Hometown Bingo - Northumberland North Nevada Association

Northumberland Big Sisters Big Brothers is a county wide, non-profit, charitable organization, governed by a community based, volunteer Board
Providing mentoring services for children & youth for over 39 years.
A preventative program for boys & girls fostering self worth, support and friendship

PROGRAM

Our purpose is to provide friendship and support to a child through a one-to-one relationship with an appropriate female/male volunteer
Little Sisters/Little Brothers are children and youth aged 6-18, who will benefit from a friendship with a mature, caring adult
Children who are referred may be from varied family situations ie: single parent families, grandparents, and guardians
Concerned parents, professionals, teachers or staff of other children's services, who sense a need for additional support for the child, would usually make the referral
Big Sisters/Big Brothers are adults who have a zest for life, a variety of interests to share and the time required (3 hrs/week) to commit to a relationship with a youth
All applicants are interviewed, screened and then matched on the basis of strengths, personalities, similar interests and travelling proximity
Professional & caring staff offer ongoing support & supervision as well as, organize group activities, outings, camp-out, support groups and other learning opportunities
Most important is to: HAVE FUN

STATS

In 2009 we provided services to 218 children throughout community
Presently: we have 7 little sisters and 12 little brothers
Always needed are: volunteers to be Big Brothers, Big Sisters, In School Mentors, Board of Directors, committees, Bingo, Stores & special events/fundraising
Volunteers gave us 3500 hrs

PROGRAMS/EVENTS

September is national Big Brother Big Sister recruitment month
Summer recreational program - accommodates approx. 20 kids. Annual camp-out at Presqu'ile Park
A job shadowing program
A waiting list program in collaboration with students from Trinity College School
Halloween, Christmas and other seasonal parties
In-School-Mentoring, Go Girls

FUNDING

There is no fee for services or any other costs to the client or volunteer
United Way member agency - 28% of our budget provided by UW
Self funded - 2 Second Helpings stores: in PH, Colborne; Individual donations, Corporate sponsorships and Events fundraising like BFKS; Bingos, Nevadas and Grants
Special Events: My Big Sister's Closet sale, gift wrapping, Garden tour, Bowl for Kids' Sake