Women Who Move the City Honorees Named!

We are excited to share that results from the end of the 2014-2015 school year show that 98.9% of children involved the agency’s mentoring programs were promoted to the next grade level. In addition, 84% of children had a more positive attitude towards school and 96% had improved self-confidence. These results hold true for children attending Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) who are enrolled in BBBSEC’s innovative program, Transforming Buffalo Through Mentoring & Education™ (TBTME). Students enrolled in TBTME™ demonstrated improvements in attendance and a reduction in discipline referrals. These results lead to improved academic performance and a better chance for future success. Other positive outcomes from the 2014-2015 school year for children enrolled in BBBSEC’s Transforming Buffalo Through Mentoring & Education™ include: Attendance records showed…

BBBSEC received a donation of a Ford Flex through the Friendship Express program provided by the Ford Dealers of WNY. The vehicle will be used to transport groups of boys in our Partners for Youth program to different activities and events. Additionally, we will use it for small group outings for matches in our Site-Based and Community-Based programs. Thank you to the Ford Dealers of WNY for helping us broaden the horizons of our kids with a new set of wheels!

Over 150 guests, including Bigs & Littles, staff & the Board of Directors joined us for our Annual Welcome Summer Picnic at the Harlem Road Community Center.  Guests enjoyed a barbecue dinner, crafts and summer picnic favorites like tug of war and sack races.  In addition to celebrating the start of summer, we recognized our 5 Little Brothers & Sisters who graduated from high school this year and their Bigs who supported them along the way. During this presentation, we also announced some exciting news…The Big Brothers Big Sisters Daemen College Scholarship!  Our very own Big Sister Sandra Looker, a Daemen staff member in financial aid, shared that any Little graduating from high school, that attends Daemen College, will receive a $500.00 scholarship per year…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County and Media Sponsor, Kiss 98.5 are excited to honor Megan McNally as this week’s Women Who Move the City Wednesday Honoree! Megan McNally is co-founder and Executive Director of The Foundry, an organization on the east side of Buffalo that supports business creation, education and creativity. Located in a historic 25,000 square foot building, The Foundry offers workshop space for start-up businesses, artisans and tradespeople, as well as a multi-function community space to support arts performances, DIY education and public gatherings. It has become a recognized place for the encouragement of new ideas and productive action. In the last year, The Foundry has hosted workshops for over 400 participants and introduced new individuals into the east side community. Additionally, The Foundry…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County (BBBSEC) teamed up with the five local Kohl’s Department Stores for Kohl’s National Go Green Event (NGG) in celebration of National Volunteer Week and Earth Day. On Sunday, May 1st, more than 40 Kohl’s associates participated in a one-day volunteer project at The Belle Center located on Buffalo’s Lower West Side.  The Kohl’s associates spread soil, planted bushes and flowers at the center.  Several BBBS staff and a Big Brother & Little Brother match joined the effort. Following their hard work, the group enjoyed lunch and the opportunity to view the changes they made to the outside appearance of the center.  A grant will be awarded to BBBSEC’s Site-Based Mentoring Program located at The Belle Center  in recognition…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County and Media Sponsor, Kiss 98.5 are excited to honor Cindi McEachon as this week’s Women Who Move the City Wednesday Honoree! Cindi’s nomination for the Women Who Move the City award clearly demonstrated her passion and dedication to our community is contagious and that she has an innate ability to inspire those around her to not only give back but also, be better versions of themselves. Over the years, Cindi’s focused her volunteer efforts toward improving the lives of and empowering young girls throughout Western New York. Through her service as a Board Member for Homespace LLC, which provides a safe and nurturing transitional living environment with supportive services for single parent families that prepares them to achieve and maintain their independence, Cindi gives her…