Thursday, June 27, 2013

Dwyer football players 'think big,' mentor


Dwyer High School Football Team and Big Brothers Big Sisters Develop a Valuable Friendship


For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487

Dwyer High School Football Team and
Big Brothers Big Sisters Develop a Valuable Friendship

Palm Beach County, FL – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties (BBBS) would like to thank Dwyer High School football players for stepping up to the plate to mentor a whole new population of boys in Palm Beach County. BBBS is truly excited to be embarking on this wonderful opportunity and sees it as a model for future collaborations between high school athletes and school’s after care facilities. 

The Dwyer High School athletes will be mentoring 18 boys at Grove Park Elementary After Care during the weekly Think Big Club. High school students meet their “Littles” to help with homework, do activities and work on projects together in a supervised setting. These matches make an incredible impact on both the Little and the High School Big.

BBBS appreciates the support of everyone involved in creating an exciting new opportunity in our community. Thanks to all who helped make this happen:   Grove Park Extended Day Coordinator, Patricia Almaguer, Grove Park Elementary School Principal Eric Gross, Pastor Scott Arnold, Head Football Coach Jack Daniels, and Dwyer High School Principal, Dr. Gloria Sheffield.

“It is the help of the community that allows our organization to continue improving the lives of children in our area,” said Yvette Flores, Enrollment & Match Support Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “We are so privileged to have so much support in Martin and Palm Beach County.”

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.

Monday, June 24, 2013

BIG News from the BBBS Board!


Congratulations to Mr. Gary Vonk!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties is excited to announce that Board of Governors member Gary Vonk received his Doctorate of Business Administration. Mr. Vonk has been an active board member with BBBS for several years. We would like to congratulate him on his BIG achievement. Mr. Vonk is the President of Southeastern College and the Vice Chair of the BBBS executive committee. Mr. Vonk’s dedication helps improve the lives of children in our local community. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties Announces the Coconut 5K



For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties Announces the Coconut 5K

West Palm Beach, FL (June 24, 2013)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties(BBBS) is excited to announce their partnership with South Florida Runs to organize the 1st annual Coconut 5K Run and kids walk/run. The event will be held Sunday, November 3 at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. The 5K race will begin at 7:45 a.m. and a kid’s walk/run will follow. 

BBBS would like to encourage the community, as well as our friends and family to participate. The run will not only generate proceeds and raise awareness, but it will also be a great event for our ‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles.’ 

Our partner, South Florida Runs, is an inclusive running group who promotes running and wellness in South Florida. The group was established in 2008 by Sam Guagliardo and has grown to over 750 runners.  Andy Zircher, a member of South Florida Runs, said, "There are so many wonderful, giving people in our group. We love running together, but we also wanted to use our network of people to do something positive for the community. When we met with Big Brothers Big Sisters we knew immediately that we found a great partner and great cause for the race. We couldn't be more excited about our new relationship." 

“We are looking forward to a wonderful partnership with the committee. We are so honored that we were selected to be the beneficiary for their inaugural event,” said Aleisha Coleman, BBBS director of marketing & special events. “This event is going to be fabulous. The proceeds raised from this event will help to support our local mentoring programs.”

The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. To register for the event, volunteer or become a sponsor visit 
www.coconut5k.com.  To learn more about South Florida Runs visit www.southfloridaruns.com.

Photo Caption: South Florida Runs Members and Coconut 5k Committee Andy Zircher, Kelly Matczak and Sam Guagliardo at the 2012 Miami Rock n Roll half marathon.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties 

BBBS provides children facing adversity ages 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. The organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County since 1986 and in Palm Beach County since July of 2010. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009, 2010, and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. To find out how you can get involved, visit www.mentorbig.org.

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Big Brothers Big Sisters Continues to Grow in Palm Beach & Martin County


For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487

Big Brothers Big Sisters Continues to Grow in Palm Beach & Martin County

West Palm Beach, FL – June 19, 2013 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties is looking to add 8 new employees during the upcoming fiscal year. These new positions will bring the BBBS staff up to a total of 23 members on their team. These new job opportunities include a Chief Operating Officer, a Recruitment Coordinator, Enrollment & Match Support Specialist, a Match Support Specialist and multiple Teen Mentoring Program Facilitators.

As a local non-profit, BBBS is proud of their growth in the past several years. In addition to growing the staffing by 53%, BBBS will also continue to develop active programs in Palm Beach & Martin Counties, serving 1,000 children in their territory and implementing new program opportunities.

BBBS President and CEO William P. Bee, Jr. feels that the success at BBBS is due to selecting the right team. “Recognize that your staff is your most valuable asset; thus, if an issue presents itself, focus on finding a solution rather than looking where to place blame,” he says. “Additionally, remain optimistic; people gravitate towards people with positive attitudes rather than those with negative perspectives. You learn from every experience, and every experience offers opportunity in some form.”


“I am proud to be a part of this team,” said BBBS Program Manager, Laura Reilly. “I have been an employee at BBBS for eleven years now. It is such a great feeling to have an impact on the lives of children in our local community. There is so much need right here in Palm Beach and Martin County and I am so happy that I am able to be a part of an organization that helps these kids.”

For more information on BBBS job opportunities visit http://www.mentorbig.org/employment/. BBBS is dedicated to continue to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Photo Caption: Martin County BBBS Executive Director, Stacey Brownlow, recognizing Program Manager, Laura Reilly for her 11 years of support at Annual Awards & Recognition Dinner presented by DEX Imaging.

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.

