Table of Contents
May is Mental Health Awareness Month 5 things to know
Cocktails For A Cause See what we’re mixing up!
Who will win the BIG Boat Raffle?! <10 days left to enter!
Are you ready to crush it? RSVP for May match activities
The BIG Beyond End of the year celebrations are in order!
We’re seeking our next Development Manager View job
Policy Refresh Clarification re: guests on match outings
Match support Contact your match coordinator
Free and low-cost meal options Read more
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry pledges to do our part in increasing public awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for greater access to mental healthcare. As part of that effort, here are 5 evidence-based takeaways for Bigs, parents, and caregivers to know about the connection between mentorship and mental health:
1) Support and Guidance: Mentorship provides individuals with a supportive relationship where they can receive guidance, advice, and encouragement. This support can act as a buffer against stress and help individuals navigate challenges more effectively, thus promoting better mental health.
2) Role Modeling: Mentors often serve as positive role models, demonstrating healthy coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and resilience in the face of adversity. Exposure to such role models can significantly impact mentees’ mental health and well-being.
3) Sense of Belonging: Mentorship fosters a sense of belonging and connectedness, which are important protective factors for mental health. Having someone who listens, understands, and validates their experiences can mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation, thereby promoting emotional well-being.
4) Skill Development: Mentees often acquire valuable skills and knowledge through their mentorship relationships, which can enhance their confidence and self-efficacy. Feeling competent and capable contributes to positive mental health outcomes such as reduced anxiety and increased self-esteem.
5)Social Support Networks: Mentorship can facilitate the expansion of social support networks, providing mentees with access to additional sources of support beyond their mentors. These expanded networks offer opportunities for social interaction, companionship, and emotional support, all of which are beneficial for mental health.
Research suggests that the positive effects of mentorship on mental health can endure over time, even after the formal mentorship relationship has ended. The skills, resources, and perspectives gained through mentorship can continue to benefit individuals in their personal and professional lives, contributing to sustained well-being. Thank you, Bigs, for all that you do to invest in the promise and potential of our youth!
Join us for complimentary hors d’oeuvres, fellowship with new and old friends, and a full cash bar at The Harbour Club at WestEdge as we raise awareness and funds for youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. All funds raised benefit our mission to create one-to-one mentoring relationships that IGNITE the power and promise of youth.
Who will win the BIG Boat Raffle?!?
Find out in <10 days — our BIG Boat Raffle Drawing takes place LIVE on Facebook on Friday, May 10th at 5 PM. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry CEO Merridith Crowe will randomly draw the winner, and BBBSL will email and call the winner to arrange to pick up of the BIG boat!
Are you like some of our Bigs who want to meet other great Bigs?
If so, stay tuned for BBBSL-sponsored “BIG Connections” meet-ups headed your way next fiscal year (September ’24, January ’25, April ’25). These events are designed to help you get to know one another, share experiences, and build stronger relationships to better serve your Littles. Why? Because we are BIGGER Together! Stay tuned for more details, and get ready for some fun-filled gatherings!
In the meantime…
If you meet a fellow Big with whom you’d like to connect, please let us know. If they consent, we will provide you with their contact information, so you can swap ideas, share stories, and perhaps arrange a joint match outing. Email our Program Director for more information
🔓⏱Saturday, May 4 — Escape in 60 Minutes!
Time & Location: 2-3:30 PM at 45 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
WHAT: Paired with other matches, you’ll be assigned to a room and be immersed in an exciting scenario – you may escape a sinking pirate or a creepy retro arcade. Whether you’re looking for family fun or spine-tingling shocks, we’ve got you covered. Once in the room, you’ll have 60 minutes to use teamwork and critical thinking to solve the puzzles and escape before your time runs out. Parents/caregivers will need to sign waivers in advance to participate.
PARKING: Paid parking is available on the street OR in the Cumberland Parking Garage.
🥒🎾Sunday, May 5 — Pickleball at Crush Yard
Time & Location: 2-4 PM at Crush Yard, 3365 S Morgans Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Parents/caregivers and Bigs must sign the electronic waiver.
WHAT: The ultimate blend of fun, fitness, and friendship! If you’ve never played pickleball, try to imagine tennis, badminton, and ping pong rolled into one game. It’s super easy to learn and inclusive for all ages and abilities.
PARKING: Free on-site
🥒 INTERESTED IN MORE PICKLEBALL FUN?! 🥒 SAVE THE DATE: On June 2, 10% of all food and beverage sales from Crush Yard in Mt. Pleasant — also known as Pickleball Paradise — will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry! There will also be a drawing for $150 to Crush Yard and extra pickleball swag. See you there!! đź“…
⏰🎉Saturday, June 1 — End of The Year Kids Fest 2024
Time & Location: 1-4 PM at The Gathering Center, 1520 Remount Rd, North Charleston
WHAT: Join us for a fun-filled day as we celebrate our kids completing another school year! This event is a wonderful opportunity for our school to come together one last time before summer break begins. Admission is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
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 our Development Manager role entails, 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!
In our last issue of The BIG News, we reviewed our policy on including other parties on match outings. A few of you reached out for clarification, and we’re sharing additional reminders below as part of May’s safety focus:
Bigs MUST NOT bring friends or family members of the Little on outings, nor may Bigs bring their own friends or family members, unless written permission from the Little’s parent and approval from BBBSL staff are obtained in advance.
There’s one exception: if a Little’s sibling is also enrolled in the BBBSL community-based mentoring program, they can attend agency activities supervised by BBBSL staff. In these cases, BBBSL requires written permission from the secondary Little’s parent (via text or email) BEFORE this action takes place. Thanks for your understanding!
