BIG NEWS - FEBRUARY 2023
MATCH SPOTLIGHT
In October 2022 Match Support Specialist, Connie Venable, received an email from longtime Big Brother, Rob Maly. The subject line was “Grateful…….
….For you and the rest of BBBS organization for bringing my Little Brother Chaz into my life. Never would have thought I would have so much joy in watching him grow up, get a job, earning his CDL, become fun Uncle Chaz to my boy, buy a house, be a role model his sisters so desperately need. It's been over 15 years since you've hooked us up and look how far we've gone! (Sunrise on summit of Mt Ellinor, Washington)”
Rob and his Little Brother Chaz were matched in 2007 when Chaz was 12-years-old. Chaz was living with a single mom and 5 sisters and he was desperate for some male bonding. Rob was the perfect fit. Over the course of their match they built a lasting relationship. The match closed in 2014 when Chaz graduated high school, but that certainly wasn’t the end of their relationship. Rob says Chaz comes to his house for dinner every Sunday, and they are family.
In October 2022 Match Support Specialist, Connie Venable, received an email from longtime Big Brother, Rob Maly. The subject line was “Grateful…….
….For you and the rest of BBBS organization for bringing my Little Brother Chaz into my life. Never would have thought I would have so much joy in watching him grow up, get a job, earning his CDL, become fun Uncle Chaz to my boy, buy a house, be a role model his sisters so desperately need. It's been over 15 years since you've hooked us up and look how far we've gone! (Sunrise on summit of Mt Ellinor, Washington)”
Rob and his Little Brother Chaz were matched in 2007 when Chaz was 12-years-old. Chaz was living with a single mom and 5 sisters and he was desperate for some male bonding. Rob was the perfect fit. Over the course of their match they built a lasting relationship. The match closed in 2014 when Chaz graduated high school, but that certainly wasn’t the end of their relationship. Rob says Chaz comes to his house for dinner every Sunday, and they are family.
2023 brings with it exciting changes within the leadership team of our agency.
President & CEO Kathy List has served the agency for 35 years, first as a volunteer and board member, and has been CEO since 1995. She will retire at the end of June and says, “The mission continues thanks to many volunteers, board members, donors and staff who continue to prioritize Greater Cincinnati children. It has been an honor to serve and I look forward to the future of BBBS Greater Cincinnati.”
John Heater, who has served the agency as Chief Development Officer, is now the President & CEO-elect and will take the President & CEO role upon Kathy’s retirement.
John has been inspired by the ‘team first’ leadership at BBBS and says, “When we create a big dream with a collective vision from all staff at all levels we inspire our team to share in both our hope and vision for tomorrow. This thinking creates a shared accountability for the entire organization working towards a common goal of executing our mission to serve those in our care. This includes our staff, our volunteers and our participants. That is why at BBBS Greater Cincinnati we have been intentional about creating a transition/leadership team where voices are heard, strengths are encouraged to be used and we operate with everyone’s best interest in mind. I am very proud of those serving on our transition/leadership team. They believe that we are going to change the way our work is done both now and for future generations of Bigs and Littles.”
We are grateful for Kathy and John’s leadership and look forward to the continued success of BBBS in serving the Greater Cincinnati community.
President & CEO Kathy List has served the agency for 35 years, first as a volunteer and board member, and has been CEO since 1995. She will retire at the end of June and says, “The mission continues thanks to many volunteers, board members, donors and staff who continue to prioritize Greater Cincinnati children. It has been an honor to serve and I look forward to the future of BBBS Greater Cincinnati.”
John Heater, who has served the agency as Chief Development Officer, is now the President & CEO-elect and will take the President & CEO role upon Kathy’s retirement.
John has been inspired by the ‘team first’ leadership at BBBS and says, “When we create a big dream with a collective vision from all staff at all levels we inspire our team to share in both our hope and vision for tomorrow. This thinking creates a shared accountability for the entire organization working towards a common goal of executing our mission to serve those in our care. This includes our staff, our volunteers and our participants. That is why at BBBS Greater Cincinnati we have been intentional about creating a transition/leadership team where voices are heard, strengths are encouraged to be used and we operate with everyone’s best interest in mind. I am very proud of those serving on our transition/leadership team. They believe that we are going to change the way our work is done both now and for future generations of Bigs and Littles.”
We are grateful for Kathy and John’s leadership and look forward to the continued success of BBBS in serving the Greater Cincinnati community.
Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati is proud to announce that we were recognized with a Smiles in Action Award from the PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, Inc. one of the world's leading food and beverage companies. The program is a part of the company’s efforts to support local communities by providing resources for valuable programming.
