When you find yourself wandering the mall this holiday season, consider giving a simple gift that has the power to transform a child’s life—the gift of your time. The support and encouragement you can give a child as a Big Brother or Big Sister is a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. During this time of giving thanks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is so thankful for the many volunteers—more than 2,500 already this year alone—who have shared their time with a child. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters enthusiastically say this is time well spent. “Jada has really helped me…

Little Brother Kenneth and his siblings have not had an easy childhood. They do not have a strong relationship with their father, who has been in jail much of their lives.  As soon as he was released from prison several months ago, their mom was also arrested. With their mom incarcerated and their dad not present in their lives, Kenneth and his siblings now live with their grandmother.   Big Brother Francisco has been a powerful and stable force in Kenneth’s life.    Kenneth first came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2006 and he was introduced to Big BrotherStephen. When Big Brother Stephen …

For more than 27 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has gathered support for the agency through its signature fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Bowl for Kids' Sake has raised more than $5 million in the course of its 27-year history, making it the largest and most successful bowling fundraiser in the state of Missouri. One hundred percent of the funds raised remain in the Eastern Missouri region and are used to help Big Brothers Big Sisters surround children with trusting and enduring relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has always valued those who support the agency through their generous …

Four months ago, Big Brothers Big Sisters launched the Be There Now! campaign with a lofty goal in mind—to identify and recruit 600 new volunteers in just six months. Now, with 402 new Bigs since the start of the campaign, they are just 198 away from reaching that goal. But, with more than 1,100 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister, there’s never been a better time than now to get involved. For the Littles, the impact of having a mentor is powerful. Independent studies conducted by Public/Private Ventures, a national research organization, demonstrate the power of these …

Until last summer, 17-year-old Thomas had to be the man around the house to his five siblings while also attending classes at the Construction Careers Center and trying to figure out how he would ever get into college. “I’m the oldest of six kids and it’s hard,” Thomas said. “My mom works all the time, and I’ve got to be like their parent.” But in June 2010, he met Mark Winschel, a project manager for S.M. Wilson & Co. and a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. Winschel was paired with Thomas, and they’ve been building a close friendship ever since. They meet at…

At the celebration of Bruce Fleming’s 15-year anniversary with Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Louis City officials Harry Kennedy and Maurice Falls, on behalf of Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, presented Fleming with a special proclamation to honor his service to at the agency.  Current and former BBBS staff, family and friends also joined Fleming at his anniversary celebration to show their admiration and respect for all that he has given to the agency. “Bruce is the soul of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and everyone here tonight is here for Bruce,” said Becky James-Hatter, president and CEO. …

Upper End Properties, a full-service real-estate company based in Clayton, is excited to join forces with St. Louis Rams Wide Receiver Mike Sims-Walker to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. With every touchdown reception by Sims-Walker during the 2011 season, Upper End will donate $1,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri.  “I think Mike is going to have a big year for the Rams, so we felt that he was the perfect guy to do a promotion like this with” said Cory Spielberg, operating partner of Upper End Properties.  If recent history is any barometer, Spielberg’s prediction may …

The nation’s continuing economic uncertainty is challenging for most, but it is especially challenging for the nation’s at-risk youth. These youth - many of whom live in our St Louis community- are already facing multiple obstacles. But there is good news – some programs are making a difference. According to Philanthropedia, Big Brothers Big Sisters is not just making a difference but has been ranked best of the best on a list of most recommended, high-impact national nonprofits serving at-risk youth.  The nation's leader in quality, youth mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters received praise …

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri announces the appointment of two new members to its board of directors. “We are honored and excited to have such creative, thoughtful and committed leaders on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors," said Becky James–Hatter, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. “We are thrilled about our newest members, whose experience, vision and business sense will add additional insights as we continue to further our mission to build trusting and enduring relationships that encourage and support young people.” Rhonda Brandon, vice …

