Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State success story of Karen, brings to life the significance of their mission and encourages philanthropic engagement on #GivingTuesday

Little Sister Karen, age 17, was paired with her Big Sister, Kim Hayes when she was only 12 years old. Karen was enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Mentoring program by her grandmother. Having lost her mother at age 7, Karen’s grandmother thought that she could benefit from making a connection with a caring adult. “I didn’t wait a long time for a Big Sister,” said Karen who fondly reflects on her experience while waiting to be matched with her Big Sister.

“Kim has taught me a lot about being independent. Not needing a boyfriend, not needing other people to make me happy, and how best to stay focused on school and family,” said Little Sister, Karen.
Now Karen is a senior at the MET school in Providence and she wants to go to college and study psychology. Karen recently visited Southern New Hampshire University with her Aunt and Uncle. Something she said she “wouldn’t have thought was possible without having Kim as a part of her life.”

Kim also shared an experience that shows how important a mentor can be to a young person “I was 15 when a close friend of mine passed away. Kim was the first person I called. She is the one stable and consistent person in my life. Kim suggested we do something to keep my friend’s memory alive.” They went to Art by You Pottery Studio & Weirdgirl Creations in Barrington. There they created a special tile for Karen’s friend which now stands as a positive memorial of him.
Kim is still a huge part of Karen’s life. Every year, Karen visits Kim’s family on Thanksgiving. “Last year I made cookies to bring to the dinner at Kim’s parents’ house.” “Kim’s family is outgoing and friendly just like her. As much as I love spending time with her family, my favorite part is still the turkey.”

This success story is just one example of how donations and community support for BBBSOS can make a positive influence in the life of a child right here in Rhode Island. This year BBBSOS is giving the community an opportunity to make their gift as part of a National day of giving called #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that will harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners —charities, families, businesses and individuals - to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. Coinciding with the Thanksgiving Holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world.

Political figures from across the state have been invited to make proclamations at BBBSOS’ Give-A-Thon on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at BBBSOS’ headquarters in Cranston, 1540 Pontiac Avenue between 12:00 pm and 2 pm. BBBSOS will be engaging the state to take part in #GivingTuesday via social media and a press conference celebrating this momentous occasion. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be randomly given to donors who stop in and make a monetary donation of any size and/or a donation of gently used clothing. The goal for this day is to raise $10,000 for BBBSOS’ Mission: providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Currently there are over 200 children on the waiting list, most of whom are boys, waiting for a mentor who can spend time with them, listen to them, and be a positive role model for them. To find out more about BBBSOS or to learn more about becoming a mentor to a child in Rhode Island, visit www.BBBSOS.org or call 401.921.2434. To participate in the BBBSOS Give-A-Thon, simply stop in the BBBSOS office between Noon and 2 pm on December 2nd or visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/bbbsos to make an online gift to the organization.