The BIG News: September 2026
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Match Moments — Celebrating the connections that make mentoring BIG.
Exciting New Updates — A New Chapter for BBBSL…
September Resources — Ideas to help Bigs and Littles make the most of September.
Last Month — A look back at what happened in our BBBSL community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month – Celebrating the history, growth, and lasting impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Free Eats & Events — Check out free local eats and things happening around the Lowcountry.
From Mentor and Board Member to CEO:
Keonta’ Ramsey to Lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry
“I was born and raised right here on James Island, and the Lowcountry isn’t just where I’m from; it’s home.”
We’re proud to welcome Keonta’ S. Ramsey as the new Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. A longtime youth mentor, James Island native, and former BBBSL Board member, Keonta brings a deep personal commitment to mentorship alongside extensive experience in nonprofit advancement, fundraising, and community leadership.
For Keonta, leading BBBSL isn’t an introduction to our mission—it’s the next chapter in a relationship she’s spent years helping build. As she steps into this new role, she is focused on stability, unity, and reach, with a vision for strengthening our organization, deepening community connections, and reaching more young people waiting for a mentor.
Click here to read the full press release and learn more about Keonta’s vision for BBBSL.
Big Sister Melissa & Little Sister Viv
A Friendship that Grew Beyond the Match
When Vivienne and her family first heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, someone recommended the program and shared wonderful things about it. They were soon matched with Melissa, whose warm, engaging personality made it easy for everyone to click right away.
From the beginning, Melissa has consistently shown up for Vivienne, spending time together through small, meaningful activities. Their friendship has grown through grabbing ice cream, learning to ride a bike, getting Vivienne’s ears pierced, carving pumpkins, potting flowers, and finding creative ways to enjoy their 1:1 time together. Most recently, they made vision boards before Vivienne went back to middle school.
Over time, their relationship has become so much more than a Big and a Little. Melissa has watched Vivienne grow into a more positive and confident young woman, especially as she has learned to recognize and take pride in her amazing accomplishments at school.
“What started as a Big and a Little has become a genuine and trusting friendship,” Melissa shared. “I hope she knows how much I value her, believe in her, and cherish the relationship we have built together. I look forward to making memories together and watching her continue to achieve her goals!”
For Melissa, becoming a Big was a way to give back the encouragement and support she has received throughout her own life.
“My family and friends have supported me through some of my toughest times in life, and I have been so blessed by them. I wanted to give back by being a source of encouragement, support, and friendship to others. I thought BBBSL would be a great opportunity for that and hope that Viv feels this from me.”
Their story is a beautiful reminder that a match doesn’t have to be about grand gestures. Sometimes, showing up, sharing experiences, and simply being there for one another can grow into a lifelong friendship.
Get Involved with BBBSL
We’re continuing our efforts to grow our Volunteer Outreach Committee, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Whether you want to help spread the word about the work BBBSL is doing, connect us with new volunteers, or support our mission in other ways, there’s a place for you here.
Interested in getting involved? Contact us at info@bbbslowcountry.org to learn more.
September Match Anniversaries
Congrats on achieving this amazing milestone!
September Resources
For our September monthly resource, BBBSL would like to focus on ‘Supporting Your Little’s Employment Journey: Practical Ways to Help Youth Find and Keep a Job.’ The resource will be designed for both guardians and Bigs and will provide ways to encourage, prepare, and support youth as they explore employment opportunities and develop important workplace skills. Getting a first job is an exciting milestone that can build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills!
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Match Support Coordinator, Dana or Avery.
Join Us for the BBBSL Town Hall
We’re bringing the BBBSL community together for our first-ever Town Hall on October 1 from 5–7 PM, and we want you to be part of it!
Join us to meet our new CEO, Keonta’ Ramsey, connect with BBBSL staff, Bigs, families, and supporters, and hear updates on where BBBSL is today and what’s to come. We’ll share an overview of what’s ahead for our organization and create an opportunity for our community to come together, connect, and be part of the conversation.
More details to come! We hope you’ll join us.
Making Waves and Memories!
We were so excited to bring our matches back to Whirlin’ Waters for another summer of fun! Thanks to the Charleston County Parks Foundation, we were able to provide tickets for our matches to enjoy a day of swimming, playing, and making memories together.
It was the perfect way to wrap up summer and squeeze in another day of fun before heading back to school. We’re so grateful to the Charleston County Parks Foundation for helping make this day possible for our Bigs and Littles!
Celebrating September Observances
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month (all month)
Every September, Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates the lasting impact of mentorship and our mission to connect more young people with caring mentors. This month, we’re celebrating the power of these connections and the BIG difference they make in the lives of young people—while continuing to build a brighter future, one match at a time.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15)
A time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. It’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the young people and families we serve.
National Suicide Prevention Month (all month)
A time to emphasize the importance of connection, support, and meaningful relationships. For young people, having someone they can trust, talk to, and turn to can help them feel supported and remind them that they are never alone.
National Good Neighbor Day (September 28th)
A day to celebrate kindness, connection, and the people who help make our communities stronger. At BBBSL, we know that positive relationships can start with simply showing up for someone—and that small acts of support can have a BIG impact on a young person’s life.
National Family Health & Fitness Day (September 26th)
An opportunity to encourage families to spend time together through movement, play, and healthy activities. Shared experiences like these can strengthen relationships, build confidence, and create lasting memories for Bigs, Littles, and their families.
Free & Low-Cost Events/Eats
Music in the Parks with Rosy Bones
Free Admission | All Ages | Sept. 10th, 5:30-7:30PM | Limited Parking in Lot Next to Park
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an evening of music at Magnolia Park and Community Gardens. Foxes Fried will be on site with fried chicken and Southern classics available for purchase. Plus, the first 250 kids can enjoy a FREE King of Pops while supplies last!
Public Works Art Center Block Party
Free Admission | All Ages | Sept. 12th, 10AM-1PM
2026 Lowcountry 4-H Convention Back-to-School Giveaway
Free Admission, Registration Required | Grades K-12 | Sept. 19th, 10AM-4PM
Kids Eat Free: **w/ purchase of an adult meal
- **The Co-Op (all Charleston locations) – Free kids’ sandwich with adult sandwich or salad. Mondays all day.
- **Ruby Tuesday (1953 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407): Tuesdays only after 5 pm.
- **East Bay Deli (all Charleston locations): Monday-Thursday from 4 pm to close.
- **Sesame Burgers & Beer (all Charleston locations): Sundays from 4 pm to close.
- **Poogan’s Southern Kitchen (101 Nexton Square Drive, Summerville, SC 29486): Tuesdays from 3-9 pm only.
- **Moe’s Southwest Grill (all Charleston locations): Sunday’s all day.
- **Bodega (14 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464): Thursday’s all day.
- **Melvin’s BBQ (all Charleston locations): Fridays from 4 pm-8:30 pm.
That’s a wrap on this month’s edition of The BIG News!
Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next month!