
Mountain biking, hiking, camping, and traveling in the U.S. and abroad.
