Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence

Bundle and Save! Buy a pair of tickets and save $10 off the total purchase.

Join us for all-you-can-eat food tastings paired with Double Nickel Brewing Co. award winning craft beers... for a great cause, benefitting !

is back, baby!

flavorfest.givesmart.com

Please join us in a BIG WELCOME to Patricia Brown, who joined our in January!

As the Executive Director, Corporate Strategy for Merck, Tricia is the commercial leader in healthcare with deep expertise in and ex*****on, , and . She is a true leader who successfully leads high priority strategic initiatives by influencing and aligning cross-functional leaders to quickly drive progress and achieve outcomes.

"I believe in the power of mentorship," Tricia told us. "It has enhanced my life, and I have enjoyed mentoring others throughout my career. During the pandemic, I sought out ways to contribute more, to new mentees and mentor programs. I am thrilled to join BBBS Independence. We have an incredible track record for helping children understand and achieve their potential, and our leadership team is amazing."

Tricia has Bachelor of Arts degrees and an from Villanova University and is a member of the Google Health Advisory Board. She is passionate about mentoring colleagues, students and youth.

WHILE THE NFL IS DRAFTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PLAYERS, WE’RE DRAFTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF .

Today, 1 in 3 kids in America are growing up without a . We’re teaming up with the NFL Initiative to empower more young people through .

Get off the sideline, and become a in your community today.

independencebigs.org/bigdraft

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region Support Big Brothers Big Sisters' mission to provide a caring adult mentor to every child that needs one.

Happy and ! Let's give a BIG welcome to another powerful woman who joined our Governing Board of Directors in January!

Tivonnia (T.J.) Harvey is the AVP, US Vaccine Sales and Customer Engagement Organization at Merck, reporting to the Senior Vice President of US Vaccine Business Unit.

With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, T.J. brings extensive breadth and depth of experience in sales leadership managing a mix of products and business models across the , specialty, hospital and markets. She has been at the forefront of Merck’s adaptation to Social Learning and driving methodology in and .

T.J. has established strong relationships with Senior Learning Leaders across industries and has spoken at numerous events as Keynote Speaker and along Leader panels, on topics including , , and . Under her watch as CLO, T.J.’s organization has won multiple awards including Learning in Practice, Excellence in Partnership Award, International EHS Innovation Award and numerous Brandon Hall Excellence awards, to name a few.

T.J. is a former alumna of the Women’s Leadership Program, past recipient of the prestigious Presidents Award, Global Chair of the League of Employees of African Descent (LEAD), Executive Sponsor for the PA Rainbow Alliance EBRG and is the second recipient of the Merck Women’s Leadership Excellence Award.

March is and we’re making our own history by adding some powerful to our Governing Board of Directors.

Please join us in A BIG WELCOME to Lisa Caldwell, who joined our Governing Board in January.

Lisa is known for her strategic insight and market acumen, as well as her commitment to and & .

Lisa Caldwell is the leader for the Janssen Global Commercial Strategy for the COVID-19 Vaccine. In this role she partners closely with the R&D organization, global stakeholders, and markets around the world to support helping to end the pandemic. In addition to the work on the COVID vaccine she is also playing a role in building out the new global commercialization strategy for the vaccines business.

Three areas of passion for Lisa are , , and . The common thread across these areas is helping young people meet and reach their full potential. Over the years Lisa has volunteered at Planned Parenthood and served as a and for young moms reentering high school. Currently, she tutors middle school students in reading and math.

Lisa graduated from Howard University Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and received a Master of Business Administration from Penn State University. She is a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Howard University Philadelphia Association.

Travel and photography and interior design are hobbies Lisa enjoys to recharge and fuel her creativity. Lisa works in NJ and lives in Blue Bell, PA.

Celebrate women by creating space where their ideas and wellbeing can flourish. Support women by not only acknowledging their achievements in history, but also how they show up everyday for all of us.

We’re excited to announce the relaunch of the School District of Philadelphia Virtual Gender Sexuality Alliance! All high school LGBTQ+ students and allies in Philadelphia are invited to attend on Zoom every Wednesday at the NEW time of 4:30 PM. This week, we’re kicking off the relaunch with games and giveaways. Hope to see you there!

