Here is the link to an article featured in Observer-Reporter newspaper about one of our Matches. The match and BBBS are featured as part of National Mentoring Month.
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/01_27_Big_Brothers
Showing posts with label little. Show all posts
Showing posts with label little. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Match With a Boxful of Memories
The first time Branden met his Big Brother Michael in October 2003, he was a little shy. That wasn’t a problem because as Michael remembers, “We were both a little shy.” The two broke the ice when they grabbed a few board games to play, and Branden beat his Big at the game “Battleship!” The competition, and fun, between them have continued to this day.
Branden is a native of Pittsburgh and Michael of the Philadelphia-area. “We always ‘fight’ when we see the Steelers play the Eagles, the Phillies versus the Pirates, or the Flyers against the Penguins,” says Michael. However, the rivalry among the two ends when it comes to their mutual love of music, R&B Oldies to be exact. Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and the Spinners are some of the classics the pair enjoy.
The two also enjoy making pizza from scratch, laser tag, and visits to Pittsburgh sites. Michael recalls a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo when Branden was climbing the rope-web exhibit. “Branden was acting like he was James Bond. He lost his footing and fell off the net. He was laughing the entire time, and I got it on tape. We still watch it and laugh to this day.”
When asked about what he has learned so far from his Big, Branden replies, “I learned how to take care of a dog.” Michael continues, “He wanted to know how to take care of a dog in case he ever gets one as a pet. I taught him some things with my dog, Sterling. Now Branden has taught her how to jump for treats!”
Michael explains he has also learned something from being a Big. “It helps me to put things in perspective by looking at the world through the eyes of a child. It also has taught me the value of patience.” He goes on to explain, “Sometimes it’s a struggle to get him to call me back. However, I’ve discovered that Branden has a box where he keeps memorabilia from our times together. Just when I think he doesn’t care, he pulls something out from that box and it re-energizes me!” By the sound of it, Branden will have plenty of other things to add to that box throughout the coming years.
This Match Spotlight was originally published in our Big News newsletter.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Match Spotlight
Big Brother Onno and Little Brother Jermaine have been matched for almost a year. Already Onno doesn’t consider being a Big to Jermaine as volunteering. “He has become family,” says Onno. Onno was introduced to Big Brothers Big Sisters when a friend, who volunteered as a Big Brother, would always comment on how much fun he had with his Little Brother. Onno thought about the things he could offer to a child. “I’m a very active person, and I imagined all the outdoor activities I could do with my Little. Even simply throwing around a football,” says Onno.It turns out he was right.
When asked to describe his Big Brother, Jermaine says, “Onno’s fun to play with.” He also helped Jermaine to achieve an important milestone. “He taught me how to swim,” says Jermaine proudly. Having a good bond between the two does not mean they cannot enjoy a little competition. A highlight of their match for Jermaine was when he beat his Big Brother in a football video game. “I was happy,” recalled Jermaine, “and he was laughing!”
Sports are not the only things the two do for fun. “Every week that Jermaine and I chill is pure fun and all positive,” says Onno. Together they frequent the Mattress Factory and the Andy Warhol Museum. This past school year, when Jermaine had trouble in math class, Onno would help him go over his homework. Now Jermaine feels more confident when going to class.According to Onno, being a Big Brother is “different than I expected, but in a very positive way.
Throughout our year together, Jermaine and I have had some truly great times.” When speaking about people who have thought about volunteering as a Big but have not made the move, Onno advises, “You have the chance to have a positive effect on someone’s life for just a few hours a week. Those few hours a week, you’d probably be sitting in front of the TV or some other useless activity. The experience, for both sides, is truly life changing.”
This Match Spotlight was originally published in our Fall 2006 Big News newsletter. The match is still going strong to this day.
When asked to describe his Big Brother, Jermaine says, “Onno’s fun to play with.” He also helped Jermaine to achieve an important milestone. “He taught me how to swim,” says Jermaine proudly. Having a good bond between the two does not mean they cannot enjoy a little competition. A highlight of their match for Jermaine was when he beat his Big Brother in a football video game. “I was happy,” recalled Jermaine, “and he was laughing!”
