BBBS of Greater Manchester in the News
Preston Lawrance Nominated as "BIG of the Year"
MANCHESTER, NH (March 21, 2008) - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester (BBBSGM) has nominated "Big Brother" Preston Lawrance for "Big of the Year".
Preston Lawrence has been matched to his Little Brother Joshua since January 18, 2005. In that time he has seen his Little Brother grow from a shy third grader into a bright articulate young man. Joshua and Preston first met at Josh's elementary school in Manchester where they would see each other once a week in the Site Based Program and eventually transitioned to our "Site Plus" Program where they see each other at school and once a month in the community.
Joshua's mother brought him to BBBS because his biological father was not involved in his life at that time. She wanted to ensure Josh's future success and knew a male role model is what he needed. Preston and Josh first bonded over cards and board games at school. Currently they take part in many different activities outside of school. Preston has begun to instill the benefits of giving back to others by taking Josh to Pease Air Base to greet the troops as "Pease Greeters". Through their relationship Josh's grades have improved as well as his relationships with family and peers. The impact Preston continues to have on Josh is laying the foundation for his future success academically and professionally.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester has been providing one-to-one mentoring services to the youth in Manchester for over 40 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester has set a BIG goal of serving 100 new youth (currently 360) in the year 2008. To learn more information on how you can help Big Brothers Big Sisters turn little moments into BIG magic with as little as one hour a week, call 603-669-5365.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester 4th Annual "Little Moments Big Magic" Breakfast Fundraiser was a Success!
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our 4th Annual Breakfast Fundraiser on Thursday, February 21, 2008. Our sponsors, speakers, guests and donors all contributed to making this the best Breakfast BBBSGM has had so far!
Thank you to KANA Software who was our event sponsor for the second year in a row.
Thank you to Van Otis for donating all the chocolates that were given to each guest.
A BIG Thank you to our Speakers:
- BBBSGM Board Chairman Jason Perry
- Stephen Kraus from KANA Software
- Mayor Frank Guinta
- BBBSGM Executive Director Jocelyn Perez
- Big Brother Preston Lawrance with Little Brother Josh
- Weston School Guidance Counselor Alexis Wallace with "Littles" Tony, Melissa, Caleb, Sanam and Esmeralda
- Little Sister Meryssa and her mother Ginny
- Little Sister Cassie for providing us with her beautiful singing voice
Thank you to everyone for demonstrating a true sense of community in the city of Manchester and we are sincerely grateful that Manchester has chosen to support our vision and make it a reality!
View photos of the event
Gregg Announces Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire to Receive Grant for Mentoring Program
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) today announced that the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Alliance of New Hampshire will receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $198,121 for their mentoring program. These funds will allow the four BBBS agencies in New Hampshire - Monadnock Region, Greater Nashua, Greater Manchester and Greater Seacoast - to provide one-on-one mentoring relationships for an additional 160 high-risk youth in areas throughout the state with the greatest need. The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program provides at-risk youth in grades 4-8 with ongoing school-based mentoring. The mentoring program works to provide support and guidance to these students, improve academic achievement and personal relationship skills, and reduce drop-out rates, juvenile delinquency and gang involvement. Senator Gregg stated, "Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors are extraordinarily important to many young people in New Hampshire. Acting as adult role models, these mentors encourage students to reach their full academic and social potential in a safe and nurturing environment. This grant will allow Big Brothers and Big Sisters to continue expand its important work and have a positive impact on young lives throughout the Granite State community." Jocelyn Perez, Executive Director of Greater Manchester BBBS, stated, "This grant from DOE is much appreciated. The NH BBBS agencies now have additional needed funding to focus on the youth in our school districts grades 4-8 who so desperately are in need of a mentor. Through these efforts this will help the youth be more successful in school and in their futures. I firmly believe this grant will lay the foundation in helping these youth have a positive effect on the community for years to come."
January is National Mentoring Month and we would like to extend a special BIG thank you to each and every one of our Big Brothers and Big Sisters!
President George W. Bush has proclaimed January 2008 as National Mentoring Month. The full text of the presidential proclamation follows:
Millions of Americans lend their time, talent, and energy to become mentors and make a difference in children's lives. During National Mentoring Month, we honor these caring individuals for their dedication to changing our country one heart and soul at a time.
