It’s that time where many folks are ready to be done with winter. Thankfully, spring is just around the corner! While waiting for warmer days to come, hopefully everyone is doing well this season and is staying safe and warm.
And with spring just around the corner, so is this year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake! See below for the dates and mark your calendar. More information is coming soon.
In other news, programs are going great! Within the last month or so, we have launched multiple new site-based programs, serving even more youth. And even more good news, some astonishing data just came out from our National office, showing the true impact that mentorship has on our communities.
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
BIG NEWS
Our National office just released a groundbreaking study on the transformative power of mentorship. Conducted by leading researchers from Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Treasury, this first-of-its-kind study uses 30 years of data to reveal how mentorship programs like BBBS can serve as a solution to reduce socioeconomic disparities over time.
Benefits of BBBS Mentoring:
Increased Earnings
Participants experienced a 15% boost in earnings between the ages of 20 and 25, reflecting enhanced economic mobility. The income of mentored youth as adults was more closely aligned with the income of their mentor than their family, helping to reduce the socioeconomic gap by two-thirds.
Higher rates of post-secondary education
Mentored youth were 20% more likely to pursue post-secondary education compared to non-mentored peers.
Improved Behavior
Within 18 months, mentored youth reported lower absenteeism and fewer school suspensions. They also exhibited improved behaviors and stronger social bonds, leading to a reduced dependency on social services and long-term societal improvements.
Pays for itself in 7 years
Through increased earnings and economic growth experienced by matched Littles, the BBBS mentoring program offers true ROI.
MATCH PROFILE
Big Sister Krystin Woodard and Little Sister Caylen
Match date: 7/14/2022
Over 2 years matched together and still going strong! This duo just made the rounds at Fun City, Interskate 91, and the movies. They saw One of Them Days with SZA and had a blast! Other recent fun includes BBBS Day at Yankee Candle. But next time, it’s off to the library to get Caylen a card.
STAFF ANNIVERSARY
Martine Maxwell
Case Manager
One of many long-time members of the BBBSWM team, Martine has been with us in some capacity since 2014! Currently, she is instrumental in supporting the on-site mentoring program at MassMutual.
“Martine has been an integral part of BBBS since 2014. Her passion and energy are infectious. We are very lucky to have her as part of our team.”
~ David Beturne, CEO
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
Daminic Colon
Case Manager
Our new part-time case manager is off to a fantastic start! We’re so lucky and thankful to have her. Working with children and families has been a rewarding adventure for Daminic. And to further her knowledge, she is currently enrolled at Bay Path University for a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
In general, Daminic is someone who tries to enjoy the big and little things in life. As a mother of 4 children and 2 dogs, she definitely keeps herself busy! When she’s not balancing school, work, and family, Daminic likes to kick back and relax with some reading or painting.
LEGISLATIVE PARTNERS
On Friday, January 24th, several MA Legislators (with a guest appearance by a very special Little) joined us in downtown Springfield to talk about the state of mentoring in our region.
It was a productive, inspiring conversation. We’re so grateful to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts and questions. These connections will undoubtedly ignite and defend potential in more of our community’s at-risk youth.
Special Thanks:
State Senator John Velis
State Representative Angelo Puppolo
State Representative Carlos Gonzalez
State Representative Brian Ashe
State Representative Orlando Ramos
State Representative Kelly Pease
State Representative Aaron Saunders
State Representative Michael Finn
BFKS IS COMING!
For 2025, we’re adding yet another location! CLICK HERE to register and select your date.
Saturday, 4/19
10 am to Noon
K&M Bowling
Pittsfield, MA
Saturday, 4/26
10 am to Noon
Shaker Bowl
East Longmeadow, MA
Saturday, 5/3
10 am to Noon
French King Bowling Center Erving, MA
NEW MATCHES
Big Ajalee C & Little Aleili R
Big Arianna R & Little Haylee D
Big Chelsea D & Little Joanna B
Big Denise P & Little Wilianis T
Big Halie M & Little Erieliz G
Big Jack W & Little Milton O
Big Jonathan L & Little Jaxson M
Big Lucy C & Little Adrianna C
Big Lydia P & Little Trinity H
Big Shane H & Little Jonathan B
Big Shirley R & Little Layla B
Big Taylor L & Little Layla B
Big Vivian M & Little Yoreli O
NEW PROGRAMS
We’re so excited to get these new programs up and running!
At Westfield River Elementary School, the program matches Bigs with third and fourth graders. Matches meet one-to-one each week for about 30 minutes to chat, play games, and have fun. Thank you to M&T Bank for helping to make this possible!
At Stoneleigh-Burnham School, it’s all about empowering women to be great leaders. In this program, high school students are matched with local middle school youth. Together, they do fun things so they can build their bond, but they also work on leadership projects that help both Big and Little learn more and grow. For everyone involved, we know we’ll see some BIG outcomes!
