TABLE OF CONTENTS

Win a $50 gift card for referring a new Big! The #3BIGTHINGS campaign Welcoming New Leadership Team Additions Meet Sadara and Grace! Join the BBBSL team! Apply or refer candidates to our open positions BBBSL-sponsored activities RSVP for April and May match activities The BIG Beyond Read our March recap and April announcements Including others on match outings? Read our policy Match support reminders Contact your match coordinator Free and low-cost meal options Read more

We are elated to introduce parents, caregivers, and Bigs to two new #TEAMKid leaders — Sadara Shine, our new Program Director, and Grecia “Grace” Hamilton, our new Development Director.

These two phenomenal humans have joined our executive team at a pivotal time in our young history, as we celebrate our FIFTH ANNIVERSARY on Monday, April 1 (no fooling!)

Both Grace and Sadara will be instrumental as we strive to fulfill our ongoing commitment to:

• Serve more youth and recruit more mentors
• Improve our volunteer and family enrollment experience
• Grow our community partnerships
• Provide even more meaningful, high-quality support to our youth, families, and volunteers
• Innovate to address emerging stakeholder needs

As we aim to foster more meaningful connections between Bigs and Littles, we’re thrilled to expand our team! If you’re passionate about our mission, vision, and the impactful responsibilities these roles entail, we eagerly await your application! Please email your resume or refer an outstanding candidate to ssoutherland@innovatehcs.com. We look forward to connecting with you very soon!

Other fun April & May events:

• April 8: Partial Solar Eclipse at Fort Moultrie (free for youth under 15; $10 for all others)
• April 13: Spring Food Truck Feastival at Firefly Distillery (free to all!)
• April 13: Float Your Boat on Painkiller Day at Holy City Brewing
• April 20-21: The 2024 Charleston Air Show at Joint Base Charleston
• April 25: Wordsmiths Open Mic at Baxter-Patrick James Island Library
• May 19: Pig Pickin’ to Benefit BBBSL at House of Brews West Ashley

Has your Little ever asked you if a friend or sibling can come along on a match outing? Have you, as a Big, ever thought, “My partner/friend would love to come along with me and my Little on this outing!”

The joy of wanting to share a positive mentoring experience with others is generally a good sign of a relationship progressing! That said, BBBSL has policies in place to prioritize the safety and well-being of our Bigs, Littles, and families:

• In the initial 90 days of a new match, only one-on-one outings in public settings are permitted.
• After the 90-day period, the Big may seek approval from their Match Coordinator and the Little’s parent/caregiver to host an outing at home or introduce the Little to a friend/family member.
• The Big must refrain from bringing the Little’s friends or family on outings, except for a sibling enrolled in the BBBSL program with written permission from their parent.
• All actions must be approved by parents/caregivers and BBBSL before a person outside of the match participates in a match outing. If approved, the Match Support Coordinator will provide additional guidelines.

By maintaining one-on-one interactions during the initial 90 days, we create a space where our mentors and mentees can build a foundation of trust and understanding without external distractions. This not only enhances the quality of the mentoring relationship but also ensures that both parties feel secure and supported throughout their interactions.

Furthermore, our stringent safety measures extend beyond simply limiting the number of participants. Allowing additional individuals to join match activities introduces variables that are difficult to control and monitor, increasing the risk of unforeseen incidents.

As an organization dedicated to empowering and nurturing the potential of our youth, we take safety incredibly seriously. It is our responsibility to provide a secure environment where mentors and mentees can thrive, and our policy reflects this unwavering commitment to their well-being. We thank you for your support and encourage you to reach out to your Match Coordinator with any questions!