Register here for the Zoom link: http://ow.ly/GUFj50I769n

Posted • .zeff Tell me how this dude just turned 17 and is now taller than me. 2nd pic was one of our 1st hangs when he was 12 😭 So proud of this kid. Being a Big Brother in has been so incredibly rewarding. If you’ve been looking into giving back in your community, this is a beautiful way to do so plus there’s a massive waiting list for little brothers looking for a big. Please check them out! 🙏🏻♥️

75% of the children waiting for a mentor in our program are Black male youth. As ends, we need new Big Brothers to inspire change and defend the potential of Black youth all year! NFL Inspire Change

Get Off the Sidelines! Apply Now and You Could Be Our Number One Mentoring Draft Pick: independencebigs.org/bigdraft

The 2022 theme of is Black Health and Wellness. Last week, our CEO Marcus Allen appeared on a panel about this very topic and said, "We are so quick to put labels on our kids. And often times we can marginalize these kids and put them in a corner. My challenge to us is... there are young people who do have certain challenges and they need services and support. My biggest concern is let's not create bigger barriers than already exist. We need to listen to them."

Watch the recording here:

Black History Month - Mental and Spiritual Health Black History Month - Mental and Spiritual Health

Happy Valentine's Day! Share one of these with your Little or Big!

The 45th stamp in the series by the US Postal Service honors sculptor Edmonia Lewis (c.1844–1907). As the first African American and Native American sculptor to earn international recognition, Lewis challenged social barriers and assumptions about artists in mid-19th century America.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/J67h50HMQ7X

https://www.philasun.com/stateside/montgomery-county-to-host-virtual-panel-discussions-on-black-health-and-wellness/

Thank you The Philadelphia Sunday SUN for the great write-up on the upcoming panels hosted by Montgomery County’s Committee, featuring one with our CEO Marcus Allen.

Wednesday, February 16 – Topic: Mental and Spiritual Health

Panelists – Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, Dr. Toni Warner-McIntyre, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence CEO Marcus Allen

Montgomery County to host virtual panel discussions on Black health and wellness - The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Tweet Share Pin Email NORRISTOWN, Pa. -– Montgomery County’s Black History Month Committee invites the community to attend a four-week long virtual series of panel discussions for Black History Month. This year’s program will focus on the national theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” as est...

The 44th stamp in the series from United States Postal Service honors playwright August Wilson (1945–2005), who brought fresh perspectives and previously unheard voices to the American stage.

In a cycle of plays that dramatize the experiences of African Americans during each decade of the 20th century, Wilson focused on the reality of his characters’ hopes and struggles in the face of daunting odds.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/y0pb50HMRAQ

Are you a mentor or do you help facilitate mentoring programs? The Guide to Mentoring Boys and Young Men of Color explains how and why mentors should adopt a strength-based approach to mentoring & explains the importance of creating safe spaces where mentees can reflect upon and challenge racial inequities. Learn more at mentoring.org.

: Little Brother Dom was a little quiet when he first met Big Brother Svenne, but they enjoyed bonding over their love of riding bikes and watching action movies. Dom is excited to teach his Big Brother about video games and Svenne hopes to teach his Little Brother about his favorite hobby photography. They are hoping to read Harry Potter together.

Please join our CEO Marcus Allen for a panel discussion on Wednesday, February 16, focusing on Mental and Spiritual Health, with fellow panelists Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake and Dr. Toni Warner-McIntyre.

Register at: montcopa.org/blackhistorymonth

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
We are deeply saddened by the news of Cheslie Kryst’s passing. She was a remarkable advocate and supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her passion for serving others and empowering young people to realize their potential will forever leave a lasting impact on the lives of others. Her inspirational life will be remembered by us all. On behalf of the entire Big Brothers Big Sisters network, we send our condolences to Cheslie's family and friends during this difficult time.

