February 2021

BLACK HISTORY MONTH:

Black History Month is an important time for all. This month allows us to share memories and stories of people, places, and outstanding contributions. February will highlight those outstanding contributions from African Americans that have shaped us and the areas in which we live, work and play.

In honor of Black History Month, join us, our partners, Bigs, and Littles, as we bring the spirit of mentoring, family, unity, and diversity to you and our community. We are excited about our Littles' virtual art show and the announcement of our new scholarship programs (The William "Bill" Platten and the Hollis & Burns Scholarship Funds). These program will benefit graduating middle and high school Littles. The celebration ends with an invite to the Elgin Community College's virtual "Family Picnic and Game Night."

Our February activities are a refreshing counter after experiencing such a challenging year in 2020 and kicking off the 2021 year with political unrest and increased COVID-19 cases. For these, and other reasons, we will continue to defend the potential of mid-south youth. We invite you to become a defender too. To our current mentors- Thank you for your gift of time! If you are not a mentor, please consider becoming a "Big," or consider providing a $25 donation to our "Big Hearts Makes Big Dreams" program to honor your mentor or anyone. 

Sincerely,
Susan
Susan George,
Executive Director

PS: Enjoy a few words from our Bigs and visit our BBBSMS Virtual Art Gallery
DRIVE-THRU BINGO:
Our team has gotten creative in finding ways to stay connected with our parents, Bigs and Littles. It hasn't been easy, but it has been fun. Thinking of new, meaningful, and creative ways to connect and engage hasn't been tasked by staff and board alone. Our virtual Parent and Littles' meetings have given insight on events to add to the line-up of upcoming activities and things to do. If you have a great idea or would like to volunteer for future events, please click the link and let Marilyn Williams know if you have an idea or would like to volunteer as a mentor.
SAVE THE DATES / FEB. EVENTS:
  • 2.2.2021- "Mental Health in the Black Community, a Retrospective" at 3 p.m. via Zoom.
  • 2.6.2021- BBBSMS Vitural Information Intake Orientation, 9:30 am via Zoom.
  • 2.9.2021 - 2.14.2021 - BBBSMS BIG Hearts Campaign. Make a $25 Donation to our BIG Hearts Make BIG Dreams Campaign- we will honor a special person with a electronic or mailed valentine sentiment. Include honoriam information in notes when making donation. A confirmation will be mailed to honoree and donor.
  • 2.15.2021- BBBSMS Virtual art gallery opens.
  • 2.24.2021- BBBSMS and South City Resource Center the Hearts Drive-In
  • 3.1.2021 - Big Brothers Big Sisters informational orientation session via Zoom
THE WILLIAM "BILL" PLATTEN and HOLLIS & BURNS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS:
A Big Thank you to the family and friends of "Bill" Platten for helping our agency honor Bill's dedication to mentoring. Graduating high school Littles will receive scholarships to assist with their transition to higher education.
Hollis & Burns has been an insurance provider and supporter to Big Brothers Big Sisters for many years. As their 2020 charity of choice, they are supporting a scholarship program for graduating middle school students. Susan George, Executive Director of BBBSMS, said she is elated to have this type of support for the Littles. The agency rolls out the programs this month and will present the awards to the Littles in May 2021. To read more about
William Bill Platten (1953-2020) the BBBSMS Scholarship Programs
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASSES BEGIN SOON:
Hollis and Burns Insurance Co., is sponsoring scholarships for Littles in our Leadership Academy sessions that will cover Financial literacy, Mindfulness, Health and wellness, and Goal Setting for middle school age Littles. Scholarships will be awarded May 2021. Special thanks to our sponsors Union Pacific * Women's Foundation * Comcast Foundation * Grizzlies and Foundation & Hollis and Burns.
WAYS TO SUPPORT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS:
Matching Fund Program:Contact your HR office to inquire whether your company has a matching fund program. or review your company's status by following this link at Matching Funds.

BBBSMS Amazon Smile:
Go to AmazonSmile, chose BBBSMS by going to the AmazonSmile.com site. Search for "Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mid-South, Inc." and proceed to use Amazon as usual. BBBSMS receives a percentage of each purchase.

Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Think Mentoring and Big Brothers Big Sisters as you shop groceries at your neighborhood Kroger. Select our agency as your Kroger Community Reward charity of choice. Our community reward number is UU345. Kroger donates a percentage of your purchase to our organization.
VIRTUAL INFO SESSION:
BBBSMS next Virtual Information Sessions are Saturday, 2/6/2021 and Saturday 3/6/2021 at 9:30 am via Zoom. We are inviting anyone that has ever thought about being a mentor or enrolling a children to attend.

Twenty-two new recruites join the team during January's session. This was wonderful and we would like to add more. To become a mentor contact [email protected]! To enroll a child, contact Angie Hurlow at [email protected].
UPCOMING STORIES AND EVENTS:
  • COVID-19- one year iin review.
  • Big/Little Brother and Big/Little Sister of the Year
  • BBBS Tennessee State Assoc. plates for sale/ Design reveal **.**.****
  • 2021 Summer Programming
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Volunteer Reception
  • BIG Little Graduation
  • Coming 2.14.2021 our BBBSMS Little Virtual Art Gallery
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​Mission Statement: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mid-South, Inc.