Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada

Last year, your gifts helped match Vicky.  Here’s her story:

Vicky lives with her mom and her father who has been in and out of prison. Her dad's side of the family is involved in gangs, drug-related crimes, and violence. Vicky was misbehaving at home and arguing with her mom; she needed one-on-one attention. Vicky is bright but her school performance was average and she had a hard time making friends.

Vicky was matched with Jess, a doctor, and a big proponent of education. Jess always finds fun ways of incorporating learning into their match outings. Vicky has learned new vocabulary, improved math skills, good manners, politeness, how to give compliments, and sharing. She has also developed new interests in cooking, singing, acting, and she loves fashion. Jess recognizes Vicky’s strengths and focuses their activities on further development in those areas.

Jess found a way of getting Vicky enthusiastic and excited about school: together they study a subject that the teacher has not taught the rest of the class yet. That way, when the kids are learning about it, Vicky can share the things she has already learned which gets her a positive attention from her teacher. Vicky has a new passion for school and learning!

Vicky’s home life is improving and she can talk to Jess about her feelings and frustrations. Jess has helped Vicky understand how she can help her mom with chores so that her mom has more time for her. As a result, there is less arguing and a better dynamic in the home.

Vicky has a created a “goal book” that she writes in every week. Her goals focus on learning something new or a goal that will make her a better person. Vicky shares her goals with Jess and the two of them work on achieving the goal together. Some of the goals included making a cake, making homemade ice cream, learning how to be nicer to people, and helping her mom.

Changing children’s lives forever…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada believes every child has the ability to succeed and thrive in life. We make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18 that create positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of youth. 

Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better and our community forever.  All volunteers are fingerprinted, screened, and assisted by trained Match Support Specialists.

Here's the proof: national research has shown that positive relationships between “Littles” and their “Bigs” have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. By participating in our programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are:

• more confident in their schoolwork performance
• able to get along better with their families
• less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• less likely to begin using alcohol
• less likely to skip school.

Your Support

Become a “Big,” donate to support our programs in schools and throughout Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, or call for more information.  We welcome your participation.

 

www.bbbsnn.org

775-352-3202

#nvbiggive