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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

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


For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487
Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Graduating Class of
 Career Skills’ Interns in Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL – June 18, 2013 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) recently celebrated the graduation of 25 Roosevelt Middle School (RMS) 8th grade students who took part in the Career Skills Mentoring Program. BBBS would like to thank their funders, business mentors, and school supporters for helping to make this year’s program possible.

The Career Skills Mentoring Program provides middle school students in 8th grade with the opportunity to gain employment skills. Students in the program received two hours 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 City of West Palm Beach.
 
All of the experience and confidence our students have gained over the past year is tremendous,” said Yvette Flores, Match and Enrollment Specialist of BBBS. “I am thankful to all of the businesses who graciously stepped up to be a part of this program.”

“The City of West Palm Beach is a proud supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters," said District 1 Commissioner of West Palm Beach Sylvia Moffett. "We are thrilled that we were able to be a part of this year’s graduation. We look forward to great things from the students who graduated from this program."

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 Yvette Flores at 561-337-3057.

West Palm Beach Business Mentors include: Good Samaritan Medical Center, Regional Physiotherapy, State Attorney’s Office, City of West Palm Beach Court House, West Palm Beach Police Department, IPC international, City Commissioner’s Office, Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, Run and Roll, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and The Palm Beach Post.

Photo Caption:
(Left to right) Career Skills Mentoring Program City Commissioner’s Office Big Sister Phyllis Brooks, Little Sister/Intern Ta’Tyanna Chappelle, District 1 Commissioner of West Palm Beach Sylvia Moffett

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.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

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

For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
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 8th 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.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The Schmidt Family Foundation awards $25,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties


For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487

The Schmidt Family Foundation awards $25,000 to
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

West Palm Beach, FL (June 4, 2013) – The Schmidt Foundation has recently awarded a $25,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS). This contribution will help BBBS expand their mentoring programs for at-risk children and youth in southern Palm Beach County, providing more children with strong and enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships that will change their lives for the better, forever.   Through these positive, one-on-one mentoring relationships, children learn to see themselves as their mentors see them: as valuable and capable individuals who, despite environmental limitations, can set goals for themselves, and experience social, academic, and personal success in their everyday lives.

“We sincerely appreciate the Schmidt Family Foundation’s support of our mentoring programs,” said William P. Bee, Jr., BBBS President and CEO. “The investment will make a tremendous impact on the lives of the children in our local community.”

“The Schmidt Family Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to helping people help themselves.  By providing an appropriate financial catalyst, the Foundation gives individuals the means to alleviate suffering or to make the most of their given abilities, that they may make the greatest returns to society” (http://www.schmidtfamilyfoundation.org/).


About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties  

BBBS provides children facing adversity ages 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. The organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County sine 1986 and in Palm Beach County since July of 2010. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009, 2010, and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. To find out how you can get involved, visit www.mentorbig.org.

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Monday, June 3, 2013

jcpenney and Haggar Team Up in June to Support Big Brothers Big Sisters


For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487

jcpenney and Haggar Team Up in June to Support Big Brothers Big Sisters
Customers Invited to Round Up Purchases to Benefit Mentoring Youth

Palm Beach & Martin County, FL - June 3, 2013 --   Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, is joining forces with jcpenney in June for the retailer’s charitable giving program, jcp cares.  By rounding-up purchases both in-store and online at jcp.com, customers support maintaining and monitoring long-term mentoring matches to help children who face adversity in school and life.

“Our partnership with jcp cares aligns perfectly with the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Start Something® brand message, which tells people and organizations there are many ways they can support mentoring; volunteering is just one of them,” said Charles Pierson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America president and CEO.  “jcp cares is providing financial support and awareness that will make resources available to help our local agencies carefully match more volunteers and children and provide support needed to keep the mentoring going strong long-term.”

jcpenney stores in  Palm Beach County, Martin County and across the nation will invite customers to become friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters by rounding up purchases to the nearest dollar and donating the difference to the nationwide mentoring organization.  In addition, jcpenney will donate $1 for every $50 gift card sold in June, up to $50,000, giving Big Brothers Big Sisters an opportunity to receive additional funding.  

“We are incredibly excited to support an organization that is making such a profound impact on the lives of children educationally, socially and emotionally,” said Miki Woodard, jcp cares president and vice president of philanthropy for jcpenney.  “Additionally, we’re proud to have our long time brand partner, Haggar, by our side to fortify these efforts.”

Haggar will also support Big Brothers Big Sisters by running an in-store campaign in all jcpenney locations June 1-30.  For any pair of Haggar pants purchased, Haggar will donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, with a contribution of up to $50,000.  Customers will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a trip to the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend in Canton, Ohio.

“I am delighted that Haggar has joined the nationwide mentoring network as a corporate partner,” said Lynn Swann, former professional football player and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America alumnus board member and national spokesperson.  “It’s a perfect fit, as Haggar and Big Brothers Big Sisters have a shared commitment to help children, families and communities thrive.  I will always be proud to wear my Haggar NFL Hall of Fame jacket, just as I will continue to cherish the years I’ve been privileged to serve Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its Reunite Now national conference in Denver, Colo. June 24-30.  On June 26, jcpenney will sponsor a special luncheon at the conference where the retailer will reveal a fashion makeover for a former “Big” and “Little,” followed by a surprise reunion of the two.  Throughout the conference week, Big Brothers Big Sisters employees will encourage Bigs, Littles, family members and friends to replace their Facebook profile picture with a special badge that displays the partnering organizations’ logos. 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity ages 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. The organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County since 1986 and in Palm Beach County since July of 2010. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009, 2010, and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. To find out how you can get involved, visit www.mentorbig.org.