Page 7 - Giving Guide_FINAL

A TIME FOR THANKS 7

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho

find information about topics for hike shifted to joining a virtual nonprofits in the community, hoping, when the COVID-19
consideration before volunteering, cooking or quilting class. Some and knew just what resources to pandemic is over, to fully launch
and they will undergo a one-on-one conversations even connect families in need to. three new subsets to its program:
background check. Backgrounds, moved to letter writing, where a “With families, we develop a Women in STEM, Bigs in Blue
professions and ages are diverse, Little or Big would send a letter relationship with them; there’s a and Workplace Mentoring. These
and, due to a shortage of male and Big Brothers Big Sisters trust, because they sought us out,” three programs are young, and
Bigs, men are highly encouraged would make sure that letter got Ahl said. “Whatever it takes to were planned to gain traction
to apply. Even couples can serve where it needed to go, keeping make our families successful, we’re this year, but had to adjust due to
as Bigs. information confidential. there for them.” coronavirus precautions.
“Now more than ever we want “Our Bigs were amazing,” Ahl Despite the hard times, many “We’re hoping when COVID-19 is
to make sure our Littles and said. “The ways they came up with found joy. done that we can gather the same
their families are connected, that staying connected with our Littles “We got to see the very best in momentum that we had before,”
someone is there for them,” Ahl was truly amazing.” humanity, watching our Bigs take Ahl said. “We find Littles want to
said. Sometimes, even more help care of and making a difference for emulate their Bigs when they get
Little and Big hangouts was needed. While Big Brothers their Littles,” Ahl said. All Little and older. All we need to do is expose
looked a little different this year: Big Sisters did not directly Big connections were able to be them [to that] in a natural way.”
sitting together in the cafeteria provide resources, it is proud to maintained during the pandemic. Photos provided by
for lunch or meeting up for a be a partner with many other Big Brothers Big Sisters is Big Brothers Big Sisters