The
Update
BIG
October 2012
Message from the CEO Greetings!
The month of October highlights an important and increasingly relevant issue among our children: bullying. In recent months, bullying has become a hot topic across our country and, unfortunately, more prevalent in our schools. It’s an epidemic that affects everyone no matter one’s age, ethnicity or social status. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, we pride ourselves in creating a community of friendship and kindness. Our Bigs are screened and trained to provide quality and healthy mentor relationships that are mutually beneficial. Littles enrolled in our program reported to be one-third less likely to hit someone and 90 percent of former Littles said their Big made him or her feel better about themselves. Bullying has no place in our program or in our society and we remain committed to the safety of our Littles and Bigs. This month is a great time to have a discussion with your Little, or any child in your life, about the devastating effects of bullying and what do if he or she is in that situation or a witness. Do not hesitate to ask your Little questions about school, friends and or other social activities; these are opportunities to stay in tune with what is happening in your Little’s life. Never underestimate the power of a strong role model and mentor in a child’s life. It’s caring and supportive adults, like Bigs, who can steer children down a positive path and make a difference. Let’s take a stance against bullying, together!
Robin Hanna Interim President & CEO
Donate Today: The Arizona Working Poor Tax Credit
1.
The State of Arizona offers a tax credit to organizations providing assistance to the working poor. This provision allows individuals to take a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.
2.
Taxpayers filing as “single” and “head of household” status may claim a maximum credit of $200. Taxpayers who file as “married filing joint” may claim a maximum credit of $400. In order to claim your tax credit you must itemize your deductions and complete Arizona tax form 321.
3.
For more information about the tax credit and filing instructions, please visit the Arizona Department of Revenue. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona does not offer legal or tax advice. Always consult with a qualified, licensed professional regarding all legal or tax-related issues.
BIG
thanks!
Kudos to ProCopy BBBSAZ thanks ProCopy for their generous $1,000 donation to our agency as part of their “Copy Drop� event which asked participants to submit a letter as to why his or her copier should be dropped from a 750 foot crane! The event was a great success and we thank everyone for their continued support of our Bigs and Littles!
Steve LeVine Entertainment supports BBBSAZ! Steve LeVine Entertainment hosted the third annual Sound Wave music festival in Sept. 29 and announced BBBSAZ as a beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds! With more than 10,000 in attendance our agency is overwhelmed with appreciation for this generous support. Thanks to Steve LeVine Entertainment and all who attended! Page 2
Welcome back Native American site-base programs back in action for new school year
BBBSAZ is proud to have four site-based programs this year as part of our Native American Mentoring Initiative: The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation sitebased program — High School mentors attending Fountain Hills High School are matched to 4th and 5th graders attending Fountain Hills Middle School and meet every Tuesday, all participants are from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) site-based program — Mesa Community College Inter-tribal Student Organization members are matched with youth 6 to 12 years old from SRPMIC at the Lehi Boys & Girls Club and meet every other Wednesday. Gila River Indian Community sitebased program — High School mentors attending Vechij Himdag Alternative High School are matched with youth 6 to 12 years old from Gila River at the Sacaton Boys & Girls Club and meet every other Wednesday. Westwood-Emerson site-based program — High School mentors attending Westwood High School are matched with 4th, 5th and 6th graders from Emerson Elementary and meet every other Monday. This is our fourth year partnering with the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, second year partnering with Salt River Maricopa Indian Community and our first year partnering with Gila River Indian Community, Westwood High School, Emerson Elementary and Mesa Public School’s Native American Education Program.
Happy Mentoring! Page 3
Staff Spotlight Meet Jazminda Ryan Program Specialist
Date started at BBBSAZ: June 18th Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Describe yourself in one word: Determined Favorite quote: “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.� -William Arthur Ward Favorite historical figure: Shirley Chisholm Favorite childhood cartoon: Gargoyles Least favorite food: Squash Favorite school subject: English Favorite place in Phoenix: Any shoe store Best advice you have received: It does not matter where you come from, what matters is where you are going. What do you like best about your job? Talking to Bigs and Littles and hearing how their great experiences.
