May 2023 BIG NEWS: Monthly Newsletter for Bigs and Caregivers

BBBSL Monthly News, Events, Tips, and MORE! FULL ARTICLE

10/15/2020 Press Release: Amazon’s Charleston Black Employee Network Chapter Selects Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry as Grant Recipient

Amazon BEN Grant Press Release, FULL ARTICLE

9/4/2020 Board of Directors: Meet Our New Board Members

Board Member Profiles, FULL ARTICLE

6/22 CEO UPDATE: Launching "Safe In-Person Match Contact Policy"

A Message from our CEO, FULL ARTICLE

6/1/20 CEO UPDATE: WE ARE RESPONSIBLE

A Message from our CEO, FULL ARTICLE

5/13/20 CEO UPDATE: LETTER TO LOWCOUNTRY EMPLOYERS

A Message from our CEO, FULL ARTICLE

4/27/20 CEO UPDATE: COVID-19 & OUR FAMILIES

A Message from our CEO, FULL ARTICLE

04/03/20 Resource Update to Bigs & Families

A Message from our Program Director, FULL ARTICLE

3/19/20 BIGS-LITTLES-PARENTS COMMUNICATION POLICY DURING CRISIS

A Message from our CEO, FULL ARTICLE

3/13/20 Big Brothers Big Sisters response to COVID-19

A Message from our CEO, FULL ARTICLE

Big Brothers Big Sisters is about LOVE

Merridith's Musings (A Message from our CEO), FULL ARTICLE

Local mentors build a mutually beneficial lifelong bond

Charleston City Paper (January 29, 2020), FULL ARTICLE

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry challenges the Tri-country to make a big resolution

Summerville Journal Scene (January 13, 2020), FULL ARTICLE

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry celebrates relaunch

Moultrie News (December 4, 2019), FULL ARTICLE

Life-Changing Match-Making

The Daniel Island News (August 14, 2019), FULL ARTICLE

bbbslowcountry

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry provides one-on-one mentoring for youth in our community.

What pairs well with any cocktail? 🍹A worthwhil

What pairs well with any cocktail? 🍹A worthwhile mission 🔥

Be a part of our mission at BBBSL to empower Tri-County youth by attending Cocktails for a Cause on May 14 from 6-8 PM at The Harbour Club at WestEdge.

$25 of your $40 ticket directly supports our mission, while the rest covers hors d'oeuvres, good fellowship, and access to a full cash bar at one of the best sunset vantage points in Charleston 🌇

🥂Invite your friends and reserve tickets at the link in our bio

Delissa took the leap with BBBSL because she wante

Delissa took the leap with BBBSL because she wanted her daughter, Ashanti, to have more than just a confidante – she wanted her to have a guiding light, someone to share thoughts with and gain valuable advice from. Since Ashanti’s match with Claire, Delissa has watched her blossom in newfound confidence. Delving into art projects like painting, Ashanti expresses herself more assuredly and is described by teachers as a natural leader!

Before being matched with Claire, Ashanti was eager for companionship in activities and heartfelt conversations. Her interests span from drawing and dancing to trying her hand at various sports. Sharing new culinary adventures with Claire has also become a favorite pastime – their homemade sushi escapade is just one of many delightful memories they’ve created together. Her favorite memory from the match is when they went to Top Golf, and it started to rain: “It was a lot of fun. It was pouring rain, and we had to run out to the car with no shoes on, so they wouldn’t get wet!”

For Claire, becoming a Big was a chance to pay forward the mentorship she once received. Witnessing Ashanti’s growth over the past year has been incredibly rewarding. Ashanti exudes a newfound self-assurance and clarity: “She is aware of her likes and dislikes, and is not afraid to communicate that. She is not afraid to be her authentic self. I told her to celebrate that!”

Claire's mission remains steadfast: to provide unwavering support, acceptance, and love, ensuring Ashanti feels empowered to embrace her authentic self. Their journey together has been filled with laughter and learning – like the spontaneous dash to the car during a rainstorm after a lively round of Top Golf ⛳ #MentorshipMatters #BBBSLowwcountry #MatchSuccess

BIG Beyond Scholars had a new and exciting experie

BIG Beyond Scholars had a new and exciting experience attending the TEDx Charleston 2024 - Uncharted Rehearsal last week!

We heard inspiring and informative pitches from dynamic presenters like Herb Frazier (author and projects manager at the Charleston City Paper), local musician/artist Manny Houston, and Julie Walker (President/Founder of the J.H. Walker Legacy Foundation). We were also delighted to set eyes upon the captivating quilted artwork of featured artist Cookie Washington, and were graced with musical melodies by Emily Curtis.

