Happy New Year! We’re so excited about all the new possibilities for 2025. At the moment, we are looking into some new program options that would give our youth key soft skills to prepare them for adulthood. It’s an exciting new way of mentoring that’s still backed by data and research. More on that soon!
In the meantime, all our current programs are up and running. In addition, we’re already getting ready for this year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake. This year, we plan to add options for our Berkshire folks. Stay tuned for updates!
But before we totally turn the page on 2024, we’ll share a few more fantastic memories of December and the holiday season (see photos below!).
As always, thank you so much to our donors, grantmakers, Bigs, Littles, parents/guardians, event participants, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and staff! We just couldn’t do all this great work without you.
Warm regards,
David Beturne, CEO
MATCH PROFILE
Big Sister Elizabeth P and Little Sister Janeychalee
Match date: 11/6/2024
A few months into their match, Elizabeth and Janeychalee are off to a fantastic start! Recently, they explored Old Sturbridge Village…and had the time of their lives!
For sure, there are MANY adventures still to come for this match, and we can’t wait for more updates.
STAFF ANNIVERSARY
Chris Thompson
Chief Growth Officer
One year into his role as Chief Growth Officer, Chris has already done so much! Just after our merger at the end of 2023, there was a lot to do to organize the fundraising and development efforts of 3 counties! But with Chris’ efforts, the agency is ready to make great strides in its goal to serve more of our community’s youth. Congratulations to Chris on his one year anniversary. We look forward to all that 2025 holds.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
At so many levels, Ramon Financial Services (located in South Deerfield) has been a huge supporter of the agency and its mission. At the organization level, they have been a key supporter as an event sponsor. But further than that, Mike Ramon has also served as a very dedicated Board member for several terms, assisting the agency from behind the scenes on a strategical level.
And now, we’re excited to say that he has re-joined the Board! We’re thankful and lucky to have him, his expertise, and his passion for all things BBBS.
A fantastic community partner also makes Ramon Financial a great place to do business! Each member of their team is focused on your goals. For each client, they build a customized plan to ensure you get what you need from the process. To learn more, click here!
STAFF PROFILE
Abbe Bresciano
Program Supervisor
What is your role at BBBS?
I am the Program Supervisor for BBBS of Western Mass in the Greenfield Office.
What inspired you to get involved with BBBS?
For years I had worked with acute, psychiatric care and making the shift to BBBS felt more pro-active and supportive. I have two young children that I try to give all sorts of opportunities to and being able to be a part of that for other Western Mass youth is very rewarding. I love making connections with families, learning about their wants and needs and being able to provide in whatever way I can. It is important to me that the families and Bigs of BBBS see me as a safe and supportive community member.
What do you love most about being part of the western MA community?
Western Mass reminds me a lot of my hometown when I was growing up. I love the familiarity it holds and it is quite a lovely and diverse area of Massachusetts.
What are some of your hobbies and things you like doing in your free time?
I’m in my sports mom era, so you can typically find me on a soccer field with my children, but I love being at the gym, going for walks or being outside. I also dabble in painting and sketching. In the summertime we love spending time near any body of water or in my garden. I’ve been known to be a couch potato with a good book, too.
LIGHT UP THE FAIRGROUNDS
We hope you were able to attend this fantastic event in Greenfield! But if you missed it, here are some photos. In addition to beautifying the fairgrounds, this event also provides financial support to BBBS.
Special thank you to WHAI/Bear Country for running this event and also to Franklin County Fairgrounds.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES
What’s the holiday season without trees! We hope you were able to check out this year’s event, we’re so grateful to the folks who put this on and who chose to use some of the proceeds to support programs at BBBSWM.
