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.

Thirty high school students from coast to coast are the winners of the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship valued at up to $34,000 each. We are thrilled to have five of our own Littles receive this tremendous scholarship.

Trente élèves d'écoles secondaires de partout au pays ont remporté la bourse Vision Jeunesse de CIBC, d'une valeur de 34 000 $. Nous sommes très heureux de compter cinq de nos Petits parmi les lauréats de cette bourse exceptionnelle.

While there is much research to support mentoring programs, what we love most is hearing about the power of mentoring from our families. We recently asked some of our Bigs, Littles and parents to share their stories.  Juliet, mother of four, had much to say about the BIG impact Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) has had on her children.

Chaque année il y a des Grands dans notre programme On se voit à l'école qui vont au-delà des exigences de leur programme de stage. Des Grands qui excèdent les attentes qu'ont avaient placées en eux. Cette année, nous avons le plaisir de vous présenter trois Grandes d'exception !

 

Every year, there are Bigs in the Meet You In School program who go above and beyond their placement requirements and our expectations in building relationships with Littles. This year, we are excited to announce three Outstanding Bigs!

Today was a fantastic day for everyone! Some conquered their fear of heights, while others got revenge against their favourite councilors in the pool. Read about Breanna’s day! 

Cette troisième journée de camp fut un GRAND succès ! Tracy vous raconte les aventures marines de nos campeurs.