BBBSGC is one of twenty-two 501c3 public charities and organizations across the country to be identified as a Smiles in Action Award winner. Through strategic partnerships, such as the Smiles in Action Award, the PepsiCo Foundation seeks to tackle the long-term challenges facing the global food system and do the most good for the most people, with awards focusing on: increasing positive nutrition; spurring prosperity for women and girls; having a positive water impact; and, increasing sustainability efforts.
We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on BIG FUTURES, a college and career readiness initiative designed to equip young people for post-secondary success through career mentoring, education, and access to key opportunities. The Big Futures Movement includes:
Beyond School Walls (Ages 12-18)
Brings youth directly into a professional work environment and engages employees through corporate partnerships. Youth learn valuable career development skills through a mentoring relationship at the workplace. Currently, Starbucks has committed to volunteering time throughout the year to a group of matches with career readiness activities/information.
*High School Leadership (Ages 14-18)
Engaging high school students as cross-peer mentors for elementary and middle school youth, BBBSGC has been serving local students for many years. High schoolers receive supplemental coaching to support their post-secondary goals in addition to our professionally supported training in trauma informed practices to ensure a secure match for both.
College and Career Readiness (Ages 14-25)
Equips youth with the life skills needed to achieve post-secondary success. Programs range from episodic workshops to comprehensive classroom experiences.
Post-Secondary Workforce Development (Ages 18-25)
Corporate partners provide youth with internships, scholarships, and job placement. Youth learn real world work skills and employers develop next generation employees.
When the devastating impact of COVD-19 on communities around the world became clear, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation provided vital support in response to the unprecedented crisis. The grant announced today provide funding for local organizations that are able to have an immediate, direct impact on their communities.
“We look up to the community organizations across America that work tirelessly every day to ensure their neighbors thrive,” said C.D. Glin, Vice President of the PepsiCo Foundation and global head of philanthropy. “PepsiCo has a long history of working with local partners to invest in communities where our consumers and employees live and work, and we’re proud to support these organizations in making lasting change.”
BBBSGC is one of twenty-two 501c3 public charities and organizations across the country to be identified as a Smiles in Action Award winner. Through strategic partnerships, such as the Smiles in Action Award, the PepsiCo Foundation seeks to tackle the long-term challenges facing the global food system and do the most good for the most people, with awards focusing on: increasing positive nutrition; spurring prosperity for women and girls; having a positive water impact; and, increasing sustainability efforts.
We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on BIG FUTURES, a college and career readiness initiative designed to equip young people for post-secondary success through career mentoring, education, and access to key opportunities. The Big Futures Movement includes:
Beyond School Walls (Ages 12-18)
Brings youth directly into a professional work environment and engages employees through corporate partnerships. Youth learn valuable career development skills through a mentoring relationship at the workplace. Currently, Starbucks has committed to volunteering time throughout the year to a group of matches with career readiness activities/information.
*High School Leadership (Ages 14-18)
Engaging high school students as cross-peer mentors for elementary and middle school youth, BBBSGC has been serving local students for many years. High schoolers receive supplemental coaching to support their post-secondary goals in addition to our professionally supported training in trauma informed practices to ensure a secure match for both.
College and Career Readiness (Ages 14-25)
Equips youth with the life skills needed to achieve post-secondary success. Programs range from episodic workshops to comprehensive classroom experiences.
Post-Secondary Workforce Development (Ages 18-25)
Corporate partners provide youth with internships, scholarships, and job placement. Youth learn real world work skills and employers develop next generation employees.
When the devastating impact of COVD-19 on communities around the world became clear, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation provided vital support in response to the unprecedented crisis. The grant announced today provide funding for local organizations that are able to have an immediate, direct impact on their communities.
“We look up to the community organizations across America that work tirelessly every day to ensure their neighbors thrive,” said C.D. Glin, Vice President of the PepsiCo Foundation and global head of philanthropy. “PepsiCo has a long history of working with local partners to invest in communities where our consumers and employees live and work, and we’re proud to support these organizations in making lasting change.”
READY FOR THE 25TH RUNNING OF THE FLYING PIG?
Check out all the ways you can be involved thanks to BBBS and the BIG PIG!
15% discount—Are you participating in a Flying Pig event? Use code BBBSFP25 to save 15%--our request is that you donate to the agency during registration when you use the code. (Already registered? Contact Deb at [email protected] to receive a 15% refund and then go ahead and donate!)
Kids 26th mile/5K (SOLD OUT)—Community-Based Bigs—ready to run with your Little? We’ve partnered with the Pig to offer 10 matches free registration for either the Flying Pig 5K OR the Flying Pig 26th Mile Kids Run—for the Kids Run, you’ll walk 25 miles now through marathon weekend and then, on Saturday May 6, run the final mile of the real course and get that medal!