🌟 Impostor syndrome. Let's talk about it. 🌟

🌟 Impostor syndrome. Let's talk about it. 🌟

Defined as "doubting one's abilities and feeling like a fraud," it's a hurdle many face. From "Gen Z" to "Baby Boomers," its prevalence spans generations. The people we look at and think, "Wow, they really have it all together!" often struggle with these same negative thoughts.

What's some advice you have either given or received for overcoming impostor syndrome?

Share your thoughts below (and thank you in advance -- we know it can take courage to be vulnerable, especially online!) Together, we can model openness, confidence, and resilience to our youth!

#ImpostorSyndrome
#MentorshipMatters
#FakeItTillYouMakeIt

We invite you to join us on the stunning rooftop t

We invite you to join us on the stunning rooftop terrace of The Harbour Club at WestEdge for 🍸Cocktails for a Cause✨ on Tuesday, May 14, from 6-8 PM.

Tickets include complimentary hor d'oeuvres, fellowship with new and old friends, and access to a full cash bar at The Harbour Club at WestEdge -- skyline views included!

Dress is business casual, and $25 of each $40 ticket will directly support BBBSL's mission to empower our youth to reach their fullest potential! 🌟💪

Get your tickets at the link in our bio -- we can't wait to see you there!

#CocktailsForACause #BBBSLowcountry #YouthEmpowerment

Our May 19 Pig Pickin' at the House of Brews in We

Our May 19 Pig Pickin' at the House of Brews in West Ashley will be cooking up some serious fun while supporting youth mentoring in the Lowcountry!

Your $20 ticket includes a BBQ plate with pulled pork, hash n rice, coleslaw, and BBQ baked beans along with a beverage of your choice: soda or a pint of Coast Kolsch🍺

⭐Don't miss out! Get your tickets here⭐ https://www.classy.org/event/pig-pickin-to-benefit-bbbsl/e565153

Kenya, a vibrant 15-year-old, is both outgoing and

Kenya, a vibrant 15-year-old, is both outgoing and athletic, with a passion for sports—especially track! Despite her social nature, she can sometimes be a bit shy. Kenya loves attending sporting events and enjoys the thrill of being out and about.

Meet Renee, a consultant who finds joy in going on runs, biking, and spending time with her three adorable dogs. Renee is incredibly active, running an impressive 200 miles a month and biking 300 miles! When asked why she wanted to become a Big, Renee shared her passion for ensuring the next generation is set up for success.

On their first outing, Kenya and Renee bonded over drinks at Starbucks, discussing their hopes and dreams for their match. Kenya expressed a desire for a mentor whom she can openly communicate with about life's ups and downs—a perfect fit for Renee's caring and supportive nature.

#MentorshipMatters #YouthEmpowerment #DefendPotential

What's the next best thing to having a free boat?

What's the next best thing to having a free boat?

Having a friend with a free boat 🛥️😏

Thanks to our friends at @keywestboat @wesco_trailers @dekitco and @butlermarineinc we're able to provide you with the opportunity to be the friend of a lifetime...by winning and/or gifting your friend a free boat! 🙃

Each (unlimited) $100 BIG Boat raffle ticket enters you to win the free (all taxes paid) 2023 Key West 179 FS -- a BIG boat package worth $55K!

Peep the amenities:
💚 Jade Green
⚓DEKit premium marine boat decking in ice/anchor
🔊Clarion GR10BT Bluetooth stereo with 4 speakers & MP3 port
🚨 T-Top w/black canvas & LED stern light
🚛Wesco Trailer

🦀Learn more/enter to win: bbbslowcountry.org/boat/🦀
🎣Share this post with your best boating buddies!🎣

We had a VERY exciting BIG Beyond Speaker Series e

We had a VERY exciting BIG Beyond Speaker Series event and first "in-house field trip" at JICHS last week. Our special guest: Mayor Reggie Burgess, the first African American Mayor of the City of North Charleston!

Mayor Burgess encouraged scholars (1) To make and keep friends while staying true to one’s self and not surrendering one’s ideals, (2) To take the wheel of our life’s journey, remembering that family and teachers are there to guide and support us, and (3) To know the greatest success comes from serving others.

Thank you to @mayorreggieburgess Assistant Principal Temoney and @jichscommunications staff, and BBBSL Board members for attending this inspiring Speaker Series session with our BIG Beyond Scholars and staff!!

