thanks! - Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County | Spring 2008
BIG NEWS
THANKS!
You are making a difference
in children’s futures.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #100
HARRISONBURG, VA.
22801
OK, So What’s This Mentoring
Thing About, Anyway?
OUR MISSION
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg and
Rockingham County makes a positive, measurable
difference in the lives of children by
promoting self-esteem, expanding awareness of life’s
opportunities, and providing education,
guidance, and support through professionally
supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Tate, President
Harry Reif,Vice-President
Jeff Souder, Treasurer
Joan Kelley, Secretary
John Black
Karin Blay
Carrie Comer
Holly Crews
John Cuellar
Jeff Furman
Todd Gardner
Michael Hanger
Wanda Hollen
Don Huntley
Sarah Jones
Captain Wesley Jordan
Maggie Kyger
Melisa Michelsen
Patrick Malloy
Ken Patterson
Jacob Penrod
Jeff Robb
STAFF
Elizabeth Brickhouse, Emily Dovel, Holly Harold,
Cara Hopson, Alicia Horst, Melissa Jenkins,
Kristiann Johnston, Margaret Lundeen,
Aaron Nussbaum, Sharon Poff, Mary Rodihan,
Lisa Stefancin, Diana Tirado, Mary Beth Warner,
Michelle Wescott, Molly Whalen,
Brenda Wilberger, Carmen Wyse
OFFICE LOCATION
225 N. High Street, Harrisonburg,VA
(540) 433-8886
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 81, Harrisonburg,VA 22803
WEB
www.bbbshr.org
info@bbbshr.org
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What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
We are a non-profit organization that provides
adult mentors to children in Harrisonburg and
Rockingham Couty,
How do you do it? Our trained staff carefully screens adults who want to mentor a child.
We also interview children in need of mentors,
and then we pair them based on their interests
and personalities.
So, what is a Big Brother or Sister?
He or she is a caring adult who wants to spend a
little time building a relationship with a youth in
our community and have some fun.
What is a Little Brother or Sister?
He or she is a child who needs a little encouragement and one-on-one attention from an adult.
What do the Bigs and Littles do
together? We have several programs, so it
depends on which one the pair is in. If the pair
(we call them “matches”) are in the community
program, they meet regularly to do all kinds of
activities in the community: hanging out at a
park, playing games, watching a movie, eating
dinner. The bottom line is to build a friendship.
Our other programs are based at county and
city schools. These matches are a bit more structured, with a focus on academics but plenty of
time for fun.
How does your staff help matches
succeed? We regularly check in with Bigs,
Littles and Littles’ parents to see how things are
progressing and how we can help. We also offer
resources for our Bigs, and we sponsor several
free or low-cost events each year to get Bigs and
Littles together as a large group.
Does it work? Yes! Research shows that
mentoring is an effective prevention tool.
Children with mentors do better academically,
socially and emotionally. They also develop better
relationships with parents and peers.
Rajan Shore | Executive Director
NKS
THRAajan!
Director Leaves BBBS ‘In Good Hands’
After a Decade as Executive Director,
Rajan Shore Goes Back to School
In January, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrison- much: building a strong school-mentoring proburg and Rockingham County said goodbye to our
gram, creating mentoring initiatives for Latino
Executive Director for the past 10
youth, integrating generations
years, Rajan Shore. Rajan’s comthrough intergenerational mentormitment to excellence and visioning and encouraging children of
ary leadership helped this local Big
imprisoned parents through a speBrothers Big Sisters become one of a
cialized mentoring opportunity.
leading youth-serving organization
Our successes have been colin this community and a stand-out
laborative, with the support of an
among BBBS agencies nationwide.
excellent staff, a strong Board of
Now at Blue Ridge Community
Directors and you, our commuCollege, she continues her passion
nity partners. The organization is
for working with youthby helping to
poised for more success, including
make higher education a
reaching the goal of
reality for many.
serving 1,000 children
“Rajan has been a visionary who has more
than quadrupled the number of youth served
Here we excerpt her
annually by the end of
annually in the Harrisonburg and Rockinggoodbye letter.
the decade.
ham
County
communities
over
the
past
10
For the past decade,
Thank you
years. Thousands of children’s lives have
I have been proud to
for your
been positively impacted as a direct result of
lead Big Brothers Big
partnership
the phenomenal work of Rajan and her staff.”
Sisters of Harrisonburgwith Big
Rockingham County.
Brothers Big
» Bill Tate, Board President
It has been my privilege
Sisters. Because
to work with you – our
of your help,
partners, donors and friends – to make a signifiyouth in our community are improving their
cant difference in the lives of the children we
academics, building healthy relationships and
mentor.
avoiding risky behavior. I am confident that
I have been honored to be affiliated with Big
with your continued support, the youth in
Brothers Big Sisters. Together, we have achieved
our community are in very good hands.