Piggest Raffle Ever - How’s it Work? Easy! Purchase a Raffle Entry for $5 each on behalf of BBBS. For each Pig purchased, you have a chance to win on Flying Pig Marathon Weekend and the BBBS receives 100% of your donation! Go to piggestraffleever.com to buy your ticket.
Fluid Station - We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig by once again taking over a fluid station and making it a party. You can help by joining us on-site marathon morning to hand out water and Gatorade to runners as they run through the Eden Park Overlook. Lots of crowd support, cheering and excitement as they celebrate cresting the course’s biggest hill! Last year, we were chosen as the 2nd favorite stop on the ½ marathon course. We’re working hard to be #1 this year. Individuals, groups, businesses welcome! Contact Deb at [email protected] for details.
Check out all the ways you can be involved thanks to BBBS and the BIG PIG!
15% discount—Are you participating in a Flying Pig event? Use code BBBSFP25 to save 15%--our request is that you donate to the agency during registration when you use the code. (Already registered? Contact Deb at [email protected] to receive a 15% refund and then go ahead and donate!)
Kids 26th mile/5K (SOLD OUT)—Community-Based Bigs—ready to run with your Little? We’ve partnered with the Pig to offer 10 matches free registration for either the Flying Pig 5K OR the Flying Pig 26th Mile Kids Run—for the Kids Run, you’ll walk 25 miles now through marathon weekend and then, on Saturday May 6, run the final mile of the real course and get that medal!
Piggest Raffle Ever - How’s it Work? Easy! Purchase a Raffle Entry for $5 each on behalf of BBBS. For each Pig purchased, you have a chance to win on Flying Pig Marathon Weekend and the BBBS receives 100% of your donation! Go to piggestraffleever.com to buy your ticket.
Fluid Station - We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig by once again taking over a fluid station and making it a party. You can help by joining us on-site marathon morning to hand out water and Gatorade to runners as they run through the Eden Park Overlook. Lots of crowd support, cheering and excitement as they celebrate cresting the course’s biggest hill! Last year, we were chosen as the 2nd favorite stop on the ½ marathon course. We’re working hard to be #1 this year. Individuals, groups, businesses welcome! Contact Deb at [email protected] for details.
THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO CHANGE A LIFE.
HOST A LUNCH & LEARN - Whether you host a virtual or in-person presentation, your group will learn how we—and our volunteers—commit to be there for youth. It’s a great way to bring your staff “together” to hear positive stories and see the love, hope & opportunity that mentoring brings.
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REFER A BIG - We know that the most effective way to recruit new mentors is through you! Did you know that we have hundreds of children on our waiting list looking for a mentor? Research shows that volunteers who were referred to our program by their friends (active or alumni Bigs & mentors) are more likely to get matched and have longer, more impactful matches.
DONATE TICKETS TO LOCAL EVENTS - Do you have access to tickets to sporting events, the arts, or other local events? Does your business or organization offer activities that our Bigs and Littles can participate in together? By donating these resources to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, you are providing our matches with the chance to create long-lasting memories they otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience.
FACEBOOK BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISERS - Did you know you can use YOUR DAY to Defend Potential? Two weeks before your birthday, Facebook will encourage you to select a non-profit for your special day! Select Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Cincinnati and you will help to ignite the power and promise of youth in our community.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS - If you have a Kroger Plus Card, you can easily support BBBS of Greater Cincinnati every time you scan your card. Register your card here. Use organization code: ST397
HOST A LUNCH & LEARN - Whether you host a virtual or in-person presentation, your group will learn how we—and our volunteers—commit to be there for youth. It’s a great way to bring your staff “together” to hear positive stories and see the love, hope & opportunity that mentoring brings.
Picture
REFER A BIG - We know that the most effective way to recruit new mentors is through you! Did you know that we have hundreds of children on our waiting list looking for a mentor? Research shows that volunteers who were referred to our program by their friends (active or alumni Bigs & mentors) are more likely to get matched and have longer, more impactful matches.
DONATE TICKETS TO LOCAL EVENTS - Do you have access to tickets to sporting events, the arts, or other local events? Does your business or organization offer activities that our Bigs and Littles can participate in together? By donating these resources to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, you are providing our matches with the chance to create long-lasting memories they otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience.
FACEBOOK BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISERS - Did you know you can use YOUR DAY to Defend Potential? Two weeks before your birthday, Facebook will encourage you to select a non-profit for your special day! Select Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Cincinnati and you will help to ignite the power and promise of youth in our community.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS - If you have a Kroger Plus Card, you can easily support BBBS of Greater Cincinnati every time you scan your card. Register your card here. Use organization code: ST397
