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 East Front Street, Ste 125
Address:
2316429123
Phone Number:
Website:
Project Name:
One-to-One Mentoring for Children in Charlevoix & Emmet Counties
Project start and end dates:
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Amount Granted From Hestia:
$
4500
Project results and Impact
How many girls/women have been served by the project during this project year?
We are successfully on track to meet our goal of providing 40 female youth with 40 female mentors. As of April 13, we have served 39 female matches in Charlevoix and Emmet counties since September 1, 2022, with over four months remaining in the grant period to enable continued growth to support additional matches.
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:
This fall we experienced the joyful return of the school-based program in Charlevoix and Emmet counties for the first time in three years, due to the pandemic. We are thrilled to once again support youth in need with one-to-one mentoring in their schools in addition to our community-based program.
Program evaluation is accomplished via consistent match support contacts to the parent, child and mentor. The Mentoring Specialist 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 and grow stronger over time. The average match length is currently 2 ¾ years. Lastly, annual surveys of our youth report on the successful impact of our program.
Do you have a story of how your program positively changed participant's situation, behavior, or knowledge?
If so, please share it:
Jayden is being raised by her dad and an aunt and was referred to our program by her third-grade teacher who thought she would benefit from the support of a strong female role model.
Jayden has always been sweet and loving, but needed help building her confidence and finding courage. Since day one, her Big Sister Christyn has been building Jayden up. Christyn helps to identify Jayden’s fears and the reason behind them and then with encouragement she takes on those fears and crushes them. They have been able to tap into Christyn’s endless energy and are very active together. Christyn helps Jayden with reading and writing. They can often be found at the Harbor Springs public library checking out more books on a regular basis!
Over time, Jayden has experienced Christyn believing in her and as a result Jayden now believes in herself. She has overcome her fear of heights and enjoys trying new things. She is more confident in talking with others and is working on making intentional eye contact.
Jayden is blossoming from a timid girl to a self-assured pre-teen. Her Big Sister Christyn has been the significant driver in this growth and development.
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 $1,400. Bigs’ strategic plan includes growing the mentoring programs in Charlevoix and Petoskey to support a greater number of children, thereby allowing for a greater impact in those communities. This will require an increase in financial support from the Char-Em community. Bigs recently hired an Advocacy Specialist to increase program awareness and cultivate a support base in the Charlevoix and Emmet communities. The Advisory Council made up of Emmet and Charlevoix County residents and leaders will work alongside the Advocacy Specialist to advocate for our mission, participate in fundraising activities, and assist with volunteer recruitment.
Public Relations
How did you publicize this grant?
Please list any examples.
We acknowledged Hestia Women’s Circle in a press release to local media, as well as social media, radio, and an e-newsletter to 5,000+ constituents.
Summary Comments
Please note that the submitted project budget shows actual revenue and expenses in Charlevoix and Emmet counties for the 2022 calendar year, as at the time of this final report submission, we are only eight months through the grant period of September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023.
Thank you, Hestia Women’s Giving Circle, for your consistent and loyal support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan!
Grant Final Budget Form
REVENUES
Proposed Revenue
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Grants
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$
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TOTAL REVENUES
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$
$
$
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Actual
Revenue
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
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EXPENSES
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$
Actual Expense
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$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$