Thursday, April 26, 2012
From MVP St. Louis Cardinals' player to roller coaster thrill seeker, former Wildwood resident David Freese christened Six Flags' new "Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast" roller coaster on Thursday.
David Freese was as good a sport at Six Flags St. Louis Thursday as he is on national baseball fields. As part of this year's Media Day at the amusement park in Eureka, Freese helped the Six Flags staff officially launch their renovated "Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast" roller coaster, which takes riders from 0 to 70 mph backward through a 190-foot tunnel into a 180-degree inversion and finally climbing the 222-foot tower in reverse, hanging parallel to the ground, before diving straight down! Six Flags ran a contest last month to see who would brave the ride with Freese on this day. Getting with the spirit, Freese led the roller coaster "Freeze Train" five times Thursday, all with different groups of people, such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters…
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Little Brother Kenneth finds some stability in an otherwise chaotic life, thanks to Big Brother Francisco.
Little Brother Kenneth and his siblings have not had an easy childhood. They do not have a strong relationship with their father, who has been in jail much of their lives. As soon as he was released from prison several months ago, their mom was also arrested. With their mom incarcerated and their dad not present in their lives, Kenneth and his siblings now live with their grandmother. Big Brother Francisco has been a powerful and stable force in Kenneth’s life. Kenneth first came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2006 and he was introduced to Big Brother, Stephen. When Big Brother Stephen left St. Louis for medical school, Kenneth was introduced to Francisco. At the same time Kenneth met his Big Brother Francisco, he transferred to …
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Since 1923, United Way has been a steady partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to ensure funding for the agency for more than 70 years.
Since 1923, United Way has been a steady partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to ensure funding for the agency for more than 70 years. And now it is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s turn to give back, as agency staff members participate in fund raising events to help the United Way reach the $71 million goal for this year’s annual campaign. With its network of nearly 200 agencies, the United Way invests $1 million in the community every week to child-care agencies, emergency shelters, food pantries and more. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, this funding enables the agency to Be There for a child who needs a caring adult in their life. Big Brothers Big Sisters promises to Be There for its Littles, and that is exactly what …
Sunday, October 2, 2011
People from all over St. Louis gather to show their appreciation for Bruce Fleming and his accomplishments.
At the celebration of Bruce Fleming’s 15-year anniversary with Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Louis City officials Harry Kennedy and Maurice Falls, on behalf of Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, presented Fleming with a special proclamation to honor his service to at the agency. Current and former BBBS staff, family and friends also joined Fleming at his anniversary celebration to show their admiration and respect for all that he has given to the agency. “Bruce is the soul of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and everyone here tonight is here for Bruce,” said Becky James-Hatter, president and CEO. Fleming first teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters by participating in the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser. After recruiting multiple teams his …
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Local agency renews call for more volunteers to work with youth.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Kathy Martin
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Sunday, September 18, 2011
The nation’s continuing economic uncertainty is challenging for most, but it is especially challenging for the nation’s at-risk youth. These youth—many of whom live in our St Louis community—are already facing multiple obstacles. But there is good news—some programs are making a difference. According to Philanthropedia, Big Brothers Big Sisters is not just making a difference but has been ranked best of the best on a list of most recommended, high-impact national nonprofits serving at-risk youth. The nation's leader in quality, youth mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters received praise for its effective mentoring model that leads to positive and measurable youth outcomes for children who face adversity, as well as for its organizational …
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
On a day during which many are preparing for Sept. 11 observances through community service, please remember that Big Brother Big Sister organization ensures youths are surrounded by people who care about them -- providing a nice way to assist locally.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
- Kathy Martin
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Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s relationship model, known as 4:1+1, engages the most significant adults in a Little’s (youngster's) life—parent, teacher, Big Brother or Big Sister and professional program staff to ensure the Little is surrounded by the people who care about them the most. Each adult has an important relationship and a distinct role that offers Littles encouragement and support. This wouldn’t be possible without their “Sixth Membersm” on the team—the donor! We’ll Be There is the agency’s promise to Little Brothers and Little Sisters. Bigs in conjunction with the agency do not commit to “fix” challenges Littles encounter in life, but they do commit to “be there”—for encouragement and support. Big Brothers and …
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Couples for Kids and Fifty and Better programs offer new ways to give the gift of friendship.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri staffs introduce two new ways to become involved in the life of a child. The "Couples for Kids" and "Fifty and Better" programs work to create valuable partnerships with those who might not otherwise imagine themselves fitting into the traditional mentoring model. Couples for Kids encourages married couples to enrich their lives by spending time together while giving a child the gift of friendship. The program pairs couples with a child in a unique friendship that can help to broaden the life of a child and provide much needed guidance and support. Couples bring added value in their ability to demonstrate a caring, stable marriage firsthand. This model also provides built-in flexibility by …
