BB/BS has had a great year

Editor,

Over the past six months I have had the pleasure of working for Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BB/BS) of Lake County and the Flathead Reservation as Program Director. I hadn't heard much about BB/BS prior to my being employed by the organization, and was pleasantly surprised when I first started attending the Mentoring Sessions.

I couldn't believe the positive interaction between the matches and was completely floored by how committed the Bigs are to the program. I've watched as the friendships between the Bigs and Littles have blossomed into a trusting relationship where the Bigs offer support to their Littles as a positive role model.

The Staff and Board of BB/BS are excited to be able to work with the schools to offer our Program in Ronan and our newly implemented program in Pablo. Ronan, in it fourth year has grown from 10 participants to currently over 80 participants each week. Our program in Pablo started in March 2006 and matches high school students from Two-Eagle School with Pablo Elementary youth for one-on-one supportive friendship and mentoring.

As the 2005-2006 school year comes to an end BB/BS is celebrating expansion of services in Pablo and our new "MatchMail" summer program in Ronan. Celebration parties were held at both Ronan and Pablo this month. On Tuesday May 2, BB/BS invited all the children from the Pablo Elementary After-School Program to enjoy snacks, toys, and games in an effort to recruit more youth to the program for the 2006-2007 school year, and to recognize Bigs from Two-Eagle River School and Littles from Pablo Elementary for their participation this year. BB/BS is also working with After-School Program Director Julie Janssen to explore a BB/BS day one or two days a month in June and July where BB/BS will invite all summer school students to participate in BB/BS structured activities. More information on this program will be available soon.

On May 15 BB/BS provided a celebration party for Bigs and Littles for Ronan. Matches enjoyed a picnic pizza lunch from Stageline Pizza and goody bags filled with treats and toys, and received certificates for their participation during the school year. Information on our newly implemented "MatchMail" program was handed out. "MatchMail" allows matches to stay in contact by sending e-mail messages to each other through a BB/BS e-mail address. It's an exciting time for BB/BS as an organization and we look forward to expanding our services and programs in the community.

I extend a special thank you to Ronan In-School Liaisons, Janet Sucha from Ronan High and Amy Griffin from K. William Harvey, for their tireless efforts in assisting BB/BS and helping make our program a great success. To our In-School Liaisons in Pablo, Anita Mahkuk from Two-Eagle and Julie Janssen from Pablo Elementary, thank you for all your time and efforts in getting the program in Pablo off the ground. I look forward to witnessing and being a part of the growth of the program in the years to come.

Monica Shaw

BB/BS Program Director

Ronan