BBBS Welcomes New Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg
and Rockingham County proudly announces our new Executive Director, Amanda
Kearney.
Amanda is currently employed as a third
grade teacher in Frederick County, MD
and will begin work at the conclusion of
this academic year. Amanda is an energetic, bright, and articulate individual who
will bring many talents to Big Brothers Big
Sisters. Amanda and her husband, Matthew,
are planning to settle in the Harrisonburg
area. Welcome Amanda! We look forward
to your leadership.
Help Make A Child’s
Dream Come True
» Rajan Shore has long held
the dream of BBBS providing
educational scholarships to Littles
in our program.You can help
make that dream a reality.
A scholarship fund has been
established through the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community
Foundation. The scholarship fund
will help make higher education
possible for our Littles, some of
whom may be the first in their
family to attend college.
A $1,000 gift was recently
given to the fund in Rajan’s
honor. Will you consider following that
donor’s lead in honoring Rajan’s decade of
service?
You can send a
check payable to
BBBS, with “scholarship fund” in the
memo line. Call us at
433-8886 for more information.
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NKS
A
H
T igs!
B
Why We Love Mentoring
We recently asked Bigs and Littles to tell us about their matches.
Some highlights . . .
OUR FRIENDSHIP
‘I AM TRULY GRATEFUL’
he activities are endless (did I mention our
pillowcase decorating?) and the
weeks pass by, but what I’ve
experienced in my match with
my Little is that spending time
together slowly changes you
both.
I’ve learned how to freely
laugh and play again; she’s
learned how to braid hair and
share with me stories from her
life.
Recently, when reflecting
on our past year together, my
Little asked me a very important
question that truly captured the
enjoyment of our time together:
“So when can we start meeting
outside of school?” The natural
progression of our school-based
mentorship to an eventual
community-based mentorship
exposes the beauty of the Big
Brother Big Sister program—
where a child and an adult can
meet with each other amidst
the shuffle of life for as little as
one hour a week and truly build
an impacting friendship that
neither will ever forget.
look forward to each time I am able to visit Tony. He is such a joy, and talk about a great smile, he
lights up the whole room when he walks in. Tony is also a very bright young man; all he needs is that
extra push that we all need at times. He is so close to making the A/B honor roll, all he has to do is give that
little extra effort that I know he has in him.
Tony, if you read this, I want you to know I am expecting big things out you and I know you won’t let me
down. I also want you to know that since all my children are grown, you have given me the opportunity to
help shape another young person’s life and for that, I am truly grateful. My only regret is, I did not become
a Big Brother earlier in my life. But you can’t look back, you have to look forward, and I am looking to the
future where I can make a difference in this young man’s life, just as he is making a difference in mine.
T
Big Sister Krista and
Little Sister Stephanie
4
I
Big Brother Alan and Little Brother Tony
BBBS has been a BLESSING . . . I’ve
enjoyed the time we spend together, and
Brandon’s teacher says he has BLOSSOMED
since we started meeting together.
Big Brother Kevin and Little Brother Brandon
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS
O
ne of our favorite things to do on
Wednesday afternoon is baking and playing games. We bake all different goodies from biscuits and banana bread to cupcakes and cookies. As
a Big, Amanda thinks it is a fun way to incorporate
learning with Alyona by practically using math and
fractions, and as a Little, Alyona likes it because she
likes to try different tasty sweets. While our things
are baking in the oven, we play board games to pass
the time in the living room. Alyona usually wins.
Regardless of what game we play, she is good. Some
of our favorite games are checkers and Connect Four.
Big Sister Amanda and Little Sister Alyona
PERFECT MATCH, NAMES AND ALL
O
ur names are Andrea and Andrea.
No, this is NOT a mistake. Actually,
it is quite possibly the best match in history. On
one of our first visits together, we went to the
SPCA where Andrea S. found out that Andrea H.
is afraid of dogs, and Andrea H. found out that
Andrea S. is severely allergic to rabbits. We didn’t
see any pigs at the SPCA, but we found out that
both of us like to pig out on food that isn’t very
good for you. Let’s not mention how much we
ate at Ham’s, or the cookie decorating contest we
had at the Pirate Christmas thingy… We love to
bake sweet tasty things and create new Slurpee
recipes at 7-11.
After getting some matching shoes one day
(we had to have matching shoes because we have
matching names), we went to Newman Lake at
JMU to feed the ducks. We would like to let you
know that you shouldn’t wear new shoes to walk
around Newman Lake for reasons that we prefer
not to tell you.
Big Sister Andrea and Little Sister Andrea
AGE DOESN’T MATTER
C
ould I be a mentor to a kid? I was 55 years old, what
do I know about kids? I’m an old man! He’ll say
things I don’t understand. Am I capable of being cool to a
kid? What can I teach him? My children are adults! I don’t
know the secret to life!
