Health Happenings is a biweekly column published in Alamogordo Daily News as a way to provide the latest in health and wellness information, services and events. Articles for this column are submitted by Health Council partners, but do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Otero County Community Health Council.
By: Eileen MacMillan
It happened again last week and it always breaks my heart. A student who was referred to the Big Brothers Big Sisters S.T.A.R.S. (Students Taking All the Right Steps) program asked me when he was going to be matched. He’s been waiting so patiently since last September and I had to tell him that we do not have a volunteer to match him with. Out of three hundred and fifty students referred to S.T.A.R.S., only 96 have been matched this school year with a Big Brother or Big Sister due to the lack of volunteers. That means that our staff is frequently asked “When are you matching me with a Big?” and we are left to explain that we do not have a Big for them.
What can you do to help us change this answer to “soon!” instead of “we don’t know?” There are ways for everyone to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, even if you cannot be a Big!
We are a volunteer based program, but we rely on donations to fund all of the work that goes into making a safe and successful match. This includes recruiting enough volunteers to meet our community’s needs, in-depth interviews of our potential “Bigs” and “Littles”, as well as thorough background checks on each volunteer applicant.
Donations go toward retaining talented and experienced staff who care about making the best matches possible! Funding ensures that our volunteers are well- trained. We also provide regular activities for our matches and for our “Littles” who are waiting to be matched.
Our annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake Fundraising Campaign ‘10 is currently underway! You can participate by being a Sponsor, forming a “bowling” team or by making a pledge! Our goal for this year’s campaign is $40,000, which is approximately 25% of our annual budget. Our goal is a little higher than in past years due to repeated funding cuts this past year and more to come in the next few months.
The CEO of Big Brother of Central New Mexico, Angela Reed, Padilla, attended a workshop facilitated by Lynne Twist, author of “The Soul of Money” and shared an interesting idea with me: that agencies in our community now considered ‘non-profits’ should be renamed ‘social profits.’ Meaning that agencies like Big Brothers Big Sisters, COPE and the Boys’ and Girls’ Club and others in Otero County make significant contributions to our citizens, to our economy and to our future. Donations made to “social profits” create value in our society by providing needed services to our citizens! Big Brothers Big Sisters programs get positive results for “Littles” while receiving a “Top Rating” from Charity Navigator for efficient use of donations! BBBS ranks in the top 1% of ‘non-profits. Our last audit showed that for every $1 donated, $.89 goes directly to making and supporting BBBS matches in Otero County!
Because of the economic crisis, there is even more need for our programs. Families and children are more vulnerable than ever due to higher unemployment, rising prices! When many people feel anxious about their finances, Big Brothers Big Sisters can guarantee a positive return on your investment to our programs. However, you will not receive a dividend check in the mail! When you invest in a ‘social profit’ you have invested in a program that has a proven, positive impact on our Little Brothers and Sisters preventing expensive social problems and changing our “Littles” lives, creating healthier families and safer communities!
Finally, why should you support BBBS and this year’s fundraising campaign? These are difficult times for everyone! There are very good reasons to continue to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Otero County…We get results!!!
Help us to reach our goal to match every child who wants and needs a mentor! Consider donating your time or money to Big Brothers Big Sisters by being a Big or making a contribution to our Bowl For Kids’ Sake Fundraising Campaign ‘10. Stop by our office at the corner of Tenth and Cuba, Suite 10 or call us at 434-3388 for more information.