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Recently, we were contacted by the mother of one of our Site-Based Little Brothers wanting to enroll her 8-year-old-daughter in our program as well.
Sarah (not her real name) had employment and had been living in the same house in Redmond with her husband and two children for six years. When the pandemic took hold, she was forced to leave her job and stay home with her children to ensure they kept up with their education. The stress of the pandemic and unemployment wreaked havoc on her marriage, hence ending in divorce and the eventual eviction from their home. Sarah and the children are now homeless, living in a friend's camper in Bend, away from their Redmond community.
Upon hearing this family's devastating story as a result of Covid-19, we jumped into action to not only enroll her children in our Community-Based Mentoring Program, but to also provide her with resources and financial assistance to aid this now homeless family. In order for Sarah to acquire employment, child care is essential; hence we reached out to the Boys & Girls Club, Bend Park & Recreation and the Family Access Network to inquire on a safe place for the children to learn and grow during comprehensive distance learning. Now Sarah has the opportunity to look for employment to provide for her children. Furthermore, we added the children to Cascade Sotheby's "Giving Tree," providing Christmas presents for many of our Littles, to ensure both kids receive gifts this holiday season. (A BIG thank you to the Oxford Hotel & the Pour House Grill for also providing Giving Trees for our Littles!) Finally, we were able to hand deliver Sarah a $500 Visa gift card to help pay some of her essential bills for this month.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon has not solved Sarah's problems as a result of the pandemic, but we have made her life and the lives of her beautiful children, our Littles, a bit more tolerable this holiday season. Since last spring, we have provided over 100 of our BBBSCO families with resources and financial assistance, thanks to the support of the Oregon Community Foundation, the United Way of Central Oregon and individual donations. We could not make such a BIG impact without our community, our mentors and donors. If you would like to make a donation to help provide a child with a caring adult mentor and life-changing resources, or you would like to become a Big yourself, click on the button below or go to www.bbbsco.org TODAY and make a BIG impact! Thank you for your support!
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Look how your investment in
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon
impacts youth!
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"I am beyond thrilled to be part of the BBBSCO team! My background in education has taught me to see all children as individuals who have the capacity to flourish and develop into happy, well-rounded adults who recognize and utilize their intellectual, emotional, and cultural distinctions and abilities. I am passionate about helping children realize their full potential, and have seen, over and over, the vital role that reliable relationships play in the positive development of young people. My experience and training in administration, educational leadership, and organizational management has taught me the value of a team. I love to join a team, learn about existing successes, and foster further growth and development of every individual. I hope to bring fresh energy and ideas in support of a well-established and passionate team at BBBSCO. " - Sandy Cassio
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January is National Mentoring Month and that means it is time to ZOOM into 2021 and get the children waiting for mentors off the sidelines, out of isolation and matched with caring adult mentors as soon as possible. Don't wait until the pandemic is over! Kids need mentors now more than ever! At BBBSCO, we provide creative ideas for mentoring to continue safely, with physical distancing, outside activities, and through interactive, fun virtual meetings. To learn more about how you can ignite, empower and defend the potential in a local youth, join us on one of our three Zoom informational meetings in January or call 541.312.6047.
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Comedy For Kids' Sake a BIG Success!
On November 12th,a virtual Comedy For Kids' Sake raised over $40K! It was a different kind of comedy event this year, as we were not able to all be together in one venue. We did find a way to be one community, joining together on one night, for one very important cause. Our online auction was a virtual success due to all the generous donations from our local businesses, restaurants and companies. Head on over to our YouTube channel to view that evening's event and prepare to have a laugh!
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Thanks Again to Our
Generous Sponsors!
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Become a Match Maker by signing up at bbbsco.org to make a monthly donation that fits your budget!
Every $ goes towards matching local youth with
DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL!
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To learn more about becoming a Big or other ways to make a BIG impact contact:
Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Central Oregon
2125 NE Daggett Ln. Bend, Oregon 97701.
(541) 312-6047
info@bbbsco.org
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Mission: Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the promise and power of youth. |
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