He tells me corny jokes. Tells me what he fears, what he
likes. Still is amazed that an old man like me can outrun
him. Not supposed to happen. (Won’t last long.) He says I
look 75 years old. An 8-year-old’s opinion, oh well. He even
calls and checks on me from time to time. We spend time
together as friends. Age differences in us isn’t an issue.
I want to be in the front row when he graduates from
high school.
By me being here for him, he’s teaching me things about
life I needed to learn long ago. Things that are really important in life. Because BBBS gave him a second chance in life,
it gives me a second chance in life. A whole new perspective.
A life-changing event for me.
Big Brother Herb and Little Brother Josh
‘I’LL NEVER FORGET YOU’
W
hen I met Mallery
She’s the best Big Sister ever
and she’ll always be in my heart
if I lost her I’d be looking for her
but i’ll never forget what we’ve done together
I will always be with her
she’s the prettiest girl I’ve seen
in our hearts we’ll always be with each other.
Love,
Adriana
Big Sister Mallery and Little Sister Adriana
Big Sister Rachelle and Little Sister Alisia
What do you enjoy most about your Big?
She never stops SMILING.
She always BRIGHTENS my day!
Big Sister Ashley and Little Sister Julissa
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Shetha Abusbitan and Jordan
Caroline Adams and Jibrila
Alison Adler and Cheyenne
Brittnay Allen and Constance
Leslie Anderson and Dyasmond
Adriana Arellano and Luis
Sara Arizzi and Taya
Courtney Armstrong and Celina
Katie Atchison and Anahi
Jonathan and Karris Atkins and Cristian
Greg Augustine and Jordan
Annalee Auville and Courtney
Sabrene Bader and Alex
Kaitlin Balka and Ivette
Mckenzie Ball and Michael
Josh Barb and David
Gregory Barbush and Jordan
Brooke Barham and Karla
Hans Barthmus and Isaiah
Holly Baxter and Kimmy
Cassie Beahm and Daisy
Michelle Beardmore and Aleena
Ashley Beaudin and Talina
Caitlin Belcher and Preston
Erin Bender and Beollany
Barry Berger and Logan
Simone Bergey and Allison
Kelly Beyer and Angel
Lauren Bien and Carlos
Ryan Birckhead and Isaac
Kaitlin Black and Rodrigo
Maria Blair and Melody
Annie Blewett and Tyonna
Daniel Blosser and Jerry
Elyse Bodamer and Britney
Kaitlin Bolger and Nate
Amanda Bornarth and Ivy
Samantha Borzi and Emilie
Mary Bostrom and Demi
Allison Bourne and Brea Brooke
Airi Boutcher and Shiann
Travis Boyd and Cody
Jillian Boyd and Brent
Leah Boyd and Jodie
Katrina Bramhall and Elizabeth
Erin Brenneman and Jessica
Kelsey Brewer and Grace
Ryan Briscoe and Jacob
Joanne Britland and Maria Tomasa
Lynn Brosmer and Kayla
Mallory Brown and Katherine
Lisa Brown and Annie
Holmes Browne and John
Erin Brunner and Jessica
Jonathan Bryant and Henry
Katie Bucher and Ashley
Suzette Bucher and Shelby
Rebekah Budnikas and Abby
Randy Budnikas and Joshua
Neil Bumgarner and Chad
Emily Burg and Irina
Caitlin Burgess and Norma
Kimberly Burkett and Erica
Kristen Burns and Esteven
Erin Burris and Samantha
Dawn Burtner and Jesus
Andrea Burton and Kaitlyn
Alex Byland and Ramone
Ashleigh Bynum and Nia
Nancy Byrd and Fernando
Krystina Byron and Jacinda
Elise Campana and Lily
Jaime Campbell and Sabrina
Janet Campbell and Cristeena
Ashley Campbell and Katy
Jane Campbell and Rose
Daniel Cantrell and Devin
Yuliana Cardoso and Antony
Kelly Carlson and Chebley
Vicki Carroll and Naomi
Tanique Carter and Kaitlynn
Amanda Cassiday and Christina
Gina Cavallo and Nicole
Shannon Cawley and Melissa
Meredith Cecil and Harley
Sophia Chaale and Uriel
Becky Chandler and TJ
Becky Chapin and Monique
Vicky Chen and Kasey
Cristina Chesson and Nicole
Daniella Chetcuti and Sandy
Shannon Childress and Pablo
Katya Chopivsky and Annie
Kelly Christian and Brittany
Peggy Ciniero and Chasity
Ashley Clark and Moriah
Ashley L. Clark and Seth
Paul Clatterbuck and Tariq
Caroline Cleary and Katy
Aaron Clemmer and Daniel
Parla Cline and Brianna
Chelsea Cline and Fidelia
Erin Clott and Rachel
Joanna Cobb and Keanan