Sports are not the only things the two do for fun. “Every week that Jermaine and I chill is pure fun and all positive,” says Onno. Together they frequent the Mattress Factory and the Andy Warhol Museum. This past school year, when Jermaine had trouble in math class, Onno would help him go over his homework. Now Jermaine feels more confident when going to class.According to Onno, being a Big Brother is “different than I expected, but in a very positive way.
Throughout our year together, Jermaine and I have had some truly great times.” When speaking about people who have thought about volunteering as a Big but have not made the move, Onno advises, “You have the chance to have a positive effect on someone’s life for just a few hours a week. Those few hours a week, you’d probably be sitting in front of the TV or some other useless activity. The experience, for both sides, is truly life changing.”
This Match Spotlight was originally published in our Fall 2006 Big News newsletter. The match is still going strong to this day.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Little Sister Proves To Be a True Leader
Big Sister Laureen Quinn informed us that her Little Sister Nicole was recently featured in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article about her unfortunate injury while playing in her high-school basketball game.
Laureen states, "The story and the coach's words about her are amazing, despite her injury."
The article shows that Nicole has grown up to become a true leader. We are proud of Nicole and thank Laureen for sharing the article with us.
Read the article>>
Laureen states, "The story and the coach's words about her are amazing, despite her injury."
The article shows that Nicole has grown up to become a true leader. We are proud of Nicole and thank Laureen for sharing the article with us.
Read the article>>
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Little Brother In Our Program Is Hero
The following is a recent article in the Post-Gazette about one of the children in our program.
Shawn, Quick to Action Sunday, - September 30, 2007
By Brian O'Neill
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
First came the arson, then the burglaries, and when I asked West View's veteran police chief if there's anything people should be on the lookout for, he was ready."We're looking for very short people who can hide under rocks,'' Chief Charles Holtgraver said. "They have to be the lowest form of life we can deal with, victimizing someone who's already been a victim.''
The fire at 15-unit brick apartment building at 440 Center Ave. began late on a Sunday night two weeks ago, and though everyone got out safely and a suspected arsonist was arrested that night, smoke and water damage has made the place uninhabitable. That allowed burglars to break in last Tuesday night and steal TVs, computers and more from empty apartments. Anyone with information that might help police find the bad guys can call the borough office at 412-931-2800.
That's the bad news. For the good stuff, I drove up to Joe's Hot Dog & Hoagie Shop on West View's main drag. That's where Shawn [Ed.- One of the children in our program] does his seventh-grade homework while his mom, Lori, works until 4 p.m.
He told me the story of the fire from the beginning. Shawn and his mother lived in a basement apartment at 440 Center Ave. He had his friend, Scott, also 12, staying over that Sunday night Sept. 16. Around 11:30 p.m., Shawn went to the kitchen. Hearing something in the hallway, he looked through the peephole and saw a stranger who appeared to be in his 40s.
When Shawn opened the door to ask what he was doing, the guy said "laundry." The apartment is next to the laundry room so, OK, Shawn shut the door.
Soon after, he heard a sound he didn't like and opened the door again to see the same guy lugging Shawn's bicycle, which he kept in the laundry room, up the steps.
Shawn is modest about what he did next, which was to confront the guy, who had 30 years and a considerable height and weight advantage. "I stopped the dude and got my bike,'' Shawn said.
When he told me that, his mom beamed, grabbed his arm from the next chair and said, "I love you so much.''
As he retrieved his bike, he saw a fire at the front entrance. He told Scott to call 911 (and he and his Mom tell me Scott should get as much credit as anyone). Then he knocked on his neighbors' door and told them to get out, because there was fire in the laundry room, too.
Then he chased the stranger up the hill, far enough to see where he was going. That helped police make a quick arrest. West View police charged Lance Haas, 46, of Ross, with arson, reckless endangerment, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and burglary.
"These kids absolutely did a great job," Chief Holtgraver said. "Without them, we wouldn't have anything.'' I asked Shawn's mom if she was proud of her son. "I always have been,'' she said. "This only proves it to the world." About then Brian Bigley, manager of the hot dog shop, walked over with a dog smothered with chili, cheese and onion. "This is our new Shawn Hero Dog.''
