Big Brothers Big Sisters Expansion Offers New Service in Palm Beach County

View press release here.

Coconut Creek Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters Start Something BIG for the Youth of Coconut Creek. 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County (BBBS), in partnership with Broward County Schools and Waste Management, is launching its signature school-based mentoring program at Coconut Creek Elementary School utilizing student mentors from Coconut Creek High School. Watch the video.

Big Brother of the Year - 2009

Roger Covey, a physical therapist, has shown his dedication to Big Brothers Big Sisters and seen what a positive difference one person can make as a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer.  Roger was matched with his “Little”, Shaq more than two years ago.  Shaq was referred to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for behavioral issues and was attending a school for children with major behavior problems.  Shaq’s academic performance was declining.   Roger was committed to make a difference and after the initial meeting quickly arranged to meet Shaq the following weekend.  Roger has faithfully continued meeting with Shaq every week to do fun things.

At a point, Shaq told Roger he wanted to attend a “normal” school close to home.  In an effort to help Shaq, Roger contacted the school and determined the criteria for Shaq to graduate out of the behavioral school.  With input from Shaq’s grandmother, the teachers and school counselors, behavioral and academic goals were established and provided to Shaq.
 
Shaq learned how to handle conflict in a mature manner.  He no longer gets in fights.  He credits Roger for teaching him how to walk away from a fight.   Shaq wrote “Roger inspired me to work hard in school and showed me that getting good grades was not that difficult.”

Shaq now attends a neighborhood school, his grades have improved dramatically and he is the recipient of an academic award for his academic potential and significant improvement.

Roger credits the improvement to Shaq’s determination to leave past problems.  Shaq overcame many difficult challenges presented to him in his young life. 

Shaq’s grandmother wrote “It is obvious to me that Shaq would not be where he is today if he had not been matched with his Big Brother.”

Roger describes one of the most important aspects of being a “Big” by saying “90% of being a Big Brother is just showing up.”

Big Sister of the Year - 2009

Through her volunteer experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Judy Dickerson dedicates herself 100% to making a positive impact on a child.

Judy is matched with an 11 year old girl named Ashley.  Ashley was referred to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program by her mother because the family was experiencing the most difficult and extreme times.  Ashley needed to get out of the house to do things. 

Upon meeting Ashley, Judy saw that she was shy little girl whose eyes communicated the difficult life she was experiencing.  Ashley did not speak in the initial meeting; her mother spoke for her.    Judy repeatedly called Ashley and met with Ashley every weekend.  Within time, Ashley became more outgoing and a friendship flourished. 

After Judy was matched with Ashley, Ashley’s family was evicted from their home.  Ashley called Judy from a pay phone.  Judy helped Ashley’s family by providing information about shelters and agencies that would assist the family.  Judy also helped by bringing Ashley to her home to get clean and eat a meal.

Though Ashley has moved numerous times, Judy remains in contact with Ashley regardless of the distance.  Judy gives Ashley a day of fun where Ashley “can just be a kid”.  Judy also continues to work with Ashley on homework and school work.  Ashley’s grades are up.  Even though Ashley has attended four schools in the past 2 years, Ashley has tackled the toughest challenges and kept her grades high so that she is on the honor roll. 

Ashley wrote about her Big Sister, “I think that she [Judy] is a great role model”. 

 

Aventura Attorney Gary Saslaw Elected as
Chair of the Board for the BBBS of Florida

Gary R. Saslaw, Esq., was recently elected Chair of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Association of Florida, an organization serving the sixteen Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations throughout Florida.

Saslaw is an attorney in Aventura and has been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, both on local, state, and national levels for over 20 years. In addition to his election as Chair, Saslaw has served as a member of the National Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and was also Past Chairman of the Board of the local organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, Inc. In addition to his work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, Saslaw is a past Chair of the American Heart Association, Florida/Puerto Rico Affiliate and has served on several national committees for the American Heart Association.

Big Sister of the Year - 2008

Debra Vance Skaff, a senior business analyst, has proven her unique ability to accept her Littles as they are, while understanding the special ways to reach each young lady and help her realize her potential.  Debra has been a very positive role model for two Little Sisters and has also been an advocate and ambassador for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid Florida in Gainesville. 

