Bigs Only

On May 28th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham hosted it's first "Bigs Only" Event. The event provided a wonderful chance for Bigs to hang out, discuss issues, and get to know each other better. It took place at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest and all had a great time. The Bigs were able to talk and enjoy pizza and drinks. Liz with Hand in Paw spoke to the Bigs regarding Hand in Paw services and about bullying. We partner with Hand in Paw for their "No More Bullies" program. This program helps Littles understand how to deal with bullying and helps Bigs know how to help their Little handle bullying.

Two of our Bigs talking over pizza. 

Liz, from Hand in Paw, speaking to the group. 

Stay on the lookout for the 2nd Bigs Only event later this year! 

Time to Shop!

We're excited to announce our partnership with JCPenney for the month of June as a part of their jcpcares program! Head to your nearest JCPenney and round up your purchase to make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Or you can buy a $50 gift card and $1 will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Also...

Buy a pair of Haggar pants and they will donate a $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

You can shop at the stores below and money raised from their donations will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham so get to shopping today! 

Riverchase Galleria

Colonial Promenade in Alabaster

Colonial Promenade in Bessemer

Cullman Shopping Center

Colonial Promenade in Fultondale

Pinnacle Square in Trussville

Jasper Mall

Save the Date... A Night of Big Stars

We have set the date and are proud to announce the 2nd Annual 

A Night of Big Stars on August 17th, 2013. 

The event will once again take place at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. 

This event is a fundraiser for BBBS so that we may continue to provide mentors to children.  The evening will consist of a cocktail hour, a live, on-stage production, and a seated dinner.  BBBS has partnered with ArtPlay, the arts education and outreach program of UAB's Alys Stephens Center, to co-direct an onstage production showcasing BBBS's best talent.  The production will consist completely of Littles in our program.  For more information, please contact Rebecca Hunter at rhunter@bbbsbhm.org. 

Birmingham Magazine Parents' Choice Awards

In the May Issue of Birmingham Magazine they announced their 2013 Parents' Choice Award Winners! We were thrilled to be announced as a Runner Up for Best Family Friendly Company. 

For the third year, they partnered with Alabama Baby & Child magazine to produce the Parents' Choice Awards. They ran an online contest in the spring where more than 5,000 people responded and entered the businesses and services they thought were the best in 81 categories. They listed the top 3 winners in every category! 

Thank you for the honor and we're proud to be recognized for being a family friendly company and a great place to work! 

Check out all the winners here! 

May Big of the Month

Each month in our newsletter we will be featuring a Big of the Month. After they are featured in our newsletter we will share with our Blog Readers and Followers as well. This month's Big of the Month is Crystal Pate! 

Crystal and Evelyn at Crystal's Wedding! 

Crystal Pate is our featured Big of the Month! Her and her little sister, Evelyn have been matched for five years now. Crystal, who grew up in a house with four brothers, has loved the experience of having Evelyn as a little sister. 

Crystal and Evelyn began their journey with a rock climbing adventure and have continued to enjoy that experience together as well as cooking, swimming, and watching and playing sports together. Crystal has made a lasting impact on Evelyn as she has grown from a small child with trust issues to a brilliant and driven young lady. Evelyn's mother shared that "Crystal has brought Evelyn out so much from that rough exterior she once had and has encouraged her to try new things." Evelyn now wants to go to college at UAB and go into the medical field. Evelyn has enjoyed the program so much and she wants to become a Big Sister when she gets older.

Start Something Today! 

Being a Friend

When I first became a big sister in August of 2009, I had no idea how much it would change my life.  I moved to Birmingham after college, and I knew I wanted to get involved but wasn’t sure how.  A friend in Atlanta had just started the BBBS program there and couldn’t say enough good things about the program.  His enthusiasm was contagious, and I immediately contacted BBBS when I got back to Birmingham.   About 6 months later, I was matched with Molley, a timid 7^th grader who was still very unsure of herself.

Our first few months together were somewhat challenging as I tried to figure out what my role was in her life.  I was consumed with making an effort to be a good “role model” and was constantly searching for signs that I was making a difference, waiting and hoping that she would open up to me about the difficulties in her life.  After a few months, I began to realize that what Molley wanted most was a friend- someone she could count on and someone she could trust to be there.  Once I stopped trying so hard to be the perfect role model, everything got much easier.  She was less nervous and began to let her guard down some, showing me signs of the creative and funny girl I now know.

Two and a half years later, I can’t believe how far we’ve both come.  There is a rhythm now between us and an ease to our outings. She is no longer shy or afraid to tell me what she wants to do and I can see her beginning to figure out who she is and what kind of person she wants to be.  Her enthusiasm and resilience inspire me and remind me not to worry so much.  There will always be challenges, but becoming a big sister will always be one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made.  I am a much better person for having her in my life and I look forward to what the future will bring for both of us. 

                                                                                 ---Susan Shields

Getting What You Give

Stephen Firsing has only been in Birmingham for three and a half years, but he’s decided to leave a lasting impression on his new home, or at the very least 15 year old Jarvis Ward. “I understand the need for mentors for adolescent males in Birmingham,” he says. Stephen and Jarvis were matched in the spring of 2010, and the two have found a mutual and rewarding bond.

Stephen moved from his home state of New Jersey to obtain his doctorate in public health from UAB. He also works as the project coordinator for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, but he always finds time for his Little Brother. “We love to eat. We both have that in common,” he chuckles. “Jarvis and I like to try new things and new places.”

Jarvis is very interested in theater and recently participated in an acting camp and performed High School Musical sponsored by UAB’s ArtPlay. Stephen was an integral part in getting Jarvis into the program, and he is proud of what Jarvis has accomplished. “My goal is to help Jarvis and his family learn about the unlimited possibilities in life.”

Mentors have the ability to greatly impact their mentee, but many volunteers receive just as much as they give. Reflecting on his role as a Big Brother and the friendship he has forged, Stephen put it concisely, “I gained a friend. He gained a friend. The experience is unlike anything in the world.”

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, call (205) 939-5590 or visit www.bbbsbhm.org.