Hello Everybody,

My name is Sabrina Lopez and I’m a Big Brothers Big Sisters alumna. I joined this program when I was 10 years old. I met my Big Sister Karla and we have been together for 11 years and we are still going strong! Now, I’m 21 years old and I’m attending Cal State Dominguez Hills. I’m a Science Biology major and planning to become a doctor or nurse but I’m not sure yet.
 
Being in this program helped me a lot because I was the only child in the family and my parents were busy with work, so they couldn’t take me out much. I mostly spent my time alone. Also, I was shy and quiet. After meeting Karla, we spent a lot of time together, went to places that my parents couldn’t take me, and I started talking more. When I was in middle school, I started volunteering at Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters for community service and continued throughout high school.

Now, I have the opportunity to work on this newsletter for you by myself. I hope you find it useful! Here are some pictures of me and my Big Sister Karla.



See a list of fun & creative ways to connect with YOUR Little below!
Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our constituents. Wearing masks is up to your discretion and that of your Little's parent/guardian. Please be sure to honor their position on this matter ....
Match Support Specialist Contact List

Ashley Gonzalez:

Mercedes Mantilla Dossa:

Juan Wilson:

Brenda Gonzalez:

Roberto Lopez-Vazquez
rlopez-vazquez@catholicbigbrothers.org

Makayla Mendez
mmendez@catholicbigbrothers.org
Reminder of Home Visit Policy:

Matches are eligible to apply for a home visit AFTER the first year of the Match Introduction. One Home Visit is allowed per year.

Current agency policy includes the following:

  • No overnight outings;
  • One (1) home visit per match per year AFTER the first year ONLY with agency pre-approval.

To apply for a home visit, please complete the following form:

CBBBSLA community-based program promotes low- to no-cost outings in the community to discover and learn through activities outside of the home.

CBBBSLA does not promote or approve frequent home visits.


For any questions, please contact your Match Support Specialist.
Match Pictures
We love seeing all the ways our matches are having fun with each other. Bigs, remember to take a picture of your next in-person or virtual outing. We love sharing how much fun our mentoring matches are having together!
BB Ruben and LB Pablo recently went to a Home Depot workshop. LB Pablo got a chance to build a pencil holder. They both had a great time!

Bigs, connecting virtually with your Little soon?
Use our CBBBS backgrounds by clicking the pictures below. Download the pictures and upload as a virtual background on Zoom or other platforms!
CBBBS is launching BIG Futures!

BIG Futures is a College and Career Readiness initiative designed to help young people for post-secondary success through career mentoring, education, and access to key opportunities.
Our BIG Futures launch begins with a series of sessions offering useful information on the College and Career Pathway. The details for our first session are below:
Mentor Beyond is now BIG Futures

CBBBS Quarterly BIG Futures Newsletter
High School/College Resources

Click HERE to view our custom High School/College Quarterly Newsletter that includes a variety of resources to help your Little navigate their transition to college or help develop their professionalism! If you are in need of additional resources, please contact your Match Support Specialist!
SAVE THE DATE!
November 12,2022
Sallie Mae presents

Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships

Look out for details and invite through email
SAVE THE DATE! 
November 19, 2022 - 9:30 am
Southern California Auto Dealers Association presents
Career Pathways Initiative
at the LA Auto Show Event  
Look out for details and an invite




Mentor Resources and Tools
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WAKE OF VIOLENCE AND TRAUMA
Find effective strategies on how to communicate and provide support to your mentee in the aftermath of violence and trauma. See article HERE.
 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources.

For more information: https://988lifeline.org/

Match Activity Toolkit

BBBS of Southwest Michigan has developed a Match Activity Toolkit that includes age specific materials and virtual tours. Click HERE to access!
Free Online Homework Help

For K–12 students, the California State Library provides free online tutoring. They can help any student who needs homework help in any language from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.
They can help students who are struggling with English and Spanish in Language Arts and Mathematics by using laptops, tablets, and phones.
 





Check the Websites for more info and homework help:
In-Person Activity Ideas!
(Virtual Ideas in Section Below)
October Events
Bookmark Contest

Calling all creative kids & teens! The 43rd annual Bookmark Contest is being held by the Los Angeles County Library. This competition is open to students in grades K-12. Visit your local library or print an entry form from the website listed below.

Deadline for submissions is October 29, 2022

Return your work to any LA County Library, scan and submit it online, or mail it to;
 LA County Library Youth Services
Attn: Bookmask Contest
12440 Imperial HWY, Room 114 Norwalk, CA 90650

Artwork must be original (no cartoon character)

Website:

Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles - MOCA

MOCA is an art museum with two location which is located in Los Angeles, CA.

General admission is free
Special Exhibitions:
General: $18
Students $10
Children under 12 is free

Location:
250 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012

Monday are closed
Tuesday – Friday open: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
  Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm


Purchase tickets or learn more about MOCA:
LA County Museum of Art
NexGenLA is a FREE membership for children—17 years and younger—who live in Los Angeles County. NexGenLA members visit the museum for free and may bring one guest for free.

For the NexGenLA Application and Website:
Visit the Marine Mammal Care Center
Open Saturdays and Sundays
from 10 am - 4 pm

3601 South Gaffey Street, #8,
San Pedro, CA, 90731

Website:
Have a picnic and catch a free concert at
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles

Friday and Saturday Evenings
Northwest corner of MacArthur Park, near the intersection of W. 6th Street and S. Park View St., 9005

EVERY BODY EXPLORES
complete self-guided activities, make observations and explore the park!

Saturdays
10 am - 1:30 pm

View participating locations here.