By sharing their knowledge and experiences, mentors serve as examples for young people and help teach them the skills they need to succeed in life. They also provide stability, instill important values, and build confidence in those they assist. Mentors are soldiers in the armies of compassion, and they encourage children to set goals and achieve their dreams.
My Administration is committed to helping our Nation's children realize their full potential by expanding opportunities for Americans to mentor. To raise awareness of the challenges facing our youth and encourage adults to
connect with young people through family, school, and community, First Lady Laura Bush is leading the Helping America's Youth initiative. Through the USA Freedom Corps, we are connecting individuals with volunteer opportunities, including mentors who work with young people in schools and community organizations. By encouraging Americans to mentor, we are doing our part to see that more of America's children grow into strong, confident, and successful adults.
I appreciate all those who reach out to young people and inspire future generations to pass on this rich tradition that makes our country strong. I urge all Americans to get involved in mentoring programs and to visit the USA Freedom Corps Web site at volunteer.gov to learn more about mentoring opportunities in their communities. Together, we can build a culture of service and foster a more compassionate society that recognizes the value and purpose in every single human life.
Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2008 as National Mentoring Month. I call upon all Americans to recognize the importance of mentoring, to look for opportunities to serve as mentors in their communities, and to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
George W. Bush
In honor of National Mentoring Month Dunkin Donuts has joined forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester!
During the month-long celebration, two Manchester local Dunkin Donuts will be selling cut-outs for $1.00 to benefit BBBSGM.
Please visit either of these two Manchester's Dunkin Donuts:
216 S. Elm Street (besides St. Mary's Bank, across from Valley Street)
1602 N. Elm Street (inside Mobil Gas Station, across from Rite-Aid)
to purchase your coffee and donut/muffin/sandwich, etc. and purchase a cut-out for only $1.00.
Both stores are displaying the cut-outs that are signed by customers.....this is a great opportunity for our agency's name to be seen. Please spread the word to your friends and co-workers -- take a coffee break.
Thank you so much Marypat Bilodeau Realtor for sponsoring the tag/cut-out fundraiser!
Stadium Ten Pin gets involved with honoring our Bigs and Littles during January, National Mentoring Month (Stadium Ten Pin is located on corner of Maple and Valley Streets)
The first 10 Bigs that contact me will be able to bowl one string free with your little.
NOTE: There is a fee for shoe rental. Not valid Friday or Saturday after 5pm.
Others will get a coupon for a free game after you paid for your first string. You can have a total of six people in your party.
NOTE: Limit one coupon per visit. There is a fee for shoe rentals. Not valid Friday or Saturday after 5pm or in conjunction with any other discounted rates.
Also, Wednesday's between 1pm-5pm each string is $1.99.
If anyone takes pictures, I'd love it if you'd e-mail me a copy.
Thank you Craig for all you do for our Bigs and Littles!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester
To all our BIGS:
One person can make a difference. You certainly do and we are thankful!
Tax Deductions Available for Bigs
It's that time of year again to begin calculating and filing your federal income tax. BBBSA is pleased to inform you that Bigs are entitled to the following tax deductions:
- Deduct $.14 cents per mile incurred in picking up and driving the Little around.
- You may also deduct the cost of meals, movie tickets, museum admissions, etc. which you spend for the Little. However, you cannot deduct the costs you incur for your own meals, tickets, etc.
While BBBS encourages quality time rather than money spent on the Little to be most important in the relationship, we trust that you will find the above information welcome and useful.
Bean Grant Awards $10,000.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester's "Read to Succeed" Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester has received a $10,000 grant from the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation to assist in the second year of the "Read to Succeed" literacy-mentoring program. The "Read to Succeed" program is Manchester's first ever literacy mentor program for the youth, ages Pre K4 - Grade 3 in the Manchester school district. The studies of the Manchester Chamber Education Committee noted a high drop out rate of 25% in the Manchester High Schools. If a child is not reading at grade level by the end of third grade she/he is at a high risk of dropping out of High School. In lieu of these findings the Mayor of Manchester initiated the proposal of the literacy mentor program. It is our hope that through our collaboration with the Manchester Chamber, School District, and Mayor we can continue to raise awareness in the business community of the high need for literacy mentors in the site based programs. Our goal is to greatly decrease the amount of High School drop outs by giving the youth in need, a mentor to assist them in reading, and lay the foundations by giving them the tools to have a higher success in school and in their future.
