Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan
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 E. Front St, Ste 125
Address:
2319462447
Phone Number:
Project Name:
One-to-One Mentoring for Children in Charlevoix & Emmet Counties
Project start and end dates:
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Amount Granted From Hestia:
$
4500
Project results and Impact
How many girls/women have been served by the project during this project year?
We surpassed our goal of providing 20 female youth with 20 female mentors by serving 46 female matches since September 1, 2021, with five months remaining in the grant period. The challenges faced in finding new mentors during the pandemic has eased this year, leading to an increase in new matches being made.
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 School-Based program has been closed to on-site visits the past two years due to COVID, but we were able to create new matches to meet outside of school in our Community-Based mentoring program. As a result, the Littles in our program received support and encouragement from their Big mentors at a time when they needed it most, as youth mental health challenges are dangerously high.
As an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), we are able to leverage the infrastructure and expertise of the nation’s premier mentoring organization. BBBSA provides us with access to national standards, policies, and procedures focused on child safety; research and program development; technology; evaluation systems; and nationwide best practices.
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. The length of relationship between Bigs and Littles provides an additional impact measurement, as relationships continue to develop
Do you have a story of how your program positively changed participant's situation, behavior, or knowledge?
If so, please share it:
Alissa has been matched twice in our mentoring program since she was 7 years old. Alissa and Mandi have been matched for nearly five years now. As a young girl, Alissa was immature and lacked confidence. She was shy to interact with new people and her social skills needed a boost. Mandi is a patient Big Sister who continually met Alissa where she was comfortable. Slowly, she nudged her to try new things, talk to people and gain a voice for herself in order to pursue her interests and establish new goals. Over the years, Alissa has developed interests in art and design. She has gained more confidence, which led to getting her first job.
Mandi has been a constant for Alissa. Even when they could not see each other in person due to COVID, Mandi sent cards or care packages, dropped in to check on Alissa or met with her virtually.
Alissa is set to graduate High School this spring. Mandi has been helping her with career exploration and to prioritize what she wants to do post-graduation. The strength of this relationship will continue as Alissa enters young adulthood.
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. Bigs has developed an Advisory Council made up of Emmet and Charlevoix County residents and leaders who will work alongside the staff to advocate for our mission, participate in fundraising activities, including donor cultivation and special events; and assist with volunteer recruitment.
Public Relations
How did you publicize this grant?
Please list any examples.
We acknowledged Hestia Women’s Circle in a press release to local media, as well as social media, radio, and an e-newsletter to 5,000 constituents.
Summary Comments
Please note that the submitted project budget shows actual revenue and expenses as of April 27, 2022 and is eight months through the grant period of September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022. Additionally, the $8,528 in the "consultants" line is expenses related to events.
Thank you Hestia Women’s Circle for your consistent and loyal support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan!
Grant Final Budget Form
REVENUES
Proposed Revenue
Revenue Item
Grants
$
$
$
$
$
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TOTAL REVENUES
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Actual
Revenue
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
EXPENSES
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TOTAL EXPENSES
Proposed Expense
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$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Actual Expense
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$