Since November of 2010 Brittany and Keazia have been building a lasting bond. Brittany initially decided to become a Big because she wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. Her Little Keazia, who she describes as a smart ten year old who already knows just what she wants in life. She is a leader, very caring, and creative. Brittany says, “being a Big is like being a true, older sister. Knowing that you’re a role model and would do anything to make sure your Little is impacted positively, simply because you genuinely care and love her.” For Brittany she loves being able to be there for Keazia when she really needs someone. “When Keazia had a huge project for class it required her to build a medieval castle and I could tell she was worried by the challenge. I was there to encourage her ideas that she already had in mind. We worked together on establishing her model that she had drawn on paper. Later I explained that that was her blueprint. The model was created with collective teamwork and much passion. I provided the materials and allowed her to take over with no limitations. She quickly became more confident as she knew exactly what she wanted. Keazia is driven with ideas and creativity. All I had to do was help her get a start on it.” The proudest moment was receiving the news that she won 2nd place for her Medieval Castle project in her class. This was a big surprise to me because I hadn’t known it was a competition. Our goal was just focused on an A! I was able to help her by remembering how my late mother had helped me when I was a child. Unfortunately, between school and work, I find it hard to be there with Keazia as much as I’d love to. “I wish others knew that Littles really desire to have a Big to look up to, as a friend/mentor forever. Keazia says that someday she too will be a Big Sister. Brittany is expecting a baby girl this July! “I’m truely grateful of how supportive she and her family has been.”

This month we are honoring Sherry Kitchens, CEO of the as our community leader spotlight. Sherry has been CEO of the Child Advocacy Center for the past 7 years. The mission of the Child Advocacy Center is to meet the needs of abused children, insuring that they don’t fall through the cracks of the overburdened and complicated child protection system. The process has children at the forefront; it also attends to the needs of the system and the professionals involved. The Center is responsible for contributing to the system by pulling the partners together, creating a comprehensive protocol for how maltreated children are served by the system, and injecting a child friendly, collaborative nature into it. They encourage the child protection system to look at things through the children’s eyes which is particularly unique. “I know what it is like to have a child protection investigator speak to me when abuse happened and I said nothing. I know what it’s like to be isolated and have a parent struggle with mental illness, serious health issues and resulting drug endangerment. I know what it’s like to wear long sleeves and long pants to school covering broken skin, welts and bruises. I know what it is like to have caregivers in my life step up and step in taking care of me and my sister when we really needed it; and I also know, through my work with at risk and maltreated children the past 20 years, that some children don’t have the support I had. I advocate for those children and support the caregivers who are there for them.“ Sherry is very proud of the growth of the Center. When she first started, the Center was small and had a staff of 3.5 and served about 260 children per year, now they are serving over 1,000 children per year and over 700 of their non-offending family members. But since there are 5,800 children involved in child protection investigations, each year, there is more work to be done. “While I am proud of our accomplishments and our collaborations, we still have work to do and I hope our biggest success hasn’t already happened.” BBBS adds value to children that we serve by caring for the children BBBS serves and working to increase the number of Big Brothers and Big Sisters that are available for children. Our society has gotten so fast paced and technologically oriented that often the precious, teachable, and meaningful interactions are lost and children are left behind. A friend once told me that if children are doing something for attention – then give them some! It means they need it. “I’m just grateful for all of the experiences that I have had – both positive and negative – as they have shaped me and my perspective, including the work that I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” BBBS applauses Sherry Kitchen and the Child Advocacy Center staff for their dedication and commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community.

Join Us!
Sixth Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament

Friday, May 4th!

Registration begins 7:30 am

presented by
NAIFA Gainesville

in association with
Modern Woodmen of America
and
Gainesville Cadillac

hosted by
Ironwood Golf Course

benefiting
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida.

Registration fee for an individual golfer – $65
Team participant – $250.

Grand Prizes includes for a Hole in One 
a cruise for 4 or a 2012 Cadillac SRX 
sponsored by Palm Gainesville Cadillac

Refreshments will be available.

To become a sponsor contact
John Bonacci, CEO
Big Brothers Big Sisters at 352-375-2525

or call
Keith Westbrook, Tournament Director
at 352-505-9906

For more information click on Events tab or
Sign-up by going to www.bbbsmidflorida.org -> Sign-ups 
or go to
http://tinyurl.com/6annualgolf

Believe it or not there are children in our community that sit alone each day forced to fend for themselves, that wander their neighborhoods looking for something to do, or whose only perspective of life is gained from what they see on TV or out their window.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is here to change that. 

Our Need:

Despite the economy, our agency has seen significant growth.  We have gone from 2 to 7 programs and most importantly increased the number of children served by 53%.  Unfortunately the need is greater than ever and we still have almost 300 children on our waiting list.  As leaders in our community we are asking for your continued support in reaching our children.  Become a mentor and make a difference.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to change children’s lives for the better, forever, by providing guidance and companionship to at risk youth through one to one mentoring relationships with caring volunteers to assist them in achieving their highest potential.

Our Impact:

         96.8% Improved Academics

         98.6% Promoted to next Grade Level

         96.7% Improved Attendance

         95.0% Improved Behavior

If you can’t be a mentor at this time, but wish to donate, visit our website at www.bbbsmidflorida.com or contact me, John Bonacci, 352.375.2525 or email john@bbbsmidflorida.org to discuss ongoing or more substantial gifts.

Your donation helps recruit new Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers, covers the cost of background checks and insurance,  ensures trained professionals match children to caring and responsible Bigs, offers one-on-one, ongoing supervision and support for every match, and provides cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for children. 

Again, thank you in advance for your support and for being a champion of a stronger tomorrow for our youth.