Grand Performances: Free Concerts
Every Saturday
June - September
California Plaza
350 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles
Website:
NATURE KNOWLEDGE NIGHTS 
– Free; no registration required

Activities vary based on topic but may include group activities, ESTEAM fundamentals, community science, nature hikes, guided tours or animal ambassador experience.

Dates vary by location / 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

View participating parks here.

Museum of Latin American Art
Free Admission Sundays 
11am - 5pm

628 Alamitos Ave,
Long Beach, CA 

2022 Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash
Parents and guardians are free
The admission fee is $5 for children under and over the age of 11.
Before entering the event, parents and guardians must fill out and return Wavier Form on the day of the event.

 Location:
Dignity Health Sports Park
18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746

October 28, 2022
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

For Event Info and Waiver Form go to this website:

Dia de Los Muertos Festival
Día de los Muertos know as Day of the Dead is a celebration of life and remember our love one that are not here with us.
Free and Family Friendly

Location: Olvera Street
 125 Paseo De La Plaza # 400 Los Angeles, CA 90012

There will be nightly programs, community altars, entertainment, face painting, and a 5K run every day from October 25 to November 2. More information and time can be found at the website listed below.


Griffith Observatory
General Admissions is Free

2800 East Observatory Road,
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Monday to Wednesday Closed

Thursday to Friday Open at
12:00 noon - 10:00 pm

Saturday to Sunday Open at
10:00 - 10:00 pm

Family Days: Día de los Muertos
Free Admission

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 900012

October 30, 2022
12:00 pm

Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch

Free Admission

Open October 15 through October 31
Monday - Sunday from 111 am - 6 pm

Location: Farmers Market, CA
6333 W 3rd St,
Los Angeles, CA 90036


HALLOWEENLAND:
FREE Outdoor Halloween Festival for All Ages
EVERYTHING IS FREE!


Sunday, October 30th
From 1:30-6:30pm

174 Harkness Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91107, United States

Website:

Halloween Carnival
General admission is Free: Registration Required
September 30, 2022 - October 30, 2022

Friday: 4-9 pm
Saturday: 1-9 pm
Sunday: 1-9 pm

Location: Anaheim GardenWalk
321 W. Katella Ave, Anahiem, CA 92802
Sea Level & Garden Level

Visit Website for more info or to register: https://spooksiebooevents.com/

Double Feature: The Nightmare Before Christmas & Beetlejuice

Glendale is holding its longest running Pop-Up Drive-In

Sat, October 22, 2022

Location: Electric Dusk Drive-in
236 N Central Ave, Glendale, CA 91203

The Nightmare Before Christmas:
6:30 pm
Beetlejuice: 8:45 pm


Join The LA Kings Birthday Club

Join the Birthday Club if you are a fan of the LA Kings. When you join, you will receive two free* tickets, a 25% discount on additional tickets, and a 10% discount at the Team LA Store.

Register for an off-season birthday by August 31st.


Websites:
For a limited time, AMC theaters is offering $5 movie tickets all day Tuesdays.

LA County Natural Areas Guided Hikes

Saturdays
Times vary by location

View participating locations here.
Featured Match Activity
It is the Halloween season!!
Here are some locations you can go with your littles to celebrate Halloween.
  • Mr.Bones Pumpkins Patch
  • Open October 7 through October 30
  • Time: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • 10100 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232
  • Buy Tickets online
  • https://mrbonespumpkinpatch.com/

  • Pa's Pumpkin Patch
  • Open September 30 through October 30
  • Monday – Fridays: 1 pm – 9 pm
  • Location: 6701 CA-1, Long Beach, CA 90803
  • Buy tickets online
  • https://paspumpkinpatch.com/


  • Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
  • Free admission
  • Open October 1 through October 31
  • Monday - Thursday: 11 am - 8 pm
  • Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm
  • Location:
  • West LA, CA
  • 11852 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Torrance, CA
  • 17520 Prairie Ave, Torrance, CA 90504
  • Websites: https://www.mrjackolanternspumpkins.com/
  • Shawns Pumpkin Patch
  • Free admission and parking
  • Open October 1 through October 31
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 1 pm - 8 pm
  • Friday: 1 pm - 9 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm
  • Location: 11650 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • **Main Entrance on Barry Avenue**
  • Website: https://shawnspumpkinpatch.com/
Painting and Planting Succulents Plants

Planting and growing succulent plants are a fun activity to do with your Little Brother/Sister. Feel free to get creative and paint your pots, write inspirational words/quotes and learn how to grow a succulent plant together. You can find a variety of affordable pots, soil and plants at your local 99 Cents Only Store, Dollar Store, or The Home Depot. This is a great activity to do at a local park.

This website provides more information on growing succulents plants and its benefits:
 
Wheel Fun Rentals: Biking Buddies
Wheel Fun Rentals offers fun and unique recreation, designed to move you on land and water and help you explore your surroundings, all across the U.S. Find a location near you HERE.

Use the coupon to get a discount at participating locations! Check HERE.

Download the coupon pictures HERE.
Virtual Activity Ideas!
Natural History Museum
Online Exhibit

The Natural History Museum is having an online exhibit on images of our tiny neighbors captured by local Angelinos.

Kahoot and Jeopardy Labs
An online game that helps kids learn and have fun doing quizzes. You can create your own quiz and play the ones other people have created.

Websites:
&


Click HERE for a full list of classes

LA Public Library
Click HERE to view a list of online activities.
LA County Library
virtual programming. For a complete list of events click HERE!
If we can provide further support on the match relationship in general, or ideas on how best to maintain the match relationship, please reach out via email or phone. Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will continue to provide support to Bigs and families.