Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan23
Final Grant Report for
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
23-7043163
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Cecilia
Chesney
900 East Front Street
Address:
2313926497
Phone Number:
Website:
Project Name:
One-to-One Mentoring for Children in Charlevoix & Emmet Counties
Project start and end dates:
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Amount Granted From Hestia:
$
4000
Project results and Impact
How many girls/women have been served by the project during this project year?
We have served 38 female matches since September 1, 2020. With five months remaining in the grant period, we are on track to surpass our goal of serving 40 female youth by August 31. The Littles in our program received support and encouragement from their Big mentors at a time when they needed it most, as youth faced challenges academically and emotionally due to the COVID pandemic. Our mentors were available both in person and virtually with a continued determination to listen, support academic efforts and connect on a deeper level to support the mental health of their Littles.
Goal of the Project
Did you meet your program goals for the grant period?
If yes, how do you know? Please describe any program evaluation you use:
If no, please describe current barriers and how you are working to overcome them:
The Bigs' staff and mentors went above and beyond to deliver mentoring services to youth this year, persevering through many challenges presented as a result of a global pandemic. Though the School-Based program was temporarily closed to on site visits this academic year due to COVID, our team creatively transitioned to identify means for Bigs to connect with their Littles, in safe locations or via virtual or other means. While we were unable to create new matches in a School-Based program, we were able to create new matches to meet outside of school in our Community-Based program and also maintain the majority of our existing 2020 matches in both programs. As a result. Littles received the critical support and encouragement they needed during this difficult time, as well as academic encouragement to participate in virtual school programs, where applicable.
Program evaluation is accomplished via match support contacts to the parent, child and mentor on a regular basis. The Mentoring Specialists staff are required to assess and document child safety and well-being, relationship development, coaching and support, and match goals and outcomes with every contact.
Do you have a story of how your program positively changed participant's situation, behavior, or knowledge?
If so, please share it:
Olivia, age 9, has lived in 4 foster homes in the last 5 years. She lives in Emmet County and was referred to our program by school personnel who knew she would thrive from undivided attention and having something more to look forward to. Olivia has a lot of ideas and is not afraid to speak up and share them. She can be hard on herself at times and also has big emotions. Olivia benefits from having a Big Sister to talk to, look forward to seeing each week, and confide in and be herself.
As Olivia's Big Sister, Natalia is an excellent role model. She came to us as a local high school student and decided to stay on her first year of college. Natalia brings kindness and light to every situation she encounters. She is a wonderful example of being a great friend, listener and mentor.
Natalia and Olivia meet every week and enjoy arts activities together. Despite the hurdles of the school location being closed to guests this school year, we have found an alternative that works for them. Olivia has grown to trust Natalia and counts on seeing her. Olivia has been through a lot at her young age of 9. Having Natalia to count on is having a Big Impact on Olivia.
Sustainability
Will this project continue?
If so, how will it be funded?
If not, why not?
Annual costs to support one Big-Little match are $1,400. Bigs’ strategic plan includes growing the mentoring programs in Charlevoix and Petoskey to support a greater number of children, thereby allowing for a greater impact in those communities. This will require an increase in support from the Char-Em community. To accomplish this, funding requests have been made to underwrite the hiring of development staff to serve Charlevoix and Emmet counties. In addition, an Advisory Council was developed this past year to provide education and insight about the Emmet County community, assist in the creation of fundraising strategies, and raise awareness and advocate for Bigs’ mission.
Public Relations
How did you publicize this grant?
Please list any examples.
We sent a Press Release to local media and it was mentioned during a radio interview with WTCM Radio.
Summary Comments
We are so thankful for the continued support of Hestia, a group who truly understands the importance of promoting and supporting young girls and raising their aspirations.
Grant Final Budget Form
REVENUES
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