Erin Coffman and Neilliza
Andrea Cohen and Jamaica
Natalie Cohen and Leslie
Richard Cole and Darren
Katie Cole-Kelly and Elijah
Shannon Collins and Rachel
Carrie Comer and Cheyenne
Kerri Connell and Kayle
Katie Conway and Karena
Heather Corbin and Sam
Christopher Couch and Nicholas
Catherine Craig and Jordan
Amanda Creedon and Alyona
Angel Cregge and Keila
Sara Critz and Yareli
Keaton Culver and Daequan
Courtney Curlett and Rachel
Larry Davis and Brandon
Channing Davis and Roshan
Micah Day and Autumn
Michael De France and John
Emily Dean and Maria
Erin Delaney and Tyler
Rachel Dempsey and Kenneth
Sam DeNafo and Anna
Joanna D’Ercole and Christian
Jacob Derstine and Kooper
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Zachary Detwiler and Irvin
Rose Di Peppi and Cesar
Adam Dialectos and Tyler
Kristin Dickerson and Autumn
Pamela Dirting and Adrian
Mary Dodson and Taylor
Jessie Dodson and Lindsey
John Dondero and Alejandro
Kathleen Donohue and Delphia
Leslie Doscotch and Delshana
Marci Dove and Dominick
Emma Dozier andGabriella
Mary Dunn and Brian
Christine Durakis and Jazmin
Megan Dwyer and Sierrah
Kamryn East and Katie Lou
Kim Eaton and Jeffrey
Nicole Eberly and Sutton
Kristin Eby and Lillyin
Chelsea Edwards and Valentina
Laura Edwards and Brandon
Reza Ekbatani and Daunte
Jenna Emiliani and Tania
Marilyn Escobar and Isis
Krista Esperat and Stephanie
Todd Faber and Michael
Katrinka Fahrney and Dakota
Brittany Farlow and Ami
Candace Farthing and Jaquelin
Paula Ferguson Krishna
Kelsey Fisher and Brianna
Amy Fitzgerald and Jakaya
Charles Fleis and Samuel
Karen Fleishman and Alex
Elizabeth Fleishman and Dalton
Natalie Floyd and Noemi
Sharae Floyd and Cindy
David Ford and Nicholas
Jo Forrest and Jeraldine
Billy Fosbre and Drew
Holly Fredericksen and Joan
Emily Fritter and Katana
Diane Fritz and Tara
Jaclyn Fulk and Gerardo
Amanda Furman and Danna
Gina Gallucci and Haislin
Alli Galvin and Lovella
Todd Gardner and Hoscar
Holly Garrison and Tequan
Kathy Garth and Courtney
Alyssa Gaughen and Lacey
Victoria Gavaza and Leticia
Jean Gearing and Jennifer
Anna Rose Geary and Ryann
Danielle Geisert and Natalia
Christine Gerardi and Faith
Stephen Gerome and Josue
Hooman Gharai and Eric
Lisa Giarrana and Taylor
Stephen Giese and Caleb
Melissa Gildon and Kyle
Josh Gillette and Jacob
Amanda Gisbert and Jasmine
Corrie Glennon and Mason
Kathryne Globig and Darlene
Anne Gonzalez and Katerin
Hannah Good and Cesilia
Daniel Good and Adrian
Ashley Gordon and Jessica
Allison Gould and Edith
Caitlin Gray and Cary
Caity Greer and Moesha
Rachel Gresh and Eliza
Andrea Grigoryev and Kenya
Lindsey Grove and Shane
Megan Grove and Maria
Jodee Gulaskey and Destiny
Tanya Gunderson and Shania
Christopher Gwaltney and Christopher
Kelley Haden and Latasha
Lauren Hafer and Jennifer
Mark Haggerty and Robby
Will Hagy and Shawn
Katharine Haig and Cody
Jason Ham and Roshawn
Stefanie Hamilton and Christy
Kay Hand and Devin
Mary Hand and Tyler
Mary Hand and Gabriela
Joy Hanner and Madisin
Natalie Harold and Cameron
Bruce Hart and Charlie
Brittany Hartley and Joyce
Megan Hartranft and Molikka
Katie Haughinberry and Lorenzo
Carolyn Healy and Grace
Meghan Heil and Rawley
Nicole Heiner and Oscar
Matt Henderson and Austin
Anna Henderson and Ally
Lauren Hensel andAlethia
Jessica Herr and Krishna
Allison Herrick and Destini
Frances Hess and Madalyn
Lori Heuberger and Tekah
Hayley Hicks and Jayla
Doris Hilbert and Brittany
Tracy Hinkle and Ward
Whitney Hinshaw and Aubree
Michael Hitchcoff and Warren
Thang Ho and Clinton
Katharine Hogan and Selena
Christin Holler and Caitlynn
Colleen Hooker and Max
Tiffany Horst and Ninoska
Robert Hoskins and Jeffrey
Melinda Houle and Antonio
Alma Howdyshell and Janette
bigs are our
HEROES
Nicole Hrusovsky and Oriana
Ann Huber and Rodrigo
Sarah Huffman and Thalia
Joy Huffman and Leslie
Michelle Hunt and Aracely
Ann Hylton and Sarah
Libby Ireland and Miranda
Julie Irizarry and Brianna