It's still "The Big Dog" on the menu, but you get the idea. Folks who know Shawn are proud of him. Lori thought that she and Shawn were escaping crime when they moved from the city five years ago. She's not too worried about losing material things, apart from family photos, but she's pretty busy between working and studying for her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Point Park University.
"At 40, I'm finally getting it together,'' she said. It's tough to think it can all go with "the flick of a lighter, the strike of a match.'' They've been staying in a nearby motel, courtesy of the Red Cross, but should begin renting half of a friend's duplex this weekend. When I suggest it's good to have friends, she says, "It's good to have a Big Brother, too.''
That's Shawn David Roberts, young Shawn's mentor through Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the past five years. Mr. Roberts moved across the state 31/2 years ago, but comes back once or twice a month. Sometimes his sales job puts him here, but often he drives in just to throw the football around with Shawn, see a movie, talk about homework, talk about life.
Mr. Roberts has set up an account at SDR Charitable Trust, c/o Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 5989 Penn Circle South, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. He hopes to find or buy the essentials for a household. A North Hills business and the Marine Corps League/Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment already have combined to donate beds and bedding.
Mr. Roberts isn't saying Shawn never made a wrong move, but he has a positive attitude and "the kid's got guts. He knows what's right and wrong and he knows the smart thing to do. That doesn't surprise me that he did that.''
I can't help but contrast all this with that ridiculous modern movement marketed by career criminals that barks, "Stop Snitching.'' Shawn and Scott went by an earlier, better, more conscientious slogan: "Do the right thing.''
Shawn, Quick to Action Sunday, - September 30, 2007
By Brian O'Neill
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
First came the arson, then the burglaries, and when I asked West View's veteran police chief if there's anything people should be on the lookout for, he was ready."We're looking for very short people who can hide under rocks,'' Chief Charles Holtgraver said. "They have to be the lowest form of life we can deal with, victimizing someone who's already been a victim.''
The fire at 15-unit brick apartment building at 440 Center Ave. began late on a Sunday night two weeks ago, and though everyone got out safely and a suspected arsonist was arrested that night, smoke and water damage has made the place uninhabitable. That allowed burglars to break in last Tuesday night and steal TVs, computers and more from empty apartments. Anyone with information that might help police find the bad guys can call the borough office at 412-931-2800.
That's the bad news. For the good stuff, I drove up to Joe's Hot Dog & Hoagie Shop on West View's main drag. That's where Shawn [Ed.- One of the children in our program] does his seventh-grade homework while his mom, Lori, works until 4 p.m.
He told me the story of the fire from the beginning. Shawn and his mother lived in a basement apartment at 440 Center Ave. He had his friend, Scott, also 12, staying over that Sunday night Sept. 16. Around 11:30 p.m., Shawn went to the kitchen. Hearing something in the hallway, he looked through the peephole and saw a stranger who appeared to be in his 40s.
When Shawn opened the door to ask what he was doing, the guy said "laundry." The apartment is next to the laundry room so, OK, Shawn shut the door.
Soon after, he heard a sound he didn't like and opened the door again to see the same guy lugging Shawn's bicycle, which he kept in the laundry room, up the steps.
Shawn is modest about what he did next, which was to confront the guy, who had 30 years and a considerable height and weight advantage. "I stopped the dude and got my bike,'' Shawn said.
When he told me that, his mom beamed, grabbed his arm from the next chair and said, "I love you so much.''
As he retrieved his bike, he saw a fire at the front entrance. He told Scott to call 911 (and he and his Mom tell me Scott should get as much credit as anyone). Then he knocked on his neighbors' door and told them to get out, because there was fire in the laundry room, too.
Then he chased the stranger up the hill, far enough to see where he was going. That helped police make a quick arrest. West View police charged Lance Haas, 46, of Ross, with arson, reckless endangerment, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and burglary.
"These kids absolutely did a great job," Chief Holtgraver said. "Without them, we wouldn't have anything.'' I asked Shawn's mom if she was proud of her son. "I always have been,'' she said. "This only proves it to the world." About then Brian Bigley, manager of the hot dog shop, walked over with a dog smothered with chili, cheese and onion. "This is our new Shawn Hero Dog.''
It's still "The Big Dog" on the menu, but you get the idea. Folks who know Shawn are proud of him. Lori thought that she and Shawn were escaping crime when they moved from the city five years ago. She's not too worried about losing material things, apart from family photos, but she's pretty busy between working and studying for her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Point Park University.
