During this past year, United Way of the Ozarks has been focused on bringing the gap from immediate response to long term recovery. Investment in children is an essential part of this equation. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, one of United Way of the Ozarks’ partner nonprofits, focuses on “developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of youth. And by doing that, create meaningful change in our community”. Big Brothers Big Sisters promotes programs that invest in a child’s future. This in turn, impacts our community, emphasizing the importance of investment and support.
Through the Coronavirus Response Fund, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks was allocated $4,332.40. This allocation helped purchase a Zoom subscription for the transition to virtual communication. They also were able to cover additional costs for postage and envelopes due to the limited contact with volunteers and clients. These funds helped in purchasing equipment in order to enhance video production to stay connected with the community and recruit volunteers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks hosted a Facebook event called “Meet a Mentor Monday”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks hosted a Facebook Live event, “Be a Mentor Monday”, which emphasized the impact mentors make in the lives of children in our community. Andy Peebles, a Board Member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, was interviewed and discussed his experience in volunteering and mentoring a child. Peebles stated, “There are ways to get involved even when you are not able to meet face-to-face. It may be harder, but we can still do it if we are committed to it”. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks continues to commit to supporting children to be active members in our community by providing leadership opportunities and stability. Even when facing a global health crisis, Big Brothers Big Sisters finds ways to mentor and support children.
JOIN THE FIGHT AND LIVE UNITED!
Stay tuned to our blog as we publish a “good news” story each week detailing the ways our community has risen to the pandemic’s challenge to LIVE UNITED. You can also sign up to receive our monthly newsletter to stay connected to the work United Way of the Ozarks is doing to make a difference in our community.
United Way of the Ozarks is committed to supporting our nonprofit community throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.