Gannon Irons and Caleb
Julie Ives and Heather
Allison Ives and Hannah
Alison Ives and Maia
Kristen Ivey and Dillon
Alex Jerasa and Austin
Jared Jessup and TJ
Ana Jimenez and Emilin
Ana Jimenez and Cassandra
Kelly Johnson and Jose
Christi Johnson and Cristal
Ashley Jones and Adriana
Ashley Jones and Julissa
Ksenia Jowyk and Kayla
Grant Kamins and William
Jillian Keck and Kirstin
Judy Keens and Katie
Ed Keens and Ruben
Whitney Keister and Lorena
Kristen Keller and Samantha
Ken Keller and Cody
Jennifer Kennard and Makiah
Bonnie Keppel and Jurnee
Lara Keyser and Justin
Lisa King and Cinthia
Drew Kirk and River
Marshall Kiser and Sven
Nichole Klamfoth and Dillon
Talia Knezic and Ronald
Zachary Knight and Jarek
Tracy Koblish and Hannah
Jackie Koblitz and Nancy
Kelly Kohan and Chelsey
Emalee Kohos and Cassie
Rachel Kuchta and Nikia
Elliott Kuelz and Jesse
Asa Kurland and Anthony
Lois Kwon and Araceli
Valerie Lalonde and Jocelyn
Valerie Lambert and Maria
Rebecca Lander and Ilena
Vanessa Landis and Kiana
Joanna Lang and Teresa
Emily Langhorne and Tori
Rob Lankard and Tucker
Emily LaPrade and Brianna
Stephanie Laris and Angel
Rachael LaRosa and Katana
Melanie Lause and Yulissa
Emily Law and Bianca
Tryston Lawrence and Jose
Susan Layman and Cynthia
Sarah League and Vanessa
Cindy Lee and Skylar
Dallas Lee and Marselino
Diane Lending and Ny’Asia
Meaghan Leonard and Gerver
Carrie Leonard and Rachel
Jennifer Lifland and Bianca
Theresa Lind and Justin
Anne Carlyle Lindsay and Anne
Christina Little and Danielle
Mike Livesey and Matthew
Karen Loar and Brittany
Jaimie Lofurno and Caleb
Susan Loney and Brooklyn
Rachel Looney and Joshua
Kristin Lovallo and Briana
Liz Loveless and Jesenia
Margaret Lundeen and Nexa
Ben Lundy and Donald
Courtney Luongo and Tiffany
Sara Luscombe and Peggie
Carissa Lynch and Bryce
Erica Lynott and Heather
Kerry Madden and Nikki
Sarah Magee and Jesus
Kathleen Mahin and Chelsea
Erin Mahoney and Megan
Seth Malaguerra and Dylan
Danny Mallory and Adrian
Brigid Maloy and Kaisha
Marissa Mangual and Kimberly
Cara Manise and Jason
Dot Martin and Whitney
Matt Maskell and Bradley
Kimberly May and Brittany
Lindsay Mayer and Michelle
Doreen McCormack and Rubi
Rachelle McCracken and Alisia
Alyn McDermott and Yaritza
Danielle McGhee and Jarrett
Katie McGinnis and Marisol
Maria Mckenna and Ernest
Theresa McNamara and Montana
Kevin Meland and Brandon
Karol Mendoza and Dania
Brittany Meredith and Christopher
Tim Meredith and Ranon
Lorie Merrow and Shenerwe
Alyssa Mihok and Marina
Judi Miller and Zachary
Tina Miller and Jazmin
Kerry Miller and Madison
Deedy Miller and Danny
Aaram Millones and Octavio
Sarah Mills and Leticia
Ashley Mills and Aaliyah
Tristen Mimiaga and Ramon
Holly Miranda and Travis
Megghan Mitchell and Jessica
Mallery Monroe and Twety
Maria Monroy and Erika
Jean-Marie Moore and Danielle
Diane Moore and Summer
Tony Morris and Antone
Carol Moseley and Khrystian
Derrick Mosley and Gabriel
Sherry Moyers and Brittany
Sidd Mukerji and Asher
Megan Musser and Sierra
Anne Mutschelknaus and Leslie
Mickey Nagle and Nicholas
Tara Neel and Victoria
Jenna Neff and Jessenia
Erica Neiman and Nina
Brooke Nestor and Victoria
Elizabeth Newcomb and Alvaro
Beth Newton and Luz Elena
Meghan Newton and Keyshaun
Amanda Ngo and Anis
Esteban Nieto and Uriel
Marian Noble and Riya
Jonathan Nofziger and Paul
Ellen Noland and Sintia
Katie Nugent and Christopher
Aaron Nussbaum and Gary
Lynette Nussbaum and Jasmine
Megan Opperman and Julie
Caitlin Orchant and Haley
Benjamin Ostrander and Michael
Jeff Oswald and Osiel
Jayna Otonicar and Estifany
Kelsey Pace and Michelle
Lauren Pack and Brianna
Erica Paden and Jaselen
Lauren Padgett and Priscila
Agustina Pandolfi and Jaslim
Christina Pappafotis and Adriana
Gina Park and Brooke
Kunal Patel and RJ
Yash Patel and Anthony
Nicole Patterson and Sabrina Ann
Amy Payne and Allen
Kelly Payne and Mauricio
Seth Pearman and Takoda
Jessica Pearson and Sarah
Leah Peer and Courtney
