Attention: Welcome Summer Picnic POSTPONED!

Today marks a new day for Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are reimagining our brand, from our look to our language. We are focused on an empowering message: Together, We Are Defenders of Potential. Our new brand is urgent, inclusive, and powerful. We ask people of all ages and backgrounds to step up and ignite potential within every young person. Check out our new look on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter and learn more about our reimagined brand by clicking here. Together, let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County was one of nine local organizations recently awarded a Mentoring Matters grant through the First Niagara Foundation. The awards were announced during a ceremony at the First Niagara Center on October 3rd that included First Niagara executives, local officials and Buffalo Sabres Coach, Ted Nolan. First Niagara employee and BBBSEC Big Sister, Patty Szwed, shared her positive experience as a mentor to her 11 year old Little Sister Reina during the event. The two will be matched for one-year at the end of October! Launched in 2007 by First Niagara, Mentoring Matters supports programs that help children improve their grades and school attendance, enhance their self-esteem, avoid the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and have a better opportunity…

We are excited to announce that the video submitted by Big Sister, Emily Felmet, that was a finalist in First Niagara’s 2016 Mentoring Matters Grant Giveaway Contest. won the top prize of  $10,000! Thank you to all who voted and shared the contest with friends, family and colleagues through Facebook and to First Niagara for this wonderful opportunity.  A BIG thank you to Big Sister Emily & Little Sister Quinn who shared their 5+ year friendship with the community to make this all possible. To view the final results click here.  To view the video, created by Odessa Pictures, click here.

Our 2nd Women Who Move the City event on April 30th at Hotel Lafayette from 5:30pm – 8:30 pm will recognize our female volunteers, as well as women who volunteer throughout the Western New York Area. This is a night to celebrate women who are positively impacting the lives of others and making a difference in our community. Attendees will also enjoy one of a kind shopping experience, demonstrations and food tastings from local businesses. We are excited to be honoring outstanding women who are positively impacting the lives of others and making a difference in our community.  Do you know a woman who is making strides and impacting our community? Why not nominate* her!  Click here  for the nomination criteria and more about the…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County is honored to celebrate Lorna MacDonald Czarnota as this week’s featured Women Who Move the City Wednesday (WWMTC) Honoree!  Lorna, an award-winning storyteller and author, has delighted audiences in schools, libraries, festivals and conferences throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland with traditional and original stories since 1985.  She is the founder and executive director of Crossroads Story Center, Inc., a not-for-profit reaching at-risk youth through story, music and art.  The organization is dedicated to helping young people navigate troubled waters through the model of story by mentoring and forming productive adult/youth partnerships.  Lorna’s healing story work is recognized in national and international storytelling communities. Lorna was the resident storyteller for nine years at Hopevale Residential Treatment Center and presents…