Recipe of the month ... bake me! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
1 cup pumpkin puree 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 1/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Directions
1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons pumpkin-pie spice 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling on top
*Remember to always supervise children while cooking*
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin, or line with paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, oil , eggs and sugar until well blended. 3. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Add to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. 4. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin, filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle a few more chips on top of the muffins. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick, inserted in the middle of the muffin comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a rack. Page 4
CBS 5 news films Paul’s Car Wash promo with Littles Five lucky Littles made their television debut with the help of KPHO CBS 5 meteorologist Paul Horton and crew on Sept. 20. BBBSAZ and CBS 5 collaborated to film a new promo commercial for the upcoming Paul’s Car Wash. Our Littles did an excellent job smiling big for the camera and gave enthusiastic waves. Each Little is currently matched in one of our site-based programs, which will benefit from proceeds received from the car wash fundraiser. The promo is currently running on KPHO CBS 5 and will continue until the start of the car wash on Oct. 22. Great job everyone! Special thanks to Principal Leslie Beauchamp of Longview Elementary School who graciously offered her beautiful campus for the video shoot.
Paul’s Car Wash Page 5
Average Match Length: Site-based
By the numbers . . . Current Active Matches
Total Youth ser ved
1,154 1,346
27 Months Community-based
12 Months
Save the Date: Big Breakfast On April 18, 2013, BBBSAZ will host our first annual ‘Big Breakfast’ fundraising event that will surely be lots of fun. Please be sure to mark your calendars and join us at 7:30 a.m. at the Arizona Biltmore for an hourlong program that will make you laugh, smile and walk away with more insight into our awesome programs and the inspiring children we serve. We hope to see you there!
Q: A: Page 6
Big Tip of the Month
I have a difficult time communicating with my little’s parent/ guardian. How do I handle this? First, remember your primary relationship in our program is with your Little and role is to be a friend, mentor and positive role model. At the same time it is also important you have good communication with the child’s family to ensure outings are approved by the parent/guardian. To make things a little easier, try to recognize your differences in culture and communication styles. This can help identify better ways to approach the parent/guardian to discuss the Match. For example: If your child’s parent has a hard time scheduling or keeping outings, pick up a calendar at the dollar store so you can work together to put something down on paper. Working together to overcome differences can only improve your relationship with your Little.
Never say Never ...
BBBSAZ essay contest winners, Big Brother Ricky and Little Brother Charlie, attended the Sept. 29 Justin Bieber concert thanks to KPHO CBS 5!
Click here to read the essay Walk in the Fiesta Bowl Parade! Join BestIT and BBBSAZ and walk in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl Parade! United States gold medalist Missy Franklin will serve as grand marshall and all participants will receive a free shirt. Click HERE to access the Think Big page and sign up to have BBBSAZ some fun! Page 7
D-backs hit a homerun! “Little Big Leauge” participants graduate from community service program The 2012 “Little Big League” came to a conclusion on Oct. 2 with a graduation ceremony filled with surprises and a job well done to our Bigs and Littles for their work in the community. Ten matches spent four months volunteering their time helping out the community through various projects and activities. Their efforts were rewarded with a graduation ceremony, backstage tour of Chase Field, access to batting practice, Arizona Diamondbacks gear and tickets to that night’s game. We want to thank the Diamondbacks for providing our matches with the opportunity to positively impact our community! Great work to everyone!
Thank You!
Scare up some BBBSAZ support Monsterland Bar and Grill will donate $1 from every ticket sold to their haunted house on between 5 and 6 p.m. Oct. 31 to our agency! Come out and have some ghoulish fun. Also, be sure you wear your best costume and participate in the costume contest with judges from KOOL fm!
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Pool sharks come out to play Congratulations to the winners of our pool tournament, Little Brother Temi and Big Brother Nick, held in August. Several matches enjoyed some friendly pool competition, lunch and arcade games. Thanks to the members of the Society of BBBSAZ for their help in coordinating this great event.
Native American Recognition Days — Get Involved!
Walk in the parade! Join us as we walk in the parade! Details on the Think Big website
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Oct. 22 to Oct. 26 www.bbbsaz.org/paulscarwash
It’s coming ... !
Eve r y do coun llar ts!
Be sure to watch our Paul’s Car Wash Telethon on Friday, Oct. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. on CBS 5!