Vanessa Pelfrey and Katie Lou
Mark Philbin and Justice
Trish Philon and Samantha
Shelley Pierce and Madison
Lori Piitz and Kelly
Candi Plaster and Katie
Debbie Plaugher and Kendra
Kari Preston and Christiann
Niki Price and Lesly
Joe Prochnow and Colton
Astin Pronio and Brandon
Heather Quick and Alex
Ryan Raines and Rasheed
Andrew Reece and Connor
Stephanie Reese and Valentin
Courtney Rejzer and Owen
Nooshin Rezazad and Anthony
Philip Rhodes and Jeremy
Tina Richard and Bethany
Tina Richard and Dakota
Nancy Richardson and Laramie
Suzanne Riddleberger and Whitney
Michelle Ries and Destiny
Ann Marie Riggleman and Diana
Chris Rineker and Jonathon
Jimmie Ritchie and Christopher
Michele Ritner and Orville
Katy Robb and Makayla
Michele Robel and Starrlynn
Shonda Roberson and Kenyaa
Shelby Roberts and Zachary
Dana Robinson and Olivia
Jen Rockhill and Vanessa
Katie Rodriguez and Cindy
Tania Rodriguez and Hermosa
Barbara Rojas and Elizabeth
Mike Root and Ulizes
Carolyn Rose and Sean
Erin Rose and Brienna
Erin Rosensteel and Zachary
Erik Ruiz and Brian
Jason Ruschak and Luis
Louis Sanchez and Ruben
Paloma Santos and Rubi
Catherine Sawin Tatiana
Kelley Sawyer and Kate
Chasity Schaeffer and Cortney
Stephanie Schennum and Christopher
Katie Schrecker and Jeymi
Emily Schrecker and Kassandra
Sarah Schumacher and Brandon
Jennifer Schwartz and Sierra
Heather Schwarz and Kaylee
Meagan Seal and Wiston
Meagan Seal and Josue
Rachael Seda and Esmeralda
Rachael Seda and Marisol
Timothy Sehrer and Tommy
Katherine Selheim and Yesenia
Nazly Shafagati and Maria
Tammy Shearer and Talia
Sara Shedlosky and Marimar
Bianca Sheldon and Gabrielle
William Shell and Samuel
Alan Shelton and Tony
Stephanie Shenk and Brandon
Andrea Sherrill and Andrea
Mary Shindler and Vivian
Karen Shoemaker and Tonya
Christina Shoemaker and Joan
Virginia Showers and Miche
Johnny Shu and Christopher
J.J. Siegner and Alex
Eduarda Silva and Nadiha
Anna Silveira and Vanessa
Nataliya Siminchuk and Jessica
Christian Simmers and Dakota
Daniel Simmons and Michael
Danielle Simmons and Hunter
Adam Slayton and Alan
Herbert Slusher and Josh
Janet Smallwood and Sophie
Catherine Smathers and Alyssa
Hannah Smith and Christopher
Ashley Smith and Kelsey
Judy Smith and Asha
Melanie Smith and Summer
Courtney Smith and Kerissa
Chelsea Smith and Ariel
Sean Smith and Daniel
Kristin Smith andAmber
Morgan Sohl and Gerardo
Jessica Song and Manuel
Debbie Songer and Criss
Katharine Spiker and Chase
Dan St John and Kayne
Kathleen Stakem and Rigoberto
Jenna Stapelfeld and Olivia
Sarah Stedman and Grant
Kaitlyn Stefanski and Eduardo
Jess Stephani and Taylor
Megan Stevens and Stephanie
Stephanie Stover and Wynona
Deanna Stover and Candace
Anjanae Stringfield and Kairell
Megan Stuart and Destiny
Rich Suchopar and Ja’had
Stephanie Suitt and Cristy
Emily Swedo and Kasandra
Rachel Switzer and Makayla
Jeanne Sword and Destiny
Kyle Sylvester and Joesiha
David Taliaferro and Carlos
Kathleen Tamberrino and Charles
Jared Taylor and Tyrone
Lauren Tebbenhoff and HollyAnne
Carrie Teichert and Morgan
Jamie Templon and Brittany
Alex Tenser and Madelyn
Casey Terrell and Tyler
Shannon Thacher and Steven
Sam Theurer and Luis
Katie Thisdell and Michelle
Todd Thomas and Timothy
Jill Thompson and Trequisha
Rachel Tombes and Jae-Ashlynn
Elizabeth Toms and Jennifer
Merideth Torrey and Makayla
Kelsey Toscano and Joel
Theresa Tran and Tanner
Megan Trevillian and Shane
Teri Trick and Lindsay
Briana Tsarnas and Monee
Andy Turner and Jason
Joanna Turner and Francheska
Gary Turner and Diego
Andrew Umphress and Cruz
Marisa Valenziano and Shania
Debbie Vance and Logan
Nicole Vienne and RJ
Katie Vogel and Kiara
Jessica Walczak and Alley
Jackie Walsh and Yasmin
Kacie Wampler and Ariana
Louise Ward and Alicia
Meredith Ward and Aphrodite
Anita Warner and Nayra
Nadia Wasef and Dalton
Stephanie Washington and Daisha
Kristine Wasser and Stephany
Steve Weaver and Jeff
Jackee Webster and Jennifer