Back to School 2007 - Thank You to the Salvation Army
 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester, along with our Littles and their Parents/Guardians, would like to thanks the Salvation Army, for including us in their wonderful program, "Back to School 2007"
View Photos Here
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lucky Raffle Winner
 Grand prize: two round trip open destination tickets, valid from any Southwest Airlines origin city to any Southwest Airlines destination.
Pictured is Preston Lawrance (left) receiving two Southwest vouchers (valued at $400 each) from Erin Laviolette (Program Manager of BBBS). A special thanks go out to Southwest Airlines for donating the vouchers and another BIG thank you to everyone that purchased a raffle ticket to help support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester's programs
MENtors needed!
 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester needs male mentors for Community Based and Site Based matches. One out of 10 new volunteers at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester are men, which means that plenty of young boys are match ready and waiting for some good men to step forward. Being a “Big Brother” requires no special skills – just a desire to be a friend to a child.
Community-Based Mentoring - In the Community Based program Bigs and Littles typically meet 2-3 times a month, for a minimum of one calendar year. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule and that you see each other on a regular basis. Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. Buy a comic book to read to each other, play a board game, or take a ride in the car with the radio on and discuss the music! For children, playing can be learning. Most important - have FUN!
Site Based Mentoring - Our Site Based program allows Bigs and Littles meet once a week in schools, childcare centers and community after school sites, to talk and have fun. Bigs and Littles typically meet 45 minutes to one hour a week, throughout the school year, to read together, play sports or computer games, or simply talk about life and personal issues – just as friends do!
Please tell a friend, brother, co-worker to give us a call at 669-5365, x201.
Remember, it is all about those Little Moments that create Big Magic!
New Hampshire Native Named National Hero
MANCHESTER, NH (Aug. 25) –– A local woman today received the national “Heroes In Our Midst” award for her lifelong efforts in reaching out to young people and helping them reach their full potential.
Heidi Blais, a retired special education teacher, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion during an on-field pre-game presentation at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game. Blais began her “second career” as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the New Hampshire Partners in Education, Junior Achievement, and others after sending her own children off to college.
Heroes In Our Midst honors everyday heroes who give of themselves to connect with others to show they care and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
Joining Blais at today’s ceremony was another “Heidi,” the 14-year-old Little Sister that Blais has been mentoring for the past eight years through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. To commemorate their time together, Blais and her Little compiled a scrapbook, which they presented to the Manchester mayor. “I never realized my Little would have such an impact on my life,” said Blais.
While on the field, Blais received several greeting cards from well-wishers expressing gratitude for her longstanding commitment to connecting with young people in the community. Blais was touched by the gesture. “I like giving cards myself because it’s a good way to show someone you’re thinking of them,” said Blais. “I guess this means I’m doing a good job.”
The two Heidis have been “adventuring” since little Heidi was six years old. Together, they explore museums, sail, and volunteer. “She even took me skateboarding once,” recalled Blais. “Big Heidi has taken Little Heidi to do things that she might never have gotten to do or see,” said the teen’s mother. “They’re like two peas in a pod. I know that even when Heidi reaches 18, these two will still be in touch with each other.”
In addition to introducing little Heidi to new experiences, Blais’s presence has also been a stabilizing force for the teen. “When life became hectic and at times unpredictable, Heidi was someone little Heidi could trust and count on,” noted Erin Laviolette, program manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester.
Staff and Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester, little Heidi, and Heroes In Our Midst officials are asking members of the Manchester community to send cards or notes expressing their thanks to Blais, as well as cards to the heroes in their own lives. Cards for Blais should be addressed to:
Heidi Blais
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester
25 Lowell Street, Suite 201
Manchester, NH 03101
The Heroes In Our Midst program said a $1,000 check would be donated in Blais’ name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester to support similar mentoring matches in the community.
“Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties,” said Chris Bouchard, national spokesman for the program “Greeting cards are a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card.”