Debra was matched in the Bigs in Schools Program with Melinda who was referred to BBBS from her elementary school because she was extremely quiet and had difficulty interacting with others.  Melinda’s responses were all one word answers.  Debra discovered that Melinda could communicate through her art.  The match moved to the Community Based Program and Debra and Melinda began taking various art classes together.  Art became an integral part of their relationship.  “Melinda has enriched my life in so many ways. Our journey together as artists is a gift. Watching her find her talent and her voice is pure joy,” stated Debra.

“I appreciate the things my Big Sister, Debi, has done for me,” shares Melinda.  Debra taught Melinda how to swim and helped with school work, especially math.  “I discovered that I have a talent. I am very good at art.  Most importantly, Debi taught me to enjoy the good things in life and to be myself.”

Dianne, Melinda’s mother, feels that, “Debra has been one of the best things that ever happened for Melinda.”  She is appreciative of everything Debra has done for her daughter though the years.  Melinda has matured into a bright young lady.  “Debra has always been there for Melinda and has included all of us in her family. Debra Vance-Skaff is our Big Sister of the Year.”

 

Big Brother of the Year - 2008

Ray Rodgers, a retired pharmacist from Venice, has been passionate and effective with his commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sun Coast.  He has the insight and tenacity to meet youth where they are and that has made him an outstanding Big Brother.  Ray helped launch the Bigs in School program for this local agency 13 years ago.  He initiated a Big Brothers Big Sisters reading program at a local Venice middle school with huge success and recruited over 40 volunteers from his neighborhood. Ray is a tireless speaker, recruiter and board member.  Ray often tells potential Bigs “set aside your golf clubs for a few hours and help a child.”

Ray has been a Big Brother to his current Little, Joshua, for more than 6 years.  “Mentoring Josh has been a most rewarding experience for me.  Seeing him grow in so many ways has helped me to grow along with him.  This has added personal meaning to my life.” Ray has been an advocate and champion for Josh, who thought he could not succeed. While Josh is an excellent athlete, academics were a struggle until Ray helped him focus.  Prior to Josh, Ray was matched with Shaun, who today owns his own business thanks to start up help from Ray.

Joshua’s mother, Jeanette, feels good knowing that Ray is there for her son. Jeanette says that she owes a lot to Ray for becoming a part of their lives.  “My son Josh was needing help with his reading and at the same time needed a grandfather figure.  Ray filled the void in his life.  My son has grown up to be an excellent student and athlete with a great future ahead.”

Joshua wrote, “I have a lot of fun with Ray. We go jet skiing, golfing, out to eat and to museums. He is like a grandfather to me, which is great since I never met my own grandfathers.  Ray has taught me how to control my temper when I get upset. I would like to thank Ray Rodgers for giving me all of his time since I was in third grade and being there for me like a grandfather would.”

Judges for the 2008 Awards

From left to right starting with the front row: Chris Davidson, EVP, Chief Client Officer, Ypartnership; Curtis Stokes, VP, Fifth Third Bank Tampa; Rose Briceno, Managing Attorney-Advisor, Transportation Security Administration; Sarah Hurst, high school student, Lakeside Christian School; and Jenny Williams, Manager, Human Resources, Tropicana Beverages North America.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters National Award Winners

Broward agency wins two awards at 2008 National Conference

Ana Cedeno, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and Judy Vrendenburgh, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Judy Vredenburgh, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Ana Cedeno, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County; Frank Bracken, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Board Chair & Chair of BBBS North Texas; Kate Snow, co-anchor of ABC Good Morning America Weekend Edition and national conference emcee, as well as Big Sister.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BROWARD PLACES IN TOP 6 PERCENT OF AGENCIES NATIONWIDE & ANA CEDENO NAMED CEO OF THE YEAR Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has been recognized as one of the top performing agencies in the nation after accepting the Gold Standard Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the Nationwide Leadership Council.  The award recognizes pace-setting performance in quality service delivery as well as impact to the community’s children. This prestigious award places this agency in the top 6 percent of Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies nationwide out of a network of more than 400. Only agencies with double-digit growth in revenue and children served were recognized. Cedeño was also named as CEO of the Year, the highest professional honor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters National network.  She was selected for her strategic leadership, board development and financial management. Through the leadership of Cedeño and the board of directors, the organization served more than 1,400 children in Broward County in 2007.  By 2010, the goal is to increase that number to more than 2,500 children.    This recognition comes as this agency celebrates its 35th anniversary.  Since 1973, the organization has impacted more than 14,000 children in Broward County with transformational one-to-one mentoring relationships. “In our 35th anniversary year, we are proud and honored to be recognized for being a leader in the nation,” said Ana Cedeño.  “Our success is rooted in our excellent volunteers, dedicated board of directors and staff.  Thanks to the outstanding support of the community and our partners, we continue to be the premier mentoring organization in Broward County. We are changing the way our children grow up in the community.”

