Community-Based Mentoring (CBM) is our signature, and largest program. It is a one-to-one mentoring program that matches girls with caring, supportive, women mentors. <strong>Big</strong> and Little <strong>Sister</strong>s meet on days and times <strong>of</strong> their choosing and engage in various activities in the community. The focus is on building a strong relationship, so they are encouraged to explore activities which are low to no-cost. We send a monthly email to <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong>s with a calendar <strong>of</strong> events and activity suggestions in a variety <strong>of</strong> communities. Additionally, we <strong>of</strong>fer an online resource to our volunteers called <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> Connection, which provides further ideas. We organize and sponsor monthly activities for <strong>Big</strong> and Little <strong>Sister</strong>s to come together, have fun, and try new things. Last year, we had nearly 40 such events including several sailing trips, a kickboxing class, a day at camp, an art exchange, and community service. We also hold the following annual events: our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, Summer Picnic, and our Halloween and Winter Wonderland parties. While these opportunities expose girls to new experiences, many Little <strong>Sister</strong>s simply enjoy having someone to share a laugh with, a shoulder to lean on, or knowing that their <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> is there just for them. <strong>Big</strong> and Little <strong>Sister</strong> matches are assigned to a Match Support social worker who checks in with the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong>, Little <strong>Sister</strong>, and Little <strong>Sister</strong>’s family on a regular basis. The Match Support social worker provides guidance to the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> in regards to her role as a mentor, advice on how she can best support and encourage her Little <strong>Sister</strong> as well as activity ideas and resources. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong>s are invited to participate in support groups led by a <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> social worker, called Gather and Gabs. These groups allow volunteers to discuss topics that arise in their mentoring relationships, such as self-image and self-esteem issues. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong>s also receive a monthly e-blast, the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> Scene, written by our program staff, which <strong>of</strong>fers guidance and insight on issues which may be affecting their Little <strong>Sister</strong>s. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> served 1,072 girls through Community-Based Mentoring. <strong>Big</strong> for a Day (BFAD) <strong>Big</strong> for a Day (BFAD) is a unique program <strong>of</strong>fered within Community-Based Mentoring. With approximately 200-300 girls waiting to be matched with a <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> at any given time, BFAD is an opportunity to keep these girls engaged. After being assessed by a <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> social worker, the girls may participate in monthly BFAD activities, such as bowling, dance workshops, or cooking classes. These activities are planned and supervised by <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> staff. The girls are matched for the day with a <strong>Big</strong> for a Day volunteer, a woman who is unable to make the full commitment <strong>of</strong> being a <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> or is waiting to be matched with a Little <strong>Sister</strong> herself. This past year, we served 274 girls through BFAD. 14 2010 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> www.bigsister.org
A <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> helps a girl broaden her vision <strong>of</strong> her future. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Sister</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Greater</strong> Boston 2010 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 15
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