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Littles and families

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Littles and families! 🌟 Now through 4/30, youth can kickstart their savings journey with BECU! Open an Early Saver account and deposit $25 within the first 30 days, and @becu will DOUBLE it with an extra $25! Plus, there's a special treat for adults too: open a checking and savings account, meet simple transaction requirements, and receive $150 deposited into your savings account! 😱💰

Parents/caregivers, this is a great opportunity to teach your kids about financial responsibility! Swing by the Boeing Welcome Center at 5400 International Blvd in North Charleston to get started, or simply scan the QR code in this post to learn more! Let's empower our youth to build a brighter future together! #YouthEmpowerment #FinancialLiteracy #SavingsGoals #BECU

BBBSL is in full spring swing this weekend, with T

BBBSL is in full spring swing this weekend, with TWO chances to enter to win our BIG Boat Raffle!

Gaze upon the majesty of the BIG Boat itself at Holy City Brewing on Saturday, April 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM for the Painkiller Party, featuring live music, Caribbean-inspired food specials, and Painkiller drink specials. Enter to win the BIG Boat Raffle or simply enjoy a drink in support of BBBSL. Bring the kids, too! Laser tag savings include $3 off a 30-minute session of laser tag on the back of the Holy City Brewing property with the purchase of a Painkiller Wietbier.

Also on April 13, we’ll be at Firefly Distillery from 12 to 4 PM for the FREE family-friendly Spring Food Truck Feastival! Enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and 25+ food trucks with fare ranging from southern comfort to brunch and Italian pizzas to tasty waffle treats. You’ll find BBBSL in the vendor market featuring makers from the community. Guests can make a flower bouquet with BloomTown Flower Market, listen to music by DJ CabanaVibez, and take part in face painting and lawn games.

We look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday at Firefly Distillery and Holy City Brewing! Learn more about the BIG Boat Raffle 179FS Key West boat package (a tax-free, $55K value!): https://www.bbbslowcountry.org/boat/

Sometimes being a GREAT Big simply means being a g

Sometimes being a GREAT Big simply means being a good listener and creating space for your Little to shine. Sometimes it means discussing tough topics, and sometimes, it’s just about having fun.

We believe YOU have what it takes to be an awesome Big. Thanks again to Marcus Amaker @charlestonpoet for penning a call in "Shorelines" to share our #3BigThings with Tri-County youth. Visit the link in our bio to become a Big today!

We're all about sparking creativity and self-belie

We're all about sparking creativity and self-belief in young minds. Enter Marcus Amaker, Charleston's first poet laureate and, like us, a firm believer in the power of mentoring. Marcus crafted this beautiful poem, titled "Shorelines," to invite the Charleston community to have the backs of our Littles.

Ready to make a difference? Visit https://www.bbbslowcountry.org/be-a-big/ to become a Big today! #3BigThings #mentorshipmatters #BBBSLowcountry #defendpotential #EmpowerYouth

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry is team

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry is teaming up with House of Brews West Ashley and Peculiar Pig to bring you an event you won't want to miss!

Get ready for a mouthwatering Pig Pickin' extravaganza on Sunday, May 19 from 12-4 PM! 🐷For just $20, indulge in a delicious plate featuring BBQ pulled pork, hash & rice, coleslaw, and BBQ baked beans, paired perfectly with a refreshing Coast Kosch beer on draft (or a soda)!

By joining us, you're supporting our mission to ignite potential and defend the inherent power and promise of every child in our community! 💙 So mark your calendars for May 19 from 12-4 PM, text/share the link to our Facebook event, and come join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and meaningful impact!

RSVP/Buy Tickets: https://www.classy.org/event/pig-pickin-to-benefit-bbbsl/e565153

*This is a rain-or-shine event held at House of Brews in West Ashley. Tickets are non-refundable*

Congratulations to Rayshell! Our BIG Beyond Schola

Congratulations to Rayshell! Our BIG Beyond Scholar was selected as one of the 2024 Bank of America Student Leaders®, one of the company’s most distinguished community programs. With over 7,000 applications, Rayshell was 1 of 315 students selected for this opportunity.

As a student leader, Rayshell will participate in an eight-week paid summer internship at a local non-profit organization to learn valuable civic, social, and business leadership skills and the critical role non-profits play in our communities.

Additionally, 2024 Student Leaders® will travel to Washington, D.C., in July for the Student Leaders® Summit, where they will network with students from across the country, meet Bank of America leaders and government officials, visit D.C. landmarks, and engage in interactive sessions.

Congratulations Rayshell!! We are SUPER proud of you!!

Learn more about the Bank of America Student Leaders® program: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/student-leaders

🎉🎉Match Success 🎉🎉 When Jessica signe

🎉🎉Match Success 🎉🎉

When Jessica signed up her funny, outgoing, big-hearted 10-year-old son Ray’Shawn to get a Big, she sought a positive male role model who could assist him with not feeling so overwhelmed by his emotions. After being matched with Lance, Ray always comes home from visits in a sunny mood! Lance has been helping Ray with embracing responsibility and Jessica loves seeing new signs of maturity in her son: “Lance is amazing. He is always concerned about Ray. He is interested in being there for him no matter what. He shows up in a great way. I waited a while for him to have a Big, but I waited for an amazing one!"