Florida boasts two Pinnacle award winners at the 2008 National Conference.

The Big Bend and St. Lucie agencies both were recognized with the Pinnacle Award for achievement.  As two of the total eight agencies receiving this award, they were selected from a nationwide network of over 400 that received the prestigious Gold Standard Award two years in a row. 

The Gold Standard award recognizes Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies that have demonstrated pace setting performance throughout the year.   Agencies that have shown a revenue growth of 10% or more, a 10% increase in the number of children served in mentoring relationships - matches, and that meet a quality standard are considered to be top performing.

 

 

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend in Tallahassee Florida – 2007 SMALL AGENCY OF THE YEAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martin County - CEO William Bee, 2007 SMALL AGENCY CEO OF THE YEAR

 

 

 

 

 

BBBS Named "Organization of the Year"

Council of Social Agencies (COSA) works to promote and enhance the provision of services to at-risk people throughout St. Lucie County. Each year at COSA's annual luncheon awards are given to agencies and volunteers who provide exceptional help to the community.

These awards are judged by an independent panel from nominations submitted by members or interested organizations. This year BBBS received the award for "Organization of the Year" for its dedication to at-risk children in the community.

Heroes in Our Midst Winner

Tori Potter, 16, is hugged by her “Big Sister” of seven years, Jill Wagstaff, 29, during an awards ceremony. Wagstaff, a University of Florida graduate and Gainesville resident, received an award from the American Greeting Card Association called “Heroes In Our Midst” for her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Wagstaff is the award’s first recipient from Florida. Juliette Bogus, spokeswoman for the American Greeting Card Association, said “This program is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties.”

Big Brother Big Sisters
Association of Florida
Recognizes Governor Jeb Bush

Representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida presented Governor Jeb Bush with a special thank you for his commitment and leadership to mentoring of youth. The Governor received a framed gold record, representing more than 1,000,000 children who have been positively affected by the Governor’s mentoring initiatives during his administration.

Representing BBBS at the presentation on November 7, 2006, in Tallahassee were Leah Sandridge, Executive Director of BBBS of the Big Bend; Stephen Koch, BBBS Association of Florida Chairman, Big Sister Cerena Figueroa, Little Sister Amerika Soto, Deborah Thielen, BBBS Association of Florida CEO, and Warren Grymes, CEO of BBBS of Northeast Florida.

In presenting the award to Governor Bush, Chairman Koch said, “We are very sincere in our appreciation of the Governor’s efforts, because we know that our Bigs in Schools program has made great strides in Florida, due to his unwavering leadership and support of funding for this program.”

During Governor Bush’s two terms, Big Brothers Big Sisters has consistently exceeded its match goals and outcomes, enhancing the quality of life for participating students and dramatically improving their achievements. For example:
• 84% Improved academic performance
• 82% Improved school attendance
• 84% Improved school behavior

Governor Bush thanked the group and said his commitment will continue when his term as governor ends. He plans to mentor students in the Miami area after leaving public office.

Leading Light Award

Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida is the 2006 recipient of the Leading Light Award from SUNSPRA (Sunshine State School Public Relations Association). At SUNSPRA’s annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, Stephen Koch, Chairman of the Board and Deborah Thielen, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida accepted the award on behalf of the Association. The award recognized Big Brothers and Big Sisters as “shining lights” supporting K-12 public education.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was chosen due to measurable improvement in academics and positive behavior demonstrated by students in the “Bigs in Schools” program. In addition, Big Brothers Big Sisters was recognized as a steadfast partner with the local school systems.

Past award recipients include: First Lady Columba Bush, Walt Disney Executive Al Weiss and Comcast.

Let's Go Bowling....

Have fun and help kids! If you care about kids and can spare a little time for fun, then Bowl for Kids' Sake is right up your alley!

Bowl for Kids' Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters' signature fundraising and awareness program. For more than 20 years, Bigs, Littles, donors, corporations, and other community members have been raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters by asking family and friends for their financial support. We thank our supporters in bowling centers throughout Florida.

To find a Bowl for Kids' Sake event near you, please contact your local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency or call toll free 1-877-283-5055.