MENTORING HAS CHANGED—
YOUR LITTLE NEEDS YOU MORE THAN EVER
MENTORING AT A DISTANCE
We are working quickly to modify our standards and practices so that our Littles can continue to benefit from the warmth and care of their Bigs while ensuring that Bigs, Littles, families, and our BBBS staff minimize the risk of COVID-19 contraction.
WHAT DOES MENTORING LOOK LIKE NOW?
Everyone is feeling the stress and strain of uncertainty. We encourage Bigs & Littles to create new routines that don't include in-person activities but do include shared experiences and opportunities to process the world with a trusted adult. A few examples of how Bigs & Littles can stay connected:
WHAT ABOUT SCHOOL-BASED MATCHES?
We are considering several options. We will be reaching out to School-Based Bigs to ask for your interest in connecting with your Little. We may temporarily expand our School-Based program to include remote engagement as described above. We will also reach out to Parents/guardians of Schools-Based Littles. In the meantime, we encourage Bigs & Littles to make cards, write letters or paint a picture that can be shared with the other. We will find a way to facilitate this exchange.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Feel free to email any of us with questions, ideas, or concerns. In the week of March 22nd, we will be reaching out to all Bigs & Littles (families) to check-in. Families of Littles, in particular, we want to know if there are any needs you have in the home. We cannot promise solutions, but we do want to know if there is a common thread of need that we could potentially address with the aid of local organizations.
WHAT IS HAPPENING AT BBBS NW MONTANA?
In addition to working on all that is described above, we are working (mostly remotely) on enrolling Bigs and Littles (so keep those referrals coming), we are finding ways to help in our community (see the blurb on coffee for educators), and we are continuing to build our program as we know our community needs us now, and when we transition out of this difficult time.
DO YOU HAVE ONLINE RESOURCES FOR MATCHES?
Yes! And we are working diligently on expanding these resources. Please go to the "COVID-19 Match Resources" page. Bigs and parents/guardians of Littles may find these resources beneficial and helpful throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. All logos shown are clickable links. Check back regularly for updates.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We collaborated our efforts with Montana Coffee Traders to show our appreciation to the hard-working Flathead County educators. In total, we distributed 100 pounds of coffee to schools in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and the Evergreen School District.
You can see by the smiles that the caffeine was welcome by all! We will continue looking for ways to pull our community together and show our appreciation. Thank you to everyone who is doing the same. We are all in this together.
BIG & LITTLE STORY
Enjoying fresh powder on the slopes is a favorite for many Montanans. Devon was eager to get in on the fun and asked his Big Brother Clay to teach him how to snowboard. Clay took Devon on the Magic Carpet at Whitefish Mountain Resort but he struggled to find balance on the board.
Clay suggested they switch to skiing and was determined to defend his Little's potential by helping Devon reach his goals. Devon was a natural the moment he put on a pair of skis. Practicing nearly every weekend helped him develop skill and gain the confidence needed to thrive on the mountain. It wasn't long before Devon braved going down Black Diamond and did so with success!
Every child has the potential to change the world.
In a world of causes, we make a difference by creating professionally supported, one-to-one matches for kids who want to realize their full potential.
BIG & LITTLE STORY
Big Sister Carrie Power and Lexi are a new-ish match. These two initially bonded over a mutual appreciation for french fries and ice cream but their friendship now thrives on enjoying each other's company and finding the other hilarious. After just 2-months they are finishing each other's sentences.
One summer day they decided to spend the whole day together. Their day began enjoying two scoops on the rooftop of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream and then ventured over to Pin & Cue for some bowling and arcade games and lunch. Later they arrived at Stumptown Art Studio for Big Art Little Art with huge smiles and energy.
Lexi is a gifted artist and is able to express her creativity in various forms, even creating bracelets that same morning to wear throughout the day. She decided to paint a rainbow-colored ceramic fish and meticulously selected the right colors and then carefully applied each stroke of paint. The result was incredible! She questioned whether to paint a second fish but Carrie was quick to encourage her to paint however many she wanted. Carrie helps Lexi realize her potential by frequently building her up and supporting her interests. Whether they are at the dog park or at Imagine IF Libraries or just enjoying lunch, Carrie makes sure Lexi knows she is talented, special, and a fun Little Sister.
Your gift matters and helps kids like Lexi realize their potential and believe they "more than cool enough."
A BIG THANK YOU
TO OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS
We received over 790 individual donations in 2019!
Ben Eisinger & Family
Oro y Plata Foundation
Laura G. Barrett Living Arts Foundation Fund
Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
.png)
.png)
