The month of August celebrates 3 staff anniversaries!  Sue started working with BBBSO in 2002, Sameera joined our team in 2006, and Stephanie in 2008.  Each has had a great impact on the work that we do and in helping us serve 1000 children annually.

Earlier this year, we asked you to share your wonderful stories of the impact that Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa has had on your life. Thank you to all who participated. We received a number of submissions from matches, Bigs and Littles as well as this winning entry from Colleen, the mother of Little Brother Devin. Here is her perspective:

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) has been offering placements to students from various programs as Algonquin College, La Cité Collégiale, University of Ottawa, and Carleton University for many years. We have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful students.

Chelsey Larocque is a 2^nd year student from the Social Service Worker program at Algonquin College. Since September 2008, Chelsey has spent three days a week with us as a placement student. Read on to find out what Chelsey has been doing and how she feels about her placement.

Dianne Laporte has been actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) for 30 years. From a Board Member, to being a Big Sister with two Littles and now a blogger, her commitment to BBBSO is evident as you read her story.

Chris Rose tells us about the second meeting of the Big Bunch group. Sounds like a great way to spend a Tuesday night!  

Les réussites, les défis, les nouveaux visages et les possibilités exceptionnelles que 2008 nous a apportés en ont fait une année captivante. En outre, elle nous a offert de nombreuses occasions de développer nos programmes pour qu'ils se poursuivent en 2009, et je suis ravie de les partager avec vous.  

The past year has been an interesting year of successes, challenges, new faces and exciting opportunities for all programs! 2008 brought along with it many prospects for expanding programming into 2009 and I'm excited to share these with you.  

Recently, in large part due to a grant from Bank of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) launched Big Bunch, a group mentoring program for children who are waiting to be matched with their very own Big Brother.  This format allows children who have been waiting for some time to be matched with a volunteer mentor in small groups for a six month period.  Meet Chris Rose, a Big in this program and intern student with BBBSO who was instrumental in helping Sue Hall, Group Programs Coordinator, build this new program.  Read below as he talks about the first meeting. 

Kerry Lynn Grozinger recently applied to be a Big Sister in our match program. While going through the enrollment process, she was asked to write an article for her church. We are very excited to share Kerry Lynn's perspective with you regarding her decision to become a Big Sister.