"At 40, I'm finally getting it together,'' she said. It's tough to think it can all go with "the flick of a lighter, the strike of a match.'' They've been staying in a nearby motel, courtesy of the Red Cross, but should begin renting half of a friend's duplex this weekend. When I suggest it's good to have friends, she says, "It's good to have a Big Brother, too.''
That's Shawn David Roberts, young Shawn's mentor through Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the past five years. Mr. Roberts moved across the state 31/2 years ago, but comes back once or twice a month. Sometimes his sales job puts him here, but often he drives in just to throw the football around with Shawn, see a movie, talk about homework, talk about life.
Mr. Roberts has set up an account at SDR Charitable Trust, c/o Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 5989 Penn Circle South, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. He hopes to find or buy the essentials for a household. A North Hills business and the Marine Corps League/Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment already have combined to donate beds and bedding.
Mr. Roberts isn't saying Shawn never made a wrong move, but he has a positive attitude and "the kid's got guts. He knows what's right and wrong and he knows the smart thing to do. That doesn't surprise me that he did that.''
I can't help but contrast all this with that ridiculous modern movement marketed by career criminals that barks, "Stop Snitching.'' Shawn and Scott went by an earlier, better, more conscientious slogan: "Do the right thing.''
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Big Sister Honored by the Mentoring Partnership
A Big Sister in our program, Heidi Semmer, has been selected as this year's recipient of "The Excellence in Mentoring Award" by the Mentoring Partnership. She will be recognized at their Magic of Mentoring event on October 18. Heidi has been matched since 2001 to Little Brother Damon. Heidi’s mother was a Big Sister for several years in the 90's.
Below is an excerpt from the nomination letter submitted by her Match Support Specialist, Kristine Pace:
“Heidi and Damon’s match started out as most do. Enjoying movies, bowling, the zoo, and going out to eat. Heidi has a way to make every outing special and to make Damon feel like the most important kid in the world!
Being matched hasn’t always been easy, but it is through the tough times where a relationship will grow. In 2004, when Damon was just 10 years old, his mother lost her courageous battle with Lupus. Heidi was right by Damon’s side, helping him grieve, cope, and adjust to this new life.
When Damon’s grades began to suffer, Heidi established a daily routine where she would call Damon each day on her way home from work to work on his homework together over the phone. If needed, she would stop by his house to help him with his studies. As you would expect, with this added attention, his grades did improve.
Heidi has always been very creative in the types of outings she and Damon participate in. Damon demonstrated a skill and interest in golf so Heidi enrolled him in the First Tee golf program (through a partnership with BBBS). Heidi also arranged for Damon to participate in basketball camp this past summer. Both are avid readers and the two created a project for the Celebration of Reading Program focusing on the book Ann Frank.
As you can see, Heidi truly represents what the magic of mentoring can accomplish. She has made a difference in our community and most definitely to her little brother Damon.”
Below is an excerpt from the nomination letter submitted by her Match Support Specialist, Kristine Pace:
“Heidi and Damon’s match started out as most do. Enjoying movies, bowling, the zoo, and going out to eat. Heidi has a way to make every outing special and to make Damon feel like the most important kid in the world!
Being matched hasn’t always been easy, but it is through the tough times where a relationship will grow. In 2004, when Damon was just 10 years old, his mother lost her courageous battle with Lupus. Heidi was right by Damon’s side, helping him grieve, cope, and adjust to this new life.
When Damon’s grades began to suffer, Heidi established a daily routine where she would call Damon each day on her way home from work to work on his homework together over the phone. If needed, she would stop by his house to help him with his studies. As you would expect, with this added attention, his grades did improve.
Heidi has always been very creative in the types of outings she and Damon participate in. Damon demonstrated a skill and interest in golf so Heidi enrolled him in the First Tee golf program (through a partnership with BBBS). Heidi also arranged for Damon to participate in basketball camp this past summer. Both are avid readers and the two created a project for the Celebration of Reading Program focusing on the book Ann Frank.
As you can see, Heidi truly represents what the magic of mentoring can accomplish. She has made a difference in our community and most definitely to her little brother Damon.”
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