Ryan Wentz and Caitie
Jessica West and Tomas
Rachel Wheat and Daniela
Kenny Wheelbarger and Brandon
Misti Wheelbarger and Jacob
Francesca Whitby and Tristin
Alison Whitehead and Kahlil
Claire Whitley and Desaray
Alexander Wiatt and Jordan
Kelsey Wiebe and Kamari
Ashley Wilkins and Neilunia
Amanda Wilkins and Ellie
Tara Williams and Alina
Sam Williams and Tin
Megan Williams and Saul
Jessie Wilmoth and Hannah
Tom Wilson and Cody
David Wingfield and Yobany
Julia Witmer and Brandon
Evan Witt and Benjamin
Tristen Wood and Hunter
Stephen Wood and Jalen
Chastity Wright and Samantha
Mike Wzorek and Shawn
Lora Yankey and JJ
Eric Yoder and Javier
Kevin Young and Carlos
Anna Young and Lulita
Stephanie Zaller and Damien
Jannette Zavala and Angel
Katherine Zetts and Daisey
Alan Zigler and Caleb
Amy Zirkle and Ashley
This list includes all matches that have
been active in 2008, as of 3/28/08. If we
have missed your match, please forgive us.
Call Emily at 433-8886 with questions.
NKS
THBAigs!
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NKS
A
H
T MH!
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RMH, BBBS Keep Kids Healthy
In response to the growing problem of childhood obesity,
Big Brothers Big Sisters and 4-H partnered to provide a
fun and educational mentoring experience for local youth.
Every Monday afternoon, after the school day is done, Bigs
(adult volunteers) and Littles (area youth) meet in Waterman Elementary’s gymnasium. They are taking part in the
“Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids” curriculum, presented
by 4-H.
Matches spend time learning about the food pyramid,
the importance of exercise, and healthy body image. In
addition, children receieve a healthy snack and participate
in games and exercise in the school gymnasium. As a result
of this program, youth participants are better able to select
healthy foods and are participating in regular physical
activity.
To participate in the program, BBBS matches youth with
an adult mentor. These matches (one Big paired with one
Little) start their relationship together in a more structured
environment while learning about the importance of making healthy choices.
One major advantage to having Bigs participate in
this curriculum with their Littles is that Bigs hear the
same messages the Littles are learning. Then, as they
spend more time together and continue to
develop their relationship, Bigs are able to talk
about and reinforce the important messages
being learned.
Big Brothers Big Sisters and 4-H gratefully
acknowledge the RMH Foundation’s financial
support that makes this innovative program possible.
What’s a Big to Do When Ideas Run Dry?
Take heart. Big Brothers Big Sisters sponsors lots of fun (and free!) activities for our Big-Little matches throughout the year.
But, what about those in-between times? Looking for some more inspiration? Read on to find out what other local Bigs and
Littles have been doing together lately...
decorate valentine’s cookies n eat dinner out n visit the arboretum n play with a puppy
watch a local play n read books together n attend a high school basketball game n laugh
play checkers n draw n learn fractions by baking together n go swimming
learn about computers n visit the park n work on homework
tell stories n listen to music n visit the library n go window shopping
volunteer at the SPCA n write in a journal n perform science experiments n eat ice cream
paint pottery n drink slurpees n buy matching shoes n make tie-dye shirts
walk around a lake n tour washington, d.c. n make friendship bracelets n eat chinese food
roller-skate n write a song n watch movies n play uno n learn counted cross-stitch
research a subject for school project n make (and eat!) pizza
8
2
great
events
THANKS
Sponsors
BBBS depends on two main fundraising events during the year. All money raised stays in our community,
enriching local children’s lives. Thanks to the thousands who participated in these events!