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s relationship model, known as 4:1+1, engages the most significant adults in a Little’s life—parent, teacher, Big Brother or Big Sister and professional program staff to ensure the Little is surrounded by the people who care about them the most. Each adult has an important relationship and a distinct role that offers Littles encouragement and support. This wouldn’t be possible without their “Sixth Members” on the team—the donor!We’ll Be There is the agency’s promise to Little Brothers and Little Sisters. Bigs in conjunction with the agency do not …

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of more than 700,000 volunteers in the area, St. Louis has been ranked 10th out of all major cities across the country in its volunteer rate. According to annual research from Volunteering in America, more than 31.3 percent of St. Louis residents donate their time to volunteer work. This, of course, comes as no surprise to the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters. The agency has always relied on the generous contributions of its volunteers. In 2011, nearly 2,800 volunteers will assist Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri in carrying out its mission …

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is introducing two new ways to become involved in the life of a child. The Couples for Kids and Fifty and Better programs work to create valuable partnerships with those who might not otherwise imagine themselves fitting into the traditional mentoring model. Couples for Kids encourages married couples to enrich their lives by spending time together while giving a child the gift of friendship. The program pairs couples with a child in a unique friendship that can help to broaden the life of a child and provide much needed guidance and support. …

Nicholas, an eighth-grader in St. Louis Public Schools, smiles with his whole face as he describes his relationship with his Big Brother, Ben. Nick and Ben have been matched for more than five years now, and it is not hard to see the impact that their friendship has had.  Nick remembers meeting Ben when he was just a third-grader. “I wasn’t nervous,” Nick said. “No, I felt like I knew him right away.” Since that moment, Nick and Ben have gotten to know each another over homework assignments, video games and lots and lots of basketball. Now, five years later, Nick has a friend he knows he can …

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we know that relationships have the power to change and transform lives. With this in mind, we built a relationship model that leverages the most significant adults in a Little’s life—their parents, teachers, Big Brothers or Big Sisters, donors, and our professional program staff—to open the doors of communication and foster the growth of trusting relationships. This model puts the child at the center and highlights the critical but different roles of the team of adults united on the child's behalf. As part of this team, the Big takes on a very special role as not…

With temperatures soaring, it is hard to believe that summer is almost winding to an end. But at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re gearing up for back-to-school season. In just over three weeks, it will be time for our Littles to set their alarms, pack up their backpacks and head to school.  Back to school has always been a big focus at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each year, our annual school supply fair helps make sure our Littles are equipped with the tools they need for success in the classroom. In addition, we encourage our Bigs to make reminder calls the night before school starts to ensure …

Two weeks ago, over pizza, I asked a simple question, but it was one I hadn’t asked in years. "Do you want to spend the night at my house soon? Would that be cool?" My 11-year-old Little Sister could hardly contain her excitement. Deja's face lit up with a smile, and she clapped her hands. "Yes!" she exclaimed mid-bite. It was all she could talk about as we finished dinner and drove back to her house. Can we swim, she asked. Can we go to the movies? Can we go out to eat? Can we watch a movie at home? Can we play? She was bursting with ideas—so many that I actually had to cut her short and …

Before the big leaguers took the field at the July 10 St. Louis Cardinals game, a different set of all-stars was honored at Busch Stadium. Nearly 50 Little Brothers and Sisters were recognized at the annual graduation ceremony held by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBS). To celebrate the achievements of the accomplished group of Littles, BBBS Staff and Bigs presented the graduating Littles with awards and certificates before enjoying the celebratory lunch. One graduating Little Sister stood out in particular. Shelley, an 18-year-old Little who had been matched with her Big …

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBS) launched a brand new campaign aiming to recruit 600 new volunteers in six months. "Be There Now" is calling on all of the organization's dedicated supporters to help to generate awareness among their friends and colleagues or become Big Brothers or Big Sisters themselves.  With more than 1,000 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister, there’s never been a better time than now to get involved. The impact of having a mentor is incredibly powerful, yet the requirements to become one are easier than you might think:  You must be 18 or …