The Community Foundation of Sarasota County Approves Grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has approved a grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast in the amount of $10,000 through a recommendation from its Community Impact Grant committee. This funding is for Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties to support a one on one mentoring program and to meet the agency’s needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. All funds will partially cover essential program costs: volunteer recruitment/screening/training; client outreach/advocacy; compatibility matching; program operations; match support services; and youth outcomes evaluations. Additionally, because program staff is working remotely, they need laptops with cameras to perform program-required services virtually–interviewing volunteers/youth/families; matchmaking; and ongoing match contacts. To maintain security, program staff need Agency-issued cell phones connected to their office numbers. BBBSSC needs an Information Technology Support Specialist (to support staff in navigating software/technical issues and to develop virtual opportunities/provide webinars) and a Human Resources Specialist (to provide mechanisms for staff’s remote working needs and development). “This is great news of supportive help when we need it the most.  As you know the young people we serve are likely to bear the heaviest burdens of trauma and economic fallout facing increased anxiety, stress, fear, and worry. