Big Bros Big Sisters of

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Eric and Rod
Congratulations to Eric and Rod who are celebrating their 9th year in the program this month. Eric has been Rods Big Brother since he was 7. Throughout the years Eric has witness Rod grow both physically and emotionally. From being shy around strangers and his answers being one word at most, Rod has grown both in stature and in poise. Proudly, Eric states, I like the way he can meet new people and shake their hand and have eye contact. He has a great speaking voice. He is big and strong. He has a certain confidence and yet a gentleness. I also like the way Rod has joined right in when Ive challenged him to speak or try out new things. Since, at 16, hes now bigger than me; I like it that he doesnt hurt me when we play touch football and hes always willing to get together. That amazes me. He adds, I really liked to see the energy and joy he exhibits when we do things that he has always wanted to do but was never able to do. Last year while doing volunteer work, they earned free tickets to Disney World. We had an awesome time, as did his younger brother Mario, who went along with us. Rods mother, Linda says that she couldnt ask for a better Big Brother. Eric has helped him apply for a job, has taught him how to drive and to cook. He is both wonderful and a blessing.
To anyone considering becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister, Eric states, I would urge folks to become a Big, but who are willing to commit, and who will show up each week and do something with the Little. Just being there means a lot. Many Littles have had disappointments in their lives where adults have let them down, and they dont need that from a Big. They need consistency and presence, which tells them that someone cares about them and what they do.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida on the Meridian Community Affairs Show

The Meridian Community Affairs Show, powered by Sunshine Broadcasting and Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, featured Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida. Listen to the interview with our new CEO, John Bonacci, as he reveals the new strategic direction for our agency.

Published: Friday, July 23, 2010 at 7:19 p.m. in The Gainesville Sun
Three months after facing the possibility of closing its doors, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida is back on its feet.
When CEO John Bonacci took over April 14, the non-profit was attempting to sell its property to stay afloat. Today, the building is still available to buy or lease, but the organization is still open. The group has a projected revenue of $261,000 for the fiscal year that started July 1.
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The holidays are quickly approaching, and you know what that means - shopping. BBBS of Mid-Florida asks you to visit the toy section this year and pick out gifts to donate to our Littles for our Holiday Party on December 11.

-Don't spend more than $15 dollars on a gift.
-Attach a note so we know the appropriate age and if we should give the gift to a boy or a girl.
-Deliver all presents to BBBS by Monday, December 6.
Ways to Help:
-Do your own shopping and drop your gifts off at our office.
-Decorate a box and set it out at work, church or elsewhere to encourage others to participate.
-Fashion a "giving tree" where co-workers, friends, members, etc. can put their gifts.
-Shop at an online gift registry and have your donated gifts sent straight to us! Links will soon be posted for this hassle-free option.

Dr. Stephanie Evans
Big Brothers Big Sisters Ambassador Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans emphatically stated that the mentoring organization is vital. As is the case all over the nation, she said, kids need help. You can tell the level of a civilization by how you treat your children. She further explained how programs such as the ones that BBBS provides are important to democracy: To have hungry kids or undereducated kids or children with no mentors is a contradiction to all the things we claim we are. More...