Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Graduating Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Martin County

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Coleman

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-678-7487

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Graduating 

Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Martin County

Martin County, FL – June 5, 2013 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) recently celebrated the graduation of 26 interns who took part in the Career Skills Mentoring Program at Stuart Middle School and Murray Middle School. BBBS would like to thank their funders, business mentors, interns and school supporters for helping make this year’s program possible. The graduation took place at Grace Place in Stuart. Sonny’s BBQ and Seacoast National Bank generously donated food and beverages for the event.

The Career Skills Mentoring Program provides middle school students in 8^th grade with the opportunity to gain employment skills. Students in the program received one hour a week of training and mentoring in basic job skills, such as how to fill out job applications, how to “dress for success,” and interviewing techniques. Motivational speakers explained the importance of an education and demonstrated the qualities of successful employees. The students applied for positions with BBBS business partners and were matched with their business mentor who provided on-the-job guidance. Students received a stipend and are leaving the program with meaningful job experience and training. This program is funded in part by the Children's Services Council of Martin County.

"The Children's Services Council of Martin County is a proud supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Suzanne Wentley, the Council's public education coordinator. "But more so, we were grateful for the help of a 'Little,' who volunteered at our office every week and was mentored by our administrative assistant, Frances Kaleta."

“I enjoy watching this program grow year after year,” said Derick Hayhurst, career skills mentoring program match support specialist at BBBS. “We appreciate the dedication of the businesses that help make this program possible.”

BBBS is looking for more business mentors for next year to make yet another successful and rewarding experience for their Career Skills’ Interns. If interested, please call Derick Hayhurst at 772-781-7855.

Photo Caption: Career Skills Mentoring Program Little Sister/Intern Rosita and Big Sister Frances Kaleta from The Children’s Services Council of Martin County.

Martin County Business Mentors: Advantage Ford of Stuart, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Bohen Dental, C&W Computers, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, Crown Trophy, Family Foot and Ankle, Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Bush, Goldman, Kilbride, Waters & McCluskey, L.L.P, Gertrude Walden Childcare, Martin County Clerk of Court, Port Salerno Boys & Girls Club, Porter Law Office, Skin Serenity Spa, Stuart Jet Center, Stuart Police Department, The City Of Stuart, Treasure Coast Harley Davidson, United Way of Martin County, and YMCA of the Treasure Coast

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.