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Permission is requested to use information from http://www.bbbsi.org/

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a global alliance of country-specific national associations of Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer mentoring programs working to improve the lives of children and youth around the world. BBBS International promotes and supports the development of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs throughout the world - operating independently in various countries - and helps them build service capacity and create sustainability.

Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are established and managed by leaders in the community, valuing the individual, the family, and society's culture, and comply with the international standards of service delivery.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the world's premier mentoring program for children and youth.

BERMUDA BRANCH

Permission requested to use information from http://www.bbbs.bm

OUR BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

In 1978, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Bermuda (BBBS) was founded following the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring model established in the United States in 1913. The Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Bermuda Committee was designed by members of our community considering the key elements of the Committee in North America as well as Bermuda's unique social and cultural values.

These pages are under construction

On an on-going basis, BBBS has networked with our sister organizations across Canada and the United States to share ideas on how the Bermuda Committee could be more effective in responding to the changing needs of the community.

In 1999, Big Brothers & Big Sisters International was established to support Big Brothers Big Sisters-type mentoring programs throughout the world. In May 2001, BBBS was made an official affiliate of this international organization and since then, Bermuda's Committee has received extensive support in meeting the needs of the children we serve.

Over the past 25 years, BBBS has been making a positive impact on children's lives by matching children, primarily from single-parent homes, with adult volunteers. The children as well as the volunteers come from all walks of life, and represent the diversity of Bermuda. Our volunteers may be single, married, childless or with children of their own, and be of any age.

A Big Brother or Big Sister acts as a mentor and role model. Big Brothers and Big Sisters help their mentees grow, not just by offering friendship and guidance, but by sharing experiences. And the Big Brother or Big Sister mentor is there to let their Little Brother or Little Sister know that no matter how difficult things get, they have someone special to turn to. Big Brothers and Big Sisters provide an invaluable role in helping to teach a child values and responsibility - as well as how to have fun. The result is a child with increased self-esteem and confidence.

91% of children involved with Big Brothers & Big Sisters Programs experience a sharp rise in self-esteem, 70% do better in school, and 73% stay out of trouble with the law.

Some of the children we match with Big Brothers and Big Sisters have faced very real obstacles in their lives - having a mentor who knows how to work hard to overcome challenges, and who is willing to share knowledge and experience, makes a world of difference. Others are simply in need of an adult influence in their lives to help link them to educational, recreational, and health care services.

Our case managers carefully evaluate prospective volunteers and match the children based on similar interests. Once the child and adult are matched, the case managers are available to advise them in regard to the growth and maturity of their relationship.

The average match lasts three years; many last a lifetime, and the rewards of the match are experienced equally both by the volunteer and by his or her Little Brother or Little Sister.

A volunteer Board of Directors governs BBBS. At the present time, the organization employees four staff: a full-time Executive Director, two part-time Case Managers, and a part-time Office Coordinator.

Although BBBS is part of an established international network, our local operation is run and financed independently of our sister organizations overseas, and relies on the generous support of individual and corporate donors in Bermuda.

OUR MISSION

Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Bermuda is an established charitable organization committed to providing children, primarily from single parent homes, with positive and caring role models.

Through these professionally supported, one-on-one relationships, our children are able to build lasting relationships that enhance their emotional, social, and recreational well-being.

OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

To provide a mentor for every child living in a single parent home
who would like one.
To continue to be the premier professionally managed youth mentorship Committee in Bermuda.
To ensure the highest standards of professional match coordination and management.
To support the development of match relationships.
To establish and foster long-term commitments on funding and mentorship partnerships with Bermuda's business community.
To ensure that the organization continuously has quality leadership.
To offer Programs that reflect Bermuda's unique cultural values and needs.
To continue communications initiatives that support Big Brothers & Big Sisters reputation in the community.
To support children that we serve in obtaining higher education.
OUR CORE VALUES

We believe that every child has the right to an emotional link with someone, especially if they are unable to receive it at home.
We believe that Littles in our care are the future.
We recruit only those volunteers who are willing and able to invest both emotion and time in our children.
Through their involvement with our children, our volunteers are personally enriched and fulfilled.
No parent in our community should feel he or she is without a caring resource.
BBBS is an important and vital part of the youth services presently available in our community.
We have shown that our unique service meets an established need.

Information compliments of http://www.bbbs.bm

United Caribbean would like to be instramental in establishing in setting up a Big Brothers Big Sisters association withinCarriacou. This organization would be committed to providing children, primarily from single parent homes, with positive and caring role models. The Cassada Bay Kids Club would be a perfect venue as the organizations base.