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
3rd Annual Little Moments Big Magic Breakfast Fundraiser - A Great BIG Thanks!
On behalf of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors, Staff, Bigs and Littles we would like to thank you for attending our 3rd Annual Little Moments Big Magic Breakfast Fundraiser. The event was a success for our agency and we truly appreciate you coming to learn at little more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester.
Our mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships contributing to stronger schools, better communities and brighter futures for all.
Thanks to Jason Perry and the Verizon Wireless Arena
A special thanks goes out to Jason Perry and the staff at SMG/Verizon Wireless Arena for choosing Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester to be the recipients of the warm clothing and school supplies donations from the December 20th Martina McBride "The Joy of Christmas" Concert. Because of the generosity of the concertgoers, we were able to provide the children we serve with school supplies, hats, mittens and jackets. Many BIG Thanks!
Thanks to Platinum Touchless Carwash 
December 13, 2006
Thanks to Platinum Touchless Carwash for donating a portion of their sales to BBBS. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester and the Division for Children, Youth and families team up to extend Mentoring Services.November 02, 2006
MANCHESTER, NH - The Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester have joined together to create a better future for area youth in foster care. The purpose of this partnership is to establish relationships between the youth and caring adults who will help them develop self-sufficiency skills. Jocelyn Perez, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester, states "We are pleased and excited about this new venture with DCYF. Thanks to the federal support offered through DCYF, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester will now be able to focus more on the teens who so desperately need a mentor in their lives. We (the agency) are honored by this opportunity!"
Adolescence is a time when youth learn the skills they need to live as adults. For most teens, parents and families play a major role in this preparation. Older youth in foster care, who are less likely to return to their families or be adopted, often lack the opportunities and relationships needed to obtain these skills. As a result these youth are not sufficiently prepared for the difficult and challenging
transition from foster care to adulthood. A mentor can assist them through this process by providing guidance and support as they learn the adult living skills they need. By not having to "go it alone" these youth have a much better chance to achieve their goals and realize their full potential.
Through the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999, the New Hampshire DCYF Adolescent Program receives a yearly allocation of federal funds to prepare older foster care youth for the transition from foster care to adulthood. A key provision of the Chafee legislation is that this money be used to "provide personal and emotional support to children aging out of foster care through mentors and the promotion of interactions with dedicated adults" (Sec 477. [42 U.S.C. 677]). A portion of New Hampshire's Chafee money has been dedicated to this cause. The funding will be made available on a case by case basis to support the efforts of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester to recruit, train and support mentors for foster care youth in the Manchester area.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester has been providing one-to-one mentoring services to the youth in Manchester for 40 years. This year marks their 40th Anniversary of servicing the Manchester community, in honor of this celebration BBBSGM has set a long term goal of serving 850 youth (currently 330) by the year 2010. To learn more information on how you can help Big Brothers Big Sisters turn little moments into big magic with as little as one hour a week, call 603-669-5365 or check them out on the web at www.bbbsmanchester.org. Halloween Fright Fisher Cats Game
August 14, 2006
A special thanks to Comcast for believing in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester. Currently we have 65 boys and 28 girls on our wait list. Comcast generously donated 50 tickets to the Fisher Cats game. The theme this evening was Halloween Fright! Some fans wore costumes while others didn't. This gave all our wait list kids and friends the opportunity to bond with other youth in the Greater Manchester community and have a great time at the ball park!
View more Photos from the event.
GoodSearch.com
June 08, 2006
You can help give to Big Brothers Bigs Sisters with no effort at all! Just use Good Search.com as your search engine and a donation will be given to our agency every time you use it!! Tell all your family and friends to use it to!
It's simple. You use GoodSearch.com like any other search engine ? the site is powered by Yahoo! ? but each time you do, money is generated for Big Brothers Bigs Sisters.
Last year, search engines generated close to $6 billion in revenue from advertisers. With GoodSearch part of this advertising revenue will now be directed to Big Brothers Bigs Sisters.
We hope that not only will you use GoodSearch as your main search engine from here on out, but will also pass this message on to your friends and family. The more people who use this, the more money will go to Big Brothers Bigs Sisters.
Tell a friend about GoodSearch.
