| Address |
1102 Carlton Ave
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 |
| Phone |
(434) 244-0882 |
| Website |
http://www.blueridgebigs.org |
| Primary Contact |
Athena Gould |
| Primary Email |
mjackson@blueridgebigs.org |
| Executive Director |
Molly Jackson |
| Primary Focus Area |
Children/Youth (non-education) |
| Service Areas |
- Albemarle
- Charlottesville
- Fluvanna
- Nelson
|
Mission Statement
Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Overview
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge has been serving Central Virginia for nearly 35 years. Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
We hold ourselves accountable for the children in our program achieving the following:
1. Academic Success
2. Socio-emotional Competency Development
3. Avoidance of Risky Behaviors.
To achieve these goals, we execute with fidelity the evidence-based mentoring model developed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Our program comprises two mentoring options, Community-Based or Site-Based. In both options, BBBS volunteers provide youth - our “Littles” – with individualized time and attention for approximately 1-3 hours per week. Under our Community-Based model, Bigs and Littles meet in the community at-large, taking advantage of libraries, parks, movies, etc. Under our Site-Based model, Bigs meet with their Little at the Little’s school or a community center located near the child’s home. With conversations and shared activities, they develop a relationship that helps youth navigate the challenges of growing up in high-risk situations such as living in poverty or with an incarcerated parent. We are currently serving children in the City of Charlottesville and in Albemarle County, along with a handful of children from Nelson and Fluvanna Counties.
Key Programs
| Program 1 |
|---|
| Title: | Community Based Mentoring |
| Description: | All of our mentoring programs follow the evidence-based mentoring model developed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Under our Community-Based model, Bigs and Littles meet in the community at-large, taking advantage of libraries, parks, movies, and the rich and varied offerings of our area. |
| Examples of Program Success: | BBBS evidence based practice gathers real-time data on our match activities. In 2015, we served 270 young people. Statistically, 94% of the children we served improved their grades; 91% improved their relationship with their parents, and 96% improved relationships with peers. |
| Total Program Budget: | $525,000 organizational budget |
| Program 2 |
|---|
| Title: | Community Based Mentoring |
| Description: | All of our mentoring programs follow the evidence-based mentoring model developed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Under our Site Based model, Bigs and Littles meet at the LIttle's school or at a community center, where they do homework or other activities, talk about their lives, and build a relationship. |
| Examples of Program Success: | BBBS evidence based practice gathers real-time data on our match activities. In 2015, we served 270 young people. Statistically, 94% of the children we served improved their grades; 91% improved their relationship with their parents, and 96% improved relationships with peers. |
| Total Program Budget: | $525,000 organizational budget |
Giving Opportunities
| Opportunity 1 |
|---|
| Title: | "Light a Match" as part of our START SOMETHING Society |
| Description: | It costs BBBS approximately $1,500 to maintain a match over one year. This includes all initial interviews of Bigs, Littles and Family Members; performing leveled background checks; training of Bigs; introducing matches; monitoring matches; and ongoing data collection from Bigs, Littles and Family.
A gift of $1,500, or $125 per month, means another match can be made from our waiting list, which normally hovers between 75-150. |
| Project Timeline | Ongoing |
| Opportunity 2 |
|---|
| Title: | Sponsorships and Team Registration for BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE |
| Description: | Each spring, BBBS hosts Bowl for Kids' Sake, a fundraiser for our programs. Participants can purchase a sponsorship or a lane, and everyone gets to invite a team of up to six bowlers to participate. Celebrity bowlers are on hand from the sports and local entertainment scene. This event sells out every year. Visit our website at the EVENTS tab to learn more. |
| Project Timeline | Yearly |
