For May’s Match of the Month, meet Big Sister Jeanie Foley and her Little Sister Nevaeh, who just celebrated their 1-year match anniversary in April. They first met in the Lunch Buddies Program at Nevaeh’s school in Northern Kentucky, and enjoyed weekly visits for lunch and play time. When Nevaeh transferred to a new school in the fall, she was worried she wouldn’t be able to see her Big Sister again. However, Jeanie had no intention of walking away, and they all agreed to switch to BBBS’ Community-Based program. Since September they’ve enjoyed many activities, including visiting local farms, Newport Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo, and the Farmer’s Market. Nevaeh says she loves that they can “go out and do so much fun stuff.” In addition to fun recreational activities, they also enjoy quieter visits to Jeanie’s house. They make dinner, work on homework, practice gymnastics, and play with Jeanie’s dog Lola. Nevaeh also loves doing craft projects, so they have had fun with this activity. They made a collage of photos of all their activities together and also made Christmas gifts for Nevaeh’s parents.
Nevaeh’s mom Jessica says the match is perfect, and Nevaeh loves her Big Sister. Jessica has noted great progress in Nevaeh’s behavior and academic performance since she met her Big Sister, and Jessica appreciates Jeanie’s willingness to reinforce behavioral and school expectations. Nevaeh benefits from having a supportive adult to talk to about her feelings.
The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way matches interact with each other. For the past several weeks, Nevaeh and Jeanie have been staying in touch with phone calls and video chats. This is a great way for Bigs to maintain their connection with their Littles and to provide emotional support while everyone is “staying healthy at home.” Nevaeh is eager for the stay at home order to be lifted so she can see her Big Sister again. She was a little discouraged when her Match Support Specialist wasn’t able to give her an exact date for this, and she would like to know the Governor’s phone number so she can discuss the matter with him. She understands the Governor is trying to keep everyone safe, but she and Jeanie have things to do. We all look forward to the time when our Bigs and Littles can resume their visits and begin creating new memories. Happy 1-Year Match Anniversary, Nevaeh and Jeanie!
Nevaeh’s mom Jessica says the match is perfect, and Nevaeh loves her Big Sister. Jessica has noted great progress in Nevaeh’s behavior and academic performance since she met her Big Sister, and Jessica appreciates Jeanie’s willingness to reinforce behavioral and school expectations. Nevaeh benefits from having a supportive adult to talk to about her feelings.
The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way matches interact with each other. For the past several weeks, Nevaeh and Jeanie have been staying in touch with phone calls and video chats. This is a great way for Bigs to maintain their connection with their Littles and to provide emotional support while everyone is “staying healthy at home.” Nevaeh is eager for the stay at home order to be lifted so she can see her Big Sister again. She was a little discouraged when her Match Support Specialist wasn’t able to give her an exact date for this, and she would like to know the Governor’s phone number so she can discuss the matter with him. She understands the Governor is trying to keep everyone safe, but she and Jeanie have things to do. We all look forward to the time when our Bigs and Littles can resume their visits and begin creating new memories. Happy 1-Year Match Anniversary, Nevaeh and Jeanie!
URGENT 4/20/20 - The most successful mentoring program in Warren County is at risk of ending services to children and families because of COVID-19 related funding cuts. The current crisis has required United Way of Warren County to suspend our funding as resources shift to much needed virus related programs. Additionally, we’ve lost critical revenue from cancelling all in-person fund raising events.
This funding shortfall is heartbreaking news for the children we serve in Warren County who need our support now more than ever. This is not the time to end the powerful and life-changing work being done by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati in Warren County, especially when the children and families count on the lifeline provided by the agency.
During our 40 years of mentoring in Warren County, we’ve never made an urgent appeal like this. But these are unprecedented times and your donation will defend the potential of Warren County children benefiting by having a mentor in their life. Click here to see how our amazing Warren County Big Brothers and Big Sisters are helping to raise the money needed to save our program.
This funding shortfall is heartbreaking news for the children we serve in Warren County who need our support now more than ever. This is not the time to end the powerful and life-changing work being done by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati in Warren County, especially when the children and families count on the lifeline provided by the agency.
During our 40 years of mentoring in Warren County, we’ve never made an urgent appeal like this. But these are unprecedented times and your donation will defend the potential of Warren County children benefiting by having a mentor in their life. Click here to see how our amazing Warren County Big Brothers and Big Sisters are helping to raise the money needed to save our program.
While our offices are closed we are still making new matches and supporting existing ones as the communities we serve deal with the Coronavirus. Now more than ever, the most vulnerable children in our community need positive adult role models to defend their potential during these difficult times.
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