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Congratulations to our Volunteers of the Year!

Big Brother Neil Armstrong

 

 

In a protective plastic case, Big Brother Neil Armstrong carries a very important item in his wallet at all times. It’s a tiny scraggly piece of paper, written in the shaky handwriting of a 7-year-old, and yes, there are a few spelling mistakes. But there’s no mistaking the sentiment of what’s written on that piece of paper: ‘Neil is a nice guy, he is the nicest one yet’. To Neil it’s priceless.
To understand why Neil is a dedicated Big Brother, you must start at the beginning. Neil grew up in the projects, and his father never really participated in things Neil liked to do. Neil says he grew up as a shy, scrawny kid with little confidence. That is until he met his hockey coach who encouraged him and told him the importance of having an education. After retiring and raising three children of his own, Neil says the lessons he learned from his coach decades ago helped mold him into the person he is today, and that’s what prompted him to become a Big Brother in 2007 to Little Brother Jamaine.
At first, Neil kept most of the activities simple and explored common interests. But before long, Neil was able to introduce Jamaine to new opportunities. He took his Little Brother to his first ever hockey game.  Jamaine learned more than just the fundamentals of the sport; it was also a social learning experience. In the process of meeting the players, Neil taught Jamaine to look people in the eye and develop a firm handshake. Already, Jamaine is making strides socially and academically. Jamaine couldn’t wait to show his Big Brother the ‘super improvement’ on his report card.  
Two years later, Neil became the Big Brother to Jamaine’s older brother Solomon, when Solomon’s Big Brother could no longer commit to the program. It was a natural transition as Solomon was already familiar and comfortable with Neil. And Neil works hard to make sure both young men are supported—as individuals—by spending one-on-one time with each Little Brother.
Then, only one month later, while attending a recruitment event at a local school, Neil decided he wanted to help out in the school-based program as well. Neil was matched with Little Brother Da’Quavious, who has struggled with his grades and behavioral issues. The two meet every Tuesday and work on reading skills and anger management.
 Neil’s volunteerism doesn’t stop there. He calls himself a ‘walking billboard’ for the agency and he’s right! In fact, Neil is part of the Resource Development team at the office and volunteers as a Recruiter, specifically targeting African-American male volunteers.  He works with the African-American fraternities and has put together a strategy to target males. He is often asked to be a spokesperson for our agency at various events. In addition to his dedication as a volunteer, Neil is a personal donor and helps in the agency’s fundraising efforts.
Did Neil think ‘retiring’ would be so much work? That’s hard to say. To him, it’s all worthwhile. That little piece of paper reminds him there are more than 600 children in Tampa Bay who want—and need—a Big in their lives. And that’s motivation to keep going.

 

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Big Sister Ann Sheeky

 

Age is just a number to Big Sister Ann Sheeky, because at age 78, nothing can slow her down, not even a 16-year-old girl! Five years ago, Ann was matched with Little Sister Kristen. Kristen lives with her grandmother, mother, twin sister, an older sister and brother; her father is not in her life. Because of the personal dynamics in her family, Kristen had become an introverted little girl.
 
School social workers suggested Big Brothers Big Sisters to the entire family. And although all of the children were at one time matched with a volunteer, Ann was the only one who followed through and had the resolve to not give up and continue to be matched with Kristen.
 

Despite tough circumstances, Ann knew that she was going to stay with Kristen until she graduated from high school and went to college. They slowly started becoming friends and Ann realized that getting Kristen to believe in herself was going to be a long process, since Kristen suffered from low self-esteem. Ann encouraged Kristen to play a sport to be more active and social. Kristen tried out for the volleyball team and Ann was at every game. This boosted Kristen’s self-esteem and she became more out-going and started making friends.

 After being together for two years, Kristen became a different girl. Ann consistently preached to Kristen the importance of believing in yourself in order to accomplish anything in life, including school. Kristen went from a child who was failing and barely attending school to a child who was bringing homework over to Ann’s house to work on. Her grades went up and she is focused on graduating high school, a concept that she never believed in before. Kristen has grown to trust Ann and truly believes that she is her confidante.

 
Now in their sixth year together, Kristen is a strong, independent 16-year-old young woman with goals and dreams and with Ann’s love and guidance will become everything she was meant to be.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        
 
  
  
 
BBBS of Tampa Bay Supports

Michael Baisden's One Million Mentors Tour

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc. will partner with popular nationally syndicated urban radio personality Michael Baisden for his One Million Mentors Campaign and Save Our Kids tour. Baisden’s national bus tour will make a stop in Tampa on Wednesday, March 3rd.

 

The Michael Baisden Show is the top-ranked urban afternoon program in the country. Every weekday, Baisden ignites lively discussions while combining the best in music, comedy and social commentary. In 2007, he spearheaded the widely reported Jena 6 civil rights demonstration where tens of thousands of Americans peacefully marched in Louisiana to protest the justice system’s mistreatment of six young African American men.

 

The focus of the One Million Mentors Tour is to encourage more adults—especially

 men-- to get more involved in their own community. With African American boys disproportionately representing the children waiting to be matched with volunteer ‘Bigs’, Baisden along with the 100 Black Men and several African-American fraternities are working to spread the word that volunteers—and dollars—are needed in this effort.

 

Michael Baisden will visit Tampa on March 3rd for his live radio show, which will air from 3pm-7pm on WTMP (1150 AM or 96.1 FM) followed by a Town Hall Meeting at 7:00pm at Latam at the Centro, Inc., 1913 N. Nebraska Avenue in Tampa. The public is invited to attend this free event, but tickets are required for entry. For more information, contact WTMP, 813.259.WTMP (9867).

