News
JANURARY IS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
Big Brothers Big Sisters Needs Support to Help More Kids Beat the Odds.
Peoria, IL (January 2010) – In recognition of National Mentoring Month, Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters is calling on not only volunteers, but donors as well, to provide support for thousands of children who need mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-supported volunteer network of long-term mentors for youth, providing matching, screening and ongoing support for “Bigs,” “Littles,” and families. Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the network’s nearly 400 agencies helping about 255,000 Littles -- primarily children of single, low-income and incarcerated parents – succeed in and out of school.
“Our priority and what differentiates Big Brothers Big Sisters is our commitment to providing long-term mentoring, resulting in proven positive educational and social outcomes, improving kids' chances to succeed,” said Jeff Parmenter, Executive Director of Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Donors enable Big Brothers Big Sisters' quality staff, backed by proven support systems and structures, to provide ongoing support for "Littles," their families and "Bigs," from before each match is made, throughout the course of the mentoring friendship.”
Independent research finds Littles are more likely than their peers to have better school attendance and improvements in behavior -- avoiding violence and illegal activities -- and they are more likely to have stronger relationships at home and elsewhere.
Boys, particularly African American and Hispanic children, disproportionately represent Littles ready to be matched with Bigs. This month, with emphasis on mentoring, the organization is expecting a surge in volunteers. The hope is that donations will come in as well, so that all Bigs and Littles who are ready to be matched can begin a long, successful mentoring match, supported by committed Big Brothers Big Sisters professionals.
The Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become responsible men and women by providing committed volunteers, national leadership and standards of excellence.
In order to apply to volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister, please visit our website www.hoibbbs.org or call our office at 309-637-1771 to get an application mailed to you.
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HEART OF ILLINOIS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NAMED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENT
(Peoria, Illinois) October 16, 2009 -- The Community Foundation of Central Illinois presented a $2,200 grant to Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters to support our Lunch Buddies program.
The purpose of the Lunch Buddies program is to provide school-based mentoring to 100 at-risk students. The program recruits, screens, and matches potential adult mentors eighteen years or older, with a child between the ages of five and twelve to meet with during their lunch hour at least twice a month for a period of at least one year.
By providing these children with a positive role model, we hope to keep them from being susceptible to the negative influences leading them into the juvenile justice system, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and dropping out of school.
The $2,200 grant assists with background checks, marketing and communications, year end pizza parties and much more that goes into making Lunch Buddies a success.
The Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become responsible men and women by providing committed volunteers, national leadership and standards of excellence.
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If you would like to volunteer to be a Lunch Buddy, please contact Amy Campbell-Bishop at 309-637-1771 or amy@hoibbbs.org
HEART OF ILLINOIS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NAMED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENT
(Peoria, Illinois) October 16, 2009 -- The Community Foundation of Central Illinois presented a $5,000 grant to Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters to support our Bradley University mentoring program.
The Bradley University Mentoring Program is designed as an early intervention program to assist underprivileged children through their most critical and defining years. Bradley University students are screened and matched with children ages five to twelve and meet right on campus every Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. throughout the entire school year. Many activities are provided such as tutoring, interactive games, art and crafts, holiday parties and other recreational activities.
The $5,000 grant assists Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters with transportation, background checks, recruitment materials, supplies, games, equipment, refreshments, and more. With the help of this grant, our agency has been able to make a positive difference in the lives of many children, opening their eyes to new possibilities and a brighter future.
The Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become responsible men and women by providing committed volunteers, national leadership and standards of excellence.
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If you would like to volunteer to be a mentor in our Bradley program please contact Kerry Hickman at 309-637-1771 or kerry@hoibbbs.org
Euclid Beverage Presents the Inaugural Barstool Open
(Peoria, Illinois) September 18, 2009 – Euclid Beverage Presents the Inaugural Barstool Open to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Knox County. The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 3rd in downtown Galesburg.
Check in will begin at 11 AM at McGillacuddy’s and the event will start at Noon! The cost per foursome is $100 and each team member will receive a T-shirt! Hole locations will be at the following establishments: McGillacuddy’s, Fat Fish, GP’s Lounge, Corner Connection, Seminary St. Pub, Budde’s Pizza, Crappy’s, Billiards on Main, Duffy’s, and The Office. You can register your team by calling our office at 309-344-2252 or by emailing jeffs@hoibbbs.org.
“This is a unique event that allows you the opportunity to show off your mini-golf skills, enjoy a beautiful fall day in downtown Galesburg and help raise awareness and support for our program here in Knox County,” states Jeff Parmenter, Executive Director for the Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become responsible men and women by providing committed volunteers, national leadership and standards of excellence.
The media is invited to cover the Inaugural Barstool Open. To make arrangements contact Jeff Parmenter via phone or e-mail – wk: 637.1771 cell: 231.6890 or jeff@hoibbbs.org.
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