Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) is excited to share the latest developments and initiatives outlined in its Impact2032 plan. Focused on enhancing literacy and school readiness, providing robust social and emotional support, and ensuring basic health and safety needs, these efforts underscore the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through meaningful mentoring relationships.
BBBSMM is dedicated to promoting literacy and school readiness in the community by expanding opportunities for children to access books and tools that support reading. The organization encourages volunteers to visit local public and school libraries, fostering a love for reading among the youth. Advocating for reading mentors for students and promoting shared reading opportunities at all levels, BBBSMM enhances literacy skills and fosters bonding between Bigs and Littles.
BBBSMM strengthens social and emotional development by providing positive adult role models and family support. The entire program helps reduce the impact of toxic stress on children and families, ensuring a supportive and stable environment for the youth. The organization also requires program managers and some volunteers to participate in training related to working with families facing complex issues, including trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as well as offers comprehensive training for staff, volunteers, and parents on handling challenges such as mental health diagnoses, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders.
In their ongoing effort to provide comprehensive support, BBBSMM is working towards hiring a clinical-level match support staff member to address mental health concerns for both Littles and Bigs, as well as among staff. Although funding for this position has not yet been secured, the organization remains optimistic about its future implementation.
BBBSMM demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of children by implementing comprehensive measures to prevent abuse and neglect, fostering a supportive environment, and providing essential safety resources. BBBSMM ensures safe reporting opportunities by making all employees mandated reporters and providing abuse and neglect prevention training to volunteers. The organization has developed policies to support the child, family, volunteers, and staff, creating a safe and supportive environment. BBBSMM provides safety booklets tailored to different age groups—one for those 11 and younger, and another for those 12 and older—offering essential safety information to all Littles participating in the program. Most schools where BBBSMM operates already have NARCAN on site, and two staff members have been trained to administer it. The organization is also considering Gatekeeper training, with plans to implement it in the third quarter of this year, further enhancing their commitment to health and safety.
Through these diverse and impactful initiatives, BBBSMM continues to demonstrate its dedication to nurturing the potential of every child. By addressing literacy, social, and emotional needs, and ensuring safety, the organization not only supports the immediate needs of the youth but also contributes to their long-term development and success.
