big brothers big sisters of the chattahoochee valley...big brothers big sisters of the chattahoochee...
TRANSCRIPT
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the
Chattahoochee ValleyMay 2018 Newsletter 706-327-3239
Be Sure to LIKE us on
BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE
2018
A Few Minutes with a
Mentor
10 Tips to help you become a successful mentor
Be a friend, not a parent or authority figure. Mentors are trusted guides helping young people make positive decisions, form their own values, and realize their potential.Have realistic goals and expectations. Mentors understand that change doesn’t happen overnight and that setbacks occur. Mentors empower young people to reach the goals set in their lives.Have fun. Getting to know the young person is the primary goal of any mentoring relationship. Activities such as hanging out, grabbing a bite to eat, or playing basketball, help build the relationship.Allow the mentee to have voice and choice in deciding on activities. Ask your mentee what he or she would like to do during your time together. This ensures that the young person will be interested and engaged in the activity.Be positive. Offer encouragement and assistance. When times are tough, help the young person focus on the future. Celebrate successes large and small.Let the mentee control the direction of conversations. Don’t push the mentee to tell you everything at once; allow him or her time to get to know you. Be sensitive and respectful and above all keep everything the mentee says to you confidential (unless the youth plans to hurt herself or someone else).Listen. Sometimes the young person will need to vent about school, work, home, or friends. By listening more than talking you can learn a lot and build your relationship.Respect the trust the mentee places in you. Don’t judge the mentee or provide unwanted advice. Reassure him that you will be there no matter what.Remember that your relationship is with the young person, not his or her parent. The focus of the match is on the youth’s goals, not those of the family. At the same time, avoid passing judgment on the mentee’s family.Remember that you are responsible for building the relationship. Take the initiative to keep in contact with your mentee.
Big of The Month
Meet Traci Gary. Traci has been a Big since June 2013. She was matched with Jazlyn in August 2013. Traci is a native of Columbus, Georgia and a dance teacher at Company C Academy of Dance where she teaches all styles of dance. Traci recently participated in the Alzheimer Association Dancing Stars of Columbus where she and her partner won the Judges’ Choice award and assisted in exceeding fundraising goals. She feels it is important to be active in our community and believes it is something we need to instill in our youth. Traci began volunteering with BBBS because she wanted to make a difference in the life of a young person. She had no idea how her Little would also impact her life in the same way. Traci told us, “Being a Big to Jazlyn has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Watching her grow spiritually, mentally, and physically has been a true blessing. She isn’t just my little, we have become family.”
New Matches
Lyons/Tuner Knight/Lowe
Surrency/Davis Perez/Moore
Cutts/James
Endinburg/Thomas
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Happy Match Anniversaries
Grimsley/ Chan 05/14
Brosam/Berry 05/20
Williams/ Thompson 05/24
Pickard/ Smith 05/25
Torres/Ngugi 05/25
Daniel/James 05/29
Foster/Kaplan 05/30
Happy Birthday
Courtney Smith 5/3
Kaylamarie Hemm 5/5
Alexis Cardona 5/15
Tina Vincent 5/22
Haley Ramey 5/29
Rita Merritt 5/31
Upcoming Events
“Spring Fling”Location: Confidence Missionary Baptist Church, 705 Colquitt St, Lagrange, GADate: May 2ndTime: 6:00pm-7:30pmSynopsis: Free fun & games for the entire family!!!
“METRA Transit System New Service Changes”Location: Transfer Center, 814 Linwood Blvd, ColumbusDate: May 5th
Time: 11:00am-3:30pmSynopsis: METRA Transit System will be partnering with Amerigroup during the implementation of METRA’s new route changes on Saturday, May 5, 2018. The public is invited to join METRA and Amerigroup at the Transfer Center, 814 Linwood Blvd. There will be health screenings, popcorn, snow cones, and fun filled festivities from 11:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m. *FREE RIDES ON ALL FIXED ROUTES
“Mommy & Me”Location: Columbus GA Convention & Trade Ctr 801 front Ave., Columbus, GADate: May 5th
Time: 10:00am-12:30pmSynopsis: The event is free and open to all new parents and expecting parents. The doors will open at 10am. This event will feature free baby items, giveaways, music, fun and fellowship for the entire family. This event is open to the entire community. This event you don’t want to miss. Come and get all the giveaways and resources we will have for our Mommy & Me Event.
Upcoming Events
“Kids In The Park”Location: Frank D. Chester Recreation Center, 1441 Benning Dr, Columbus, GADate: May 19th
Synopsis: It is Amerigroup Spring Fling. More details to come.
“2018 Troup County Community fest”Location: Troup County Soccer Complex, 299 Fort Dr, LaGrange, GADate: May 19th
Time: 10:00am-2:00pmSynopsis: Free food, vendors, free food boxes from Feeding the Valley (sign up at event), entertainment by: Kevin Dunn, Byron Carter, LHS Black History Choir and Picassio Jennings.
“Ask Amerigroup-Member Only Event”Location: Chick-Fil-A, 2421 Wynnton Rd, Columbus, GADate: May 31stTime: 1:00pm-2:22pmSynopsis: Show your Amerigroup ID for a free kids meal!
Save the Date! BBBSCV Staff
Program Director
Erica Lee
Case Manager
Alana Haldeman
Case Manager
Erin Griffin
Case Manager
Jerome Dingle
Additional Staff:Krystle Newton
Corey Dalziel
“Big Problems Come In Little Packages”Roundtable Discussion for the BigsLocation: Iron Bank Coffee Company, 11th St, Columbus, GA, 31901Date: May 16thTime: 5:15PM-7PMSynopsis: As a Big, you may often be faced with challenges when it comes to your Little. How do you handle them? Are you alone in these challenges? You ever wonder how your fellow Bigs are dealing with their challenges and are they similar to yours? The roundtable discussion is a forum for you to share not only the challenges that you have faced as a Big and how you overcame them. Also share your successes and help other formulate strategies that can help them be successful Bigs.
“Painting With A Twist” match eventLocation: Painting With A Twist, 6298 Veterans Parkway, #2N, ColumbusDate: May 12thTime: 10am-12pmSynopsis: The Bigs and Littles will be painting the Starry Nights. RSVP no later than Monday, May 7th please. This event has to be prepaid in order to reserve our spots.