When the World Shut Down, BBBS Westchester Opened Their Hearts

In 2021, one year into the pandemic the shadow of its impact loomed largely over most communities still deterring people from moving about freely and openly. Simply put, people were still afraid. However, that fear did not hinder the progress of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester County, (BBBS) Inc. During this time the organization thrived as more people stepped up to answer the growing need for support in helping at-risk youth across Westchester and Putnam Counties.

Specifically, the organization saw 181 new matches of Bigs and Littles through its community-based mentoring program, an increase from pre-pandemic years. In total, 370 children were supported by the program.

One such inspirational union was Little Sister “Julie” and Big Sister “Donna.” “Julie” lives with her grandmother and aunt who provide her love and support, but she was in need of additional external inspiration and guidance. As a successful woman balancing family and career working as an attorney, Big Sister “Donna” opened “Julie’s” eyes to new possibilities.

“This was something I wanted to do to have a positive impact on a child’s life, but ultimately, it helped me just as much,” said “Donna.” “I found the experience incredibly rewarding.”

Even though this match began during the pandemic, a year and a half later, the bond between “Julie” and “Donna” continues to grow stronger with every encounter. Julie’s grandmother notes that her grades have improved, her behavior is more positive at home, and she has been willing to try new things. “Julie” and “Donna” embark in various new adventures when they meet with each other two to three times a month. They enjoy pottery and painting classes, museum visits, and even doing homework together.

Julie recently told her BBBS program manager that she is always excited before an outing with Donna, and she often reaches out to her Big Sister for advice. Donna has been a consistent presence checking in to ensure that Julie is doing well and staying on top of her schoolwork. Julie even enrolled in Girl Scouts where she has made friends for the first time in her life.

The continued success and growth of this program couldn’t have come at a more critical time. Throughout the pandemic, program managers worked diligently to identify and help arrange the tools each match needed for success. Also, the organiztion was able to partner with numerous other community non-profits to provide food, clothing and assistance with housing. Most importantly, the staff worked with each match to establish a Youth Outcome Development Plan and SMART goals.

“Ninety-eight percent of our children were promoted to the next grade, a statistic we are extremely proud of,” said Valerie Brown, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester County, Inc. “We have created a virtual one-to-one tutoring program for those children struggling with school shutdowns and occasional remote learning as it’s continued.”

Brown notes that among the program’s high school seniors, the majority are applying to college while the remaining students are graduating, working, or enrolled in vocational programs.

Additionally, Big Sisters Big Brothers of Westchester County proudly reached the following milestones during a year of COVID uncertainty:

• Approximately, 98% of youth were satisfied with the Mentor Match Relationship, based on national evaluation tools, including measuring importance of relationship and closeness. The chapter’s retention rate is currently 84%.
• 91% percent of Youth demonstrated improvement in either social acceptance or competency, parental trust, improved grades, and not engaging in risky behaviors.
• 63% percent demonstrated improvement in more than one category.
• 80% percent of Youth felt more confident problem-solving with the help of their Big mentors, who provide the ongoing emotional and social support.
• Approximately 98% of the youth did not engage in substance abuse.

Now moving into 2022, multiple grants from private and public foundations will continue to benefit the program, assisting with operating support, which includes intake of children and volunteer mentors, background and fingerprint checks, database management, mentor, child and guardian match support and family and wait list engagement events.

“We have many exciting activities and programs planned for this year, like Bingo Nights, a Bowling Fundraiser, Summer Barbecue and of course, our signature Holiday Party,” adds Brown. “With mask mandates lifting and COVID finally winding down, we eagerly anticipate maximum attendance at each event this year!”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester County, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester County, Inc. is a youth mentoring organization that serves children who face adversity in New York’s Westchester and Putnam counties to help keep them in school, away from violence and substance abuse, while assisting them to achieve their full potential in life. This mission is achieved through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships under a Big/Little model which matches adult volunteers (Bigs) with children ages 7 to 17 (Littles). Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the oldest and largest youth mentoring program in the United States with 238 agencies in over 5,000 communities. More than 275,000 mentors volunteer their time as Bigs and over 135,000 new mentoring matches were formed last year alone. Visit www.bigswestchester.org for more information on becoming a Big, to donate and for a calendar of upcoming events.

PHOTO:
Big Brother Bill and Little Brother Christiano were one of the 181 successful new matches facilitated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester County, Inc. during the pandemic. The non-profit organization spearheads and supports the largest mentoring program in the United States that helps at-risk youth reach their full potential and thrive in life.
Photo Credit: Big Brother Big Sisters of Westchester County, Inc.