 

 

 

 

About the Michael Baisden Foundation

The Michael Baisden Foundation is partnering with national and local organizations to support the efforts of mentor organizations and organizations that support children. Over the past four years the foundation has donated nearly a half million dollars to other 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. to help support Youth Organizations. In February 2010, The Baisden Live National Tour to "Save Our Kids" will launch. In every city, Michael will donate$5,000 per affiliate market and challenge his listeners to beat it. He's making a difference, a donation and an impact in every city and along the way!

BBBS Day with the Rays !!!

BBBS of Tampa Bay held its first "Day with the Rays" event in May, complete with a "meet & greet" with Carlos Pena.   After watching batting practice and just 'hanging out' on the field, Carlos came out to take pictures and say hello.   We had learned that his birthday was that weekend, so we presented him with a card signed by some of our Littles.

Several Bigs and their Littles also got to meet Rays' second baseman, Aki, as well as their manager, Joe Madden!   Both Aki and Joe presented the kids with signed baseballs and other memoralbilia, making this a very special day for all who attended.

 

 

Young Lawyers Host

Volunteer Recruitment Luncheon

 

 

Tampa's Rampello Elementary School was the site of a very successful volunteer recruitment luncheon held on June 2nd.  Eight new volunteers signed as Big Brothers/Big Sisters during this event, which was hosted by the Young Lawyers Division of the Hillsborough County Bar Association.

 

 

 

Tampa Bay Rays Player B.J. Upton Hits a 'Home Run' for BBBS!

 

For Tampa Bay Rays center Fielder B.J. Upton, sometimes inspiration doesn't come just during the game. After hearing about two Tampa Little Brothers who worked hard to raise money for our agency, Upton decided the young baseball fans should be recognized for their hard work off the field.

Brent and Brett are twin brothers enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Both are matched with two Big Brothers--Andrew Shelton and Chris Krimitsos, who truly believe one-on-one mentoring can make a positive impact on a child. Over the last few months, the ‘Littles’ and ‘Bigs’ formed their own ‘team’ to help raise money for the agency during our biggest annual fundraiser, Bowl For Kids’ Sake. Although tough economic times have hit most everyone, it didn’t stop the four from working hard and sharing their inspirational story to encourage friends, family, even strangers to donate. Even the twins' mother, Renee, got in on the game. She recruited her co-workers from UnitedHealthcare to form bowling teams.

B.J. Upton heard about their efforts by joining the Bunts/Brothers team! The Rays invited them to the Baltimore Orioles game May 4th to enjoy batting practice (they collected more than a handful of autographs!) and Upton presented a check for $2,500! The Rays matched the donation with $2,500 check, too. The twins had a ball during their VIP night--they even sung 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' during the 7th-inning stretch. It's a night they won't soon forget! Check out their video thank you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MVfCVbnP28&feature=channel_page

 

The twins joined by Big Brother Andrew Shelton, Brian Auld, Sr. VP, Business Operations for the Rays and BBBS Board member, and Big Brother Chris Krimitsos

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MacDILL  'BIG FOR A DAY'  

 

It's become a long-standing tradition and much anticipated event: Big For A Day at MacDill Air Force Base. It's a chance for dozens of Littles who are waiting to be matched with a mentor to enjoy being paired with a 'Big for a day'---a member of the military. And at this year's event on May 1, not only was the weather perfect, but everyone who attended enjoyed themselves immensely. 

More than 70 volunteers from MacDill hosted the event, along with numerous BBBS staff members.  Joining in the festivities were 50 children who are waiting to be matched and, we're happy to report we did recruit several new volunteers who may end up being matched with one of these children.

The day started with opening remarks from Major Jeff Swilinksi, who also serves on the BBBS Hillsborough County Leadership Council. His remarks, along with those of Base Commander Colonel Martin, who spoke at lunch about being a former Big, created an influx of military volunteers turning in applications -- and the BBBS staff was prepared, interviewing them on the spot!

Everyone at MacDill really showed the kids a great time, with lots of static displays, a series of flight line demos, a kennel demo and HUMVEE rides. The day ended with an American flag folding ceremony by the Honor Guard.   It was definitely touching to see them in their military uniforms working in perfect unison. Special thanks to those at MacDill who make this happen every year. It's a day the kids will remember forever!

 

 

 

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JUVENILE JUSTICE COUNCIL of PASCO COUNTY

'TURNAROUND STUDENT' AWARD

GOES TO LITTLE BROTHER ERIC!

 

The Annual Turnaround Student Award, sponsored by the Juvenile Justice Council of Pasco is designed to recognize those students who may have been considered "at risk" but who have now taken steps to turn their lives around.   This year's recognition ceremony was held in April at the Land O' Lakes Community Center.   We are happy to announce that this year's winner of the Turnaround Student Award was Eric who is a Little Brother in our program.

Eric is 13-years-old and enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in September 2007.   Big Couple Chris and Marcianne Foster have watched Eric make a tremendous turnaround since they were matched.   While their initial goal was to build a good relationship with Eric, they also wanted to focus on improving his attitude toward school.   This past year, he not only improved academically (making the Honor Roll on his last progress report), but he decided to join the band, where he has expressed an interest in playing the tuba and drums. Eric is also looking forward to becoming involved with a yearbook club at school. Eric's self-esteem has skyrocketed and he now has a newfound confidence in himself, with a great attitude about his life.

Please join us in congratulating Eric on this award, and on his accomplishments.  Great job, Eric! Keep up the good work!

 

 

 
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