From The CEO
Summer is finally here! This marks the end of the school year and also the end of our fiscal year.
As we wrap up our first full fiscal year as a merged agency, we’re so thankful for all the amazing things that have happened for our community’s youth. And not to worry! We’re already working on a few things for the next school year and will keep you posted on the developments.
Meanwhile, this year’s Point 5K is coming! Join us on Thursday, July 17th at the Franklin County Fairgrounds for a fun, pirate-themed event that raises funds for our community. See below for more event information and how to register.
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
GRADUATIONS
It’s that time of the year!
We’re so proud of all our Littles who are celebrating this BIG milestone. We wish you the best of luck with whatever your next steps are, and please keep us in the loop on your adventures!
New mAY Matches
- Little Olivia & Big Cindy
- Little Neveah & Big Alison
- Little Mylah & Big Tara
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Thank you to Westfield Bank! For yet another year, they’ve been generous enough to empower our youth by funding more community-based matches in Hampden County.
Since 1853, Westfield Bank has supported hundreds of local non-profit organizations. And for generations, they’ve stayed focused on giving back, prioritizing the wellbeing of our communities.
Looking for a new banking home? Check out Westfield Bank, an organization that cares about its customers AND about the region in which we live.
POINT 5k
Join us at the Franklin County Fairgrounds on July 17 to raise flags and raise funds for our mentorship programs across Western Mass!
(As you may have guessed, this year’s theme is PIRATES).
The Point 5K is not actually a run–it’s a leisurely stroll, sprinkled with food and drink vendors. While you meander through the 1/2 mile course, enjoy the music, summer vibes, pirates, and games.
The best part–you’re empowering our community’s youth! Through sponsorships and ticket sales, this event ensures more of our kids can have the mentor they want and need in their lives.
Supporting your community just doesn’t get any easier than this!
Thursday, July 17th
Franklin County Fairgrounds
89 Wisdom Way
Greenfield, MA 01301
Start times every 30 minutes from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Sponsors
AGENCY NEWS
David Beturne, CEO, at the BBBS National Conference where we received recognition for program excellence since 2014!
lEADERSHIP prOFILE
hEATHER gOULD, aDVISORY cOUNCIL Member
Where do you work and what is your role there?
I work at Bay Path University (have worked here for 14 years), and I am currently the Dean of Advising & Student Support
What inspired you to get involved with BBBS?
I first got involved with BBBS back in 2004 when I first moved to MA as a way to give back to the community. I love working with children and was previously a substitute teacher and soccer coach in VT prior to moving to MA, so becoming a Big Sister with BBBS felt like a good fit.
What is your vision for the future of BBBS?
I’ve seen first-hand the impact that BBBS can make not only on children in our community, but also on their families. I would love to see this impact magnified in ways that encourage others to get involved. Mentorship is powerful and can profoundly shape a child’s development and life experience. In the future, I would love to see BBBS continue to thrive and have the capacity to support all children in the community looking to be matched with a mentor rather than having children on a waitlist, which is the case in Western MA.
What do you love most about being part of the western MA community?
The western MA community is vibrant and action-oriented. It’s small enough to inspire a sense of belonging, but mighty enough to make an impact. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and to be an active member, which is something I was looking for when I moved here 20 years ago.
What are some of your hobbies and things you like doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy baking and spending time with my family. I also love listening to live music!
