Find out what we are most grateful for during this challenging time and how our Big and Little Sisters are staying connected.
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NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE
From the President & CEO
Dear friends,
Throughout these past eight months, we have all experienced challenges navigating our virtual world. It feels strange not to see our colleagues in person, our friends, and extended family members. As we enter the holiday season, we may start to feel the loss of traditions that we hold dear, while we prioritize the safety of our family and friends. It is now, during these difficult times, that it may be helpful to focus on what we do have and count our blessings.
At Big Sister, we are grateful to all members of our community who are making our work possible, in spite of their own challenges. Our Big Sisters, with the help of their Match Support Specialists, are providing comfort and connection. Our Workplace Mentoring partners are collaborating with us to develop a flexible, virtual model where girls can still have the consistent guidance and support of a Big Sister from companies like Allen & Gerritsen, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Fidelity, Edelman, John Hancock, and Wayfair. And, we are grateful to those who continue to fund our work so that our girls can remain connected and new relationships can be made.
You all give in ways that make our work possible. For that, we are grateful. Perhaps this is something we are all learning through these challenging times; in the words of St. Francis Assisi: For it is in giving that we receive.
In gratitude,
Match Moments
Through the guidance of their Match Support Specialists, our Big and Little Sisters are finding creative ways to stay emotionally connected during a time when connection is critically important for girls. When the days feel monotonous and isolating, small moments of joy can make an instant change. For many of our Little Sisters, engaging with their Big Sisters via Zoom, FaceTime, and texting, or in-person in a socially distanced, responsible way, is a break from their current reality. Below are a few of those moments.
Big Sister Holly and Little Sister Avionna on one of their first ice cream adventures in 2018.
Big Sister Holly and Little Sister Avionna began building their bond over a love of ice cream when they were first matched in 2018. They made a tradition out of having the frozen treat together during many of their visits, which made space for conversations that helped strengthen their relationship. When the pandemic put a pause on their in-person activities and ice cream adventures, their connection remained strong. They continue their conversations, and any time they are having ice cream on their own, they text to show they are thinking of each other.
Big Sister Emily and Little Sister Desaray responsibly enjoying a recent bike ride together.
Big Sister Emily and Little Sister Desaray were matched in September 2019. While they had paused their in-person visits during much of the pandemic, they decided to celebrate their one-year anniversary with an outdoor, socially distanced activity: bike riding around the Emerald Necklace in Boston. Emily told us: “Thank you for your support of our match! We have been having a lot of fun despite the limitations of social distancing and as we pass the one-year mark I feel closer to Desi than ever.”
Big Sister Katie and Little Sister Fiona when they were matched at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in 2018.
Big Sister Katie and Little Sister Fiona have been matched since 2018 in our Site-Based Mentoring program, where Big and Little Sisters visit at the Little Sister’s school. Before the pandemic, they met weekly at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston. It is familiar territory to Big Sister Katie who also attended the Josiah Quincy as a child and was a Little Sister herself! In fact, when Katie enrolled at Boston University, she sought out the Big Sister program because she wanted to help a girl have the same positive experience she did. Even though Katie and Fiona are unable to meet in person at this time they still connect regularly and have tried many different virtual activities together. They’ve played chess and checkers over Zoom, have done online puzzles and trivia together, and virtually toured museums and the White House.
Attention Shoppers...
Whether you're shopping local or online, we've got two great ways you can support our programs for Greater Boston's girls.
Stop & Shop Community Bag Program
For the month of November, Big Sister Boston will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop store located at 1620 Tremont Street, Boston MA.
AmazonSmile
Shopping Amazon on November 27? You can make an impact while you shop for Black Friday deals. Simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/04-2150651 and AmazonSmile will donate to Big Sister Association of Greater Boston at no cost to you.
Mark Your Calendar
Become a Big Sister Online Info Session Co-hosted by our Diversity Board
Tuesday, December 1
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Have you been thinking about finally taking the leap and becoming a Big Sister? Now is the time! Find out what it's really like at our virtual info session co-hosted by Big Sister Boston's Diversity Board.
The Big Question: Virtual Trivia Night with our Young Professional Board
Wednesday, December 2
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Join Big Sister Boston's Young Professional Board and host Tiffani Faison, of Bravo's Top Chef, for a fun-filled evening of online trivia in support of our mentoring and enrichment programs for Greater Boston's girls.
Tickets $35.
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