Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is committed to keeping our Bigs, Littles, families, employees, and supporters healthy and safe. We continue to take steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). See below for an update from BBBSCI as of March 20, 2020.
We are taking measures to stay busy, safe, and healthy:
- BBBSCI staff will work remotely until April 7 (at minimum).
- Program functions, including Volunteer Interviews, Youth/Parent Interviews, and Mentor Trainings, will take place via video, web conference, or phone through April 10 (at minimum). New Match Introductions on hold until further notice. We will send separate communication to provide instructions.
- All Match Activities will be canceled through April 30 (at minimum). BBBSCI asks that all Bigs and Littles avoid in-person match outings through April 30 (at minimum) and instead focus on building a friendship through email, phone, text, FaceTime, Skype, etc. Please contact your Mentoring Relationship Specialist, refer to The Big App, or email activities@bbbsci.org for ideas on how to stay connected.
- We will continue thoroughly cleaning the BBBSCI facility according to CDC recommendations.
We have developed contingency plans for our Celebrate Mentoring and Bowl For Kids’ Sake events, originally scheduled to take place in April. You can find information on Bowl For Kids’ Sake here. Celebrate Mentoring will no longer take place on April 26, 2020; new plans will be shared as they are finalized.
We are staying inspired by stories of Bigs and Littles safely connecting and supporting each other:
Big Sister Shannon and Little Sister Zamariah hang out every other weekend. This past weekend, they FaceTimed together to catch up and stay in touch despite social distancing. Zamariah gave Shannon a tour of her room and showed off some of her favorite toys and books. What a great way to communicate!
We are staying informed to support our community:
Our community is working to support people during this time. Please click here for a list of resources and programs. Additionally, our team put together a newsletter with information and resources for families; click here to read it.
As always, stay informed and continue to follow the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations for preventing the spread of illness.
If you have any general questions or need additional information, you may reach us at bigs@bbbsci.org.
Thank you for your continued support of the BBBSCI mission and for all you do to defend potential in our community.
Darcey Palmer-Shultz
CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana