BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF KAWARTHA LAKES-HALIBURTON INC.
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. Would you like to join their team?Profile owner : k************n@b*******************s.ca
Mission Statement
Our VISION at Big Brothers Big Sisters Kawartha Lakes - Haliburton is making sure that all young people can realize their full potential. Our MISSION at Big Brothers Big Sisters Kawartha Lakes - Haliburton is to enable children to have life changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people.
About This Cause
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes - Haliburton is a charitable organization that provides mentoring programs to children and youth throughout the community. The children aged 6-16 years are matched with a caring adult mentor throughout the community, schools, and from our site. All volunteers are screened and trained according to National Standards that are set by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. The children and youth who become involved with these mentoring programs are more likely to succeed in life, have better relationships with family and friends, will be less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol, will attend post-secondary education, and become contributing community members! The organization receives it's revenue through United Way (20%), fundraising events (70%) and donations and foundations (10%). The organization does not receive government funding to support operating costs. The organization employs an Executive Director, two Case Managers, a Summer Activities Coordinator, and a Summer Community Engagement Coordinator to deliver the service to The City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County. There are over 4000 children residing in lone parent families in this area that has a population of approximately 94,000. Many of the children reside in families that are economically disadvantaged and experience issues related to poverty. But with mentoring programs, children and youth can move past barriers. Traditional Match: A Little Brother or Little Sister is a child between the ages of 6 and 16, who are paired with a Big Brother or Big Sister. An extensive screening process is initiated by the agency to ensure that the Little’s needs, as well as the Big’s and Parent’s expectations, are fully explored and taken into consideration prior to a “match” being made. These matches can pre-arrange meet-ups with parents and the agency to go to fun-filled activities and enjoy each others time together. Big Brothers Big Sisters Kawartha Lakes - Haliburton also includes couples representing Big's in a match. This match creates a unique two-to-one friendship where a Little can experience a role model not just of caring adults but of what a respectful relationship should act like. Both adults must be at least 20 years of age and have been together for at least one year. In-School Mentoring: In-School mentoring also requires a thorough screening evaluation. A Little is a child between the ages of 6 and 12, who with the parent and school’s approval, is matched with a Big to meet with on school grounds for a weekly visit of one hour throughout the duration of the school year. The goal of the friendship is to assist the child in boosting their self-esteem and confidence in school. The Big and Little may spend their time together doing activities such as: playing board games, crafts, reading, computers or physical activity. Summer Group Program(s): Our summer programs including Go Girls, Innovation Igniters, Creative Space, and Kids N' Kops allows for children to gather to learn from adult role models in group settings (mainly virtual due to Covid-19). These programs allow for children to grow their confidence in themselves and others while making long-lasting memories. When children get to meet the communities role models, like Kids N' Kops, they are able to learn what the protectors do and decisions they make, hopefully sparking interest to wanting to do something important and exciting as they age. Our other programs focus on healthy living and encouragement of STEM in children to help guide them on their path of future interests.