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If you or a loved one need support—like so many of us right now—help is available. If you are having thoughts of su***de, call the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSu***de.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

We are deeply saddened by the news of Cheslie Kryst’s passing. She was a remarkable advocate and supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her passion for serving others and empowering young people to realize their potential will forever leave a lasting impact on the lives of others. Her inspirational life will be remembered by us all. On behalf of the entire Big Brothers Big Sisters network, we send our condolences to Cheslie's family and friends during this difficult time.

Happy from ! Wishing you good luck and fortune in the .

Happy ! We are celebrating the strengths and accomplishments of our Black Littles, Black Bigs, Black families, Black staff and Black supporters.

We are always in need of Black male mentors. Apply to volunteer now: independencebigs.org/be-a-big

During January's , we are making a C.A.S.E. for mentoring. Mentors connect, amplify, support, and empower. Through a 1:1+ service model, we are able to SUPPORT a young person, their family, and their community. Learn more at: independencebigs.org.

Today we honor Dr. MLK Jr. by continuing his fight for a just and equitable world, by building relationships and communities where people feel heard and valued... one mentor + one kid + one community at a time. Mentor Independence Region

Access to a caring adult amplifies support systems that uplift youth, and belonging and respect. Want to mentor a young person? Find your mentoring connection at mentorir.org. Mentor Independence Region

Congrats to our coach, Candace Kenyatta, Managing Partner from Grovider, for being selected as a Greater Philadelphia Social Innovations Awards finalist in the Racial Justice category! She will be recognized at a virtual reception this Thursday.

BBBSI was selected by The Pew Charitable Trusts to participate in the Pew Fund Evaluation Capacity Building Initiative (ECBI) and Candace is our coach. The goal of the ECBI is to harness data to inform and improve non-profit programs that results in amplifying impact for clients and communities. Keep up the great work, Candace!

www.philadelphiainnovationawards.com/2021-awards-1

Join us this as we Make a C.A.S.E. for Mentoring! Connect. Amplify. Support. Empower.

Help us AMPLIFY the power of relationships and drive positive change for young people. Join the mentoring movement at www.mentorir.org Mentor Independence Region

Thrilled to have our Littles and Bigs featured as part of the Inspire Change initiative. Congrats Jah’son and Reggie! 🙌🏼🏈

• Big Brothers Big Sisters is empowering the next generation and have chosen to highlight the relationship between Jah’son and Reginald

This , reflect on the ways you are helping support the next generation of leaders and change-makers. By connecting young people with caring adults, mentors encourage positive youth development. Consider becoming a today! www.independencebigs.org/be-a-big

: Comcast ordered catered Chick-Fil-A box meals for our Littles in school at our last program of the 2021 calendar year. For most of the students it was their first time trying Chick-Fil-A and they loved it.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with some powerful and influential women in sports, moderated by our CEO, Marcus Allen.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83092714587

Access to 4 accepting and affirming LGBTQ+ adults in your life can reduce the level of risk of suicidality to just 13% (-26%)
(Source: Trevor Project 2019)

CONNECT with the + community and help us "Make a C.A.S.E. for Mentoring!" this .

Apply to a young person today: www.independencebigs.org/be-a-big

MENTOR Mentor Independence Region The Trevor Project

MENTOR’s research shows the majority of Americans agree that mentoring relationships are powerful tools for CONNECTION and are critical for our country’s future.

Join us all month for as we "Make a C.A.S.E. for Mentoring!" with MENTOR Independence Region.

Connect
Amplify
Support
Empower

Apply to mentor a young person today: independencebigs.org

1 in 3 young people in America are growing up without a mentor outside their family. By growing the mentoring movement, we have a chance to close the mentoring gap and increase young people’s access to caring adults.

Join us all month for as we "Make a C.A.S.E. for Mentoring!"

Visit www.Independencebigs.org to volunteer or donate.

We're thrilled to announce that we raised a total of $2,710 on , surpassing our goal of $1,500! We are humbled by your generosity, especially during the holiday season. You are making a one mentor + one youth + one community at a time!

We are making a today thanks to you! We are only $150 away from our goal! Please help us continue our life-changing mentoring programs.

www.independencebigs.org/give

Will you help us reach our $1,500 goal by noon today for ? $1,500 is how much it takes to make and sustain a mentoring match for one year. Donate now: www.independencebigs.org/give