Download the GoodSearch toolbar for Internet Explorer.
Thanks to the Highlander Inn 
May 22, 2006
An extra BIG thanks goes out to The Highlander Inn and Conference Center staff in Manchester for their generous donations of movies, Free passes for our bigs and littles to enjoy a movie at Chunky?s Cinema, and tickets to the Golden Dragon Acrobats at the Palace Theater in Manchester on June 10th. Check out the Highlander?s website for information on booking your next corporate or private event and convenient airport parking.
www.highlanderinn.com 23rd Annual Bowl For Kids Sake 
May 01, 2006
We would like to give a special thanks to Mayor Frank Guinta for kicking off the event by stating his support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester and bowling the first ball. We would also like to thank Miss Manchester Adria Farr, who interns for our office, for helping out and showing her support.
Thank you to all of our Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well as all of our other local professionals who came to show their support. A good time was had by all! Our 4-6 o'clock session was packed with Hannaford employees from many locations in the Greater Manchester area having fun and supporting our mission. We would also like to thank Hannaford's for the delicious cake in celebration of our 40th Anniversary.
Click the image above to view the thank you letter to our sponsors.
View more photos from the event here. Manchester Wolves Benefit Game 
April 20, 2006
Thanks to the Manchester Wolves, whose game which benefited BBBS with money donated for each Wolves touchdown. The game was the season opener for the Manchester Wolves on April 7th 2006. Bigs, Littles, Board Members and Staff were in attendance.
View more photos from the event here. Thanks to Hannaford 
April 13, 2006
A special thanks to Hannaford's for gearing up for our annual Bowl For Kids
Sake event with selling these Lei's for additional donations!! Shorty's Fundraiser 
March 31, 2006
Thanks to all that participated in Shorty's Fair Share fundraiser for BBBS on March 30th! Bigs Meet Bigs (BMB) 
March 22, 2006
Our bi-monthly Bigs meeting Bigs event was held in order to honor our volunteers with an inexpensive night out where they can meet other Bigs. A special thanks to Wally and Bernie's for donating the delicious appetizers to our event! We had a wonderful time at your establishment and highly recommend others to come enjoy the great food! Coca Cola NH bottling Co. Donates $5,000 to BBBS Manchester 
March 20, 2006
A special thanks to Coca Cola NH bottling company for believing in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of greater Manchester and for donating $5,000 to help us serve more children in need of a mentor in the Manchester community!! Bigs Meeting Bigs Event 
January 19, 2006
Thank you "Strange Brew" for hosting our Bigs Meet Bigs Get-Together. Your staff were great, the atmosphere was relaxing and the appetizers were delicious! We look forward to continuing our partnership with your establishment.
Bank of America gives Big Brothers Big sisters a $10,000 donation!July 14, 2005
An extra special thanks to Bank of America for believing in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester. The donation of $10,000 will assist the agency in serving more children in the Manchester area who are in need of a Big Brother or Sister. BBBS Manchester is growing 
May 06, 2005
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manchester achieves over 10% growth in the first quarter of 2005.
BBBS National in the News
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Honors Senator Gregg With National Leadership AwardJune 15, 2005
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2005 - Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) was recently honored by Big Brothers/Big Sisters with its "National Leadership Award" for his steadfast support of Big Brothers/Big Sister of America and for being a champion for the needs of disadvantaged youth. As former Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding for the U.S. Department of Justice, Senator Gregg was instrumental in increasing federal support for juvenile mentoring programs like BBBS in New Hampshire and nationwide.
Senator Gregg stated, "Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America reaches out to some of the most needy and vulnerable children in our nation, and through its programs of one-on-one mentoring, has produced tremendous results. Children with big brothers or big sisters time and again show increased confidence, do better in school and are given opportunities they may never have had otherwise. It has been my pleasure to work with both the national and New Hampshire Big Brothers/Big Sisters organizations to assist them in their worthwhile mission." Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates 100th Anniversary With Grand Reunion of Big and Little Brothers and SistersJune 16, 2004
NEW YORK, June 16, 2004 - Hundreds of Big and Little Brothers and Sisters from all over the country reunited, some for the first time in decades, at a Big Brothers Big Sisters 100th anniversary celebration today... view story (pdf)
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