BOWL
For Kids’ Sake Sponsors
$2,500 Wayne Harper Charities
$1,500 Cargill n Farmers & Merchants Bank n McDonalds
$1,000 Camp Horizons n Dynamic Aviation n Glass and Metal Inc. n United Bank n Virginia Procurement n Wal-Mart Distribution
Riddleberger Brothers n The Printing Express
$500 Commonwealth One n Huffman Electrical Systems n Pendleton Community Bank n Merck
$250 Aramark n Bridgewater Rotary n Enterprise Rent-A-Car n Suntrust Mortgage n Woodstone Meadows Stables n SignPro n Eddie Edwards Signs
In-Kind Chanello’s n Valley Lanes
DANCE
For Kids’ Sake Sponsors
$1,000 Ham’s n United Bank n Va. Procurement
$500 Farmers & Merchants Bank n Rosetta Stone n Mosley Architects n Business Matters
CommonWealth One n Walmart Supercenter Dayton
$250 McDaniel Inc. n RMC, INC n Mini-Storage n Suntrust Mortgage n Cargill - Dayton
Blue Ridge Insurance n Pioneer Bank n Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport n Steven Toyota
Black, Sengers & Associates n Eddie Edwards Signs
1
purpose
a stronger community
By helping our youth succeed, you
help build a better future for us all!
Watch for announcements about
the next big event, and come join the fun!
9
Make Your
Tee Time!
The Denton Foundation’s
annual golf tournament will benefit
Big Brothers Big Sisters.
When: Wednesday, October 1, 1 p.m.
Where: Lakeview Golf Course
Cost per Team: $400, due in August
Contact: 433-8886
Big Brothers Big Sisters gratefully acknowledges the
generous support
of individuals, churches, charitable foundations, businesses and others who join us in helping turn
lives right side up. With the dedication and faithful support of the donors whose gifts were received
in 2007, we served 849 Big-Little matches, pushing us closer to our goal of serving 1,000 children
annually in 2010. This program would not exist without your support.
r
You are
10
opening doors for children — for our community — for the future.
Thanks for Your Support
Ham’s Restaurant has helped us again,
and we’re so grateful.
During National Mentoring Month in
January, Ham’s provided meals for our
Big-Little matches to eat out together.
Thanks Ham’s!
You can help Big Brothers
Big Sisters just by
clicking your mouse!
Bruster’s Ice Cream will donate 20% of
its sales on May 20 from 7-9 p.m. So, stop
by and get some ice cream and help BBBS
all at the same time. Yum!
For each Internet search you do at
www.goodsearch.com,
BBBS receives a penny.
Thanks Bruster’s!
And pennies add up!
We’re not just a good cause.
We’re a good business partner.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
has been proven to make
a measurable, long-lasting
impact on the children in local
schools and communities.
It’s also a smart business
decision, because when you
invest in youth, you invest in
the future.
For information on how your
business can partner with us,
call 433-8886.
Just go to the Web site and list
BBBS Harrisonburg-Rockingham County
as your charity.
And now you can shop at goodshop.com,
an online mall that donates up to 37% of
each purchase to the charity you choose!
Stores include Amazon, Target, Gap,
Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and more.
How Do You Want Your
BIG NEWS?
Would you prefer to receive your
newsletter by e-mail? If so, send an
e-mail to info@bbbshr.org, and we’ll
start sending you our
e-mail version.
11
Looking Back | Highlights from Our Annual Report
KS
AN007!
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T r2
Fo
You Made It Happen!
With strong community support, 2007 was another successful year of mentoring our community’s children.
We Keep Growing
Youth Served in 2007
Over the years, we have responded to emerging needs in the
community. Now, that means working with a diverse group of
children who reflect the growing diversity in our area.
» Gender:
» Race: » Home: 40%
60%
49%
32%
10%
9%
52%
48%
Boys
Girls
White
Hispanic
African-American
Other
Harrisonburg
Rockingham County
» want more info?
Call us at 433-8886 to
receive a copy of our
2007 Annual Report.
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849
782
697
589
521
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
In 2007, we continued to grow, serving more
matches than we ever have before. As you can see
from the graph above, we are well on our way toward
1,000 matches served annually by the end of this
decade.
Finances
Thanks to your financial support, we
ended 2007 on stable ground, positioning us to continue the work of mentoring
children and shaping the community for
years to come.
Income: $583,836.50
Expenses: $515,929.20