Ray’Shawn is grateful for Lance being there to help him with reading and teaching him skills to manage angry emotions that feel big in the moment. His goal in life is to “Become a billionaire and give my money to the homeless.” Ray’s favorite memory with Lance is going bowling for the first time! “I never knew how to bowl, but Lance taught me. At first, I kept missing, but then I think I got better even though he still beat me. I have the best and nicest big brother. He has a big dog, too, that I am learning to like.”

Lance has found that through being a Big, he has stepped up and prioritizes letting Ray know: “I am his friend. He is important and has an amazing heart. We talk about ways to be a good older brother and great son. He knows it is okay to ask me for help with anything, and we continue to work on managing big emotions.” His favorite memory was going to the Lowcountry Children’s Museum with Ray. During their visit, Ray took an interest in the model grocery store, where he put on his apron and got into action. “I will never forget how he put on the register vest and checked out people and took their items and scanned and bagged them. He looked so happy and centered. He was so excited to be in that position.”

#MatchSuccess #BiggerTogether #DefendPotential #BBBSLowcountry #MentorshipMatters

🌟 Join Our Team and Make a Difference! 🌟 Ar

🌟 Join Our Team and Make a Difference! 🌟

Are you passionate about transforming lives and empowering youth? Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team and play a significant role in creating positive mentorship experiences for young people in our community!

Our Development Manager will spearhead our fundraising efforts, forging partnerships, mobilizing resources, and championing our mission. It's a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact and drive positive change in the lives of youth.

Our Customer Relations Coordinator will serve as the first point of contact for potential mentors and families, guiding them through our enrollment process and helping them discover if our program is the right fit for them. Your role will be pivotal in connecting mentors with mentees and fostering life-changing relationships.

Our Volunteer Enrollment Match Coordinator will work closely with the program team to ensure the creation and retention of strong, enduring one-to-one mentoring relationships with a strong eye for compatibility, cultural humility, and child safety.

Interested in joining our team? Visit https://www.bbbslowcountry.org/about/join-our-team/ to read the full job descriptions and apply today! Send your resume to ssoutherland@innovatehcs.com to kickstart your journey with us ✨

#BBBSL #JoinOurTeam #YouthEmpowerment #MentorshipMatters

🌟 The power of one -- period or question mark?

🌟 The power of one -- period or question mark? 🌟

Do you believe in the impact of individual action? Have you witnessed someone making a difference lately?

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, we know one thing is true: For any one person to make a difference, they have to believe they are capable of doing so in the first place.

Share a real-life example of the power of one in the comments below! Whether it's a mentor changing a young life or a community member igniting change, let's celebrate the ripple effect of individual efforts.

#MakeADifference #MentorshipMatters #YouthEmpowerment #ShareYourVoice

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Daniel Is

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Daniel Island Community Fund for their generous support as a #TEAM500 sponsor. Thank you for furthering the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry!

Thanks to your unwavering commitment, we can continue igniting the potential within every child, providing them with mentors who inspire, guide, and empower them to reach for the stars. Your partnership is not just a contribution; it’s a beacon of hope for brighter futures and stronger communities.

The Daniel Island Community Fund (DICF) was established as a means for supporting community enhancement projects and philanthropic initiatives on Daniel Island and in the surrounding Cainhoy peninsula communities. The structure of the DICF allows its financial resources to grow as the island grows, creating a legacy for the community for generations to come.

Together, we are creating life-changing relationships that positively impact the lives of hundreds of children and families. Your belief in our cause fuels our determination to make a difference, one mentoring connection at a time.

THANK YOU, Daniel Island Community Fund! We are proud to have you on #TEAMKid!
#SponsorHighlight #Gratitude #CommunityImpact #BBBSLowcountry #DICF #DanielIslandCommunityFund

Meet Little Brother Mason, a 12-year-old with a fa

Meet Little Brother Mason, a 12-year-old with a fantastic sense of humor and a sensitive soul. He dreams of becoming a star player for the Golden State Warriors! When he's not shooting hoops, Mason loves riding his bike and spending time outdoors. He's eager to try new things like golf and is excited to share his passions with his Big Brother.

Say hello to Big Brother Matt, who works in Boeing’s legal department. He believes in the power of actions over words and is passionate about making a positive impact and giving back to the community. In his free time, Matt enjoys casting a line and fishing.

Their first outing was a blast at Top Golf, and we can't wait to see all the adventures these two will embark on together! 🏌️‍#NewMatchAlert #BBBSLowcountry #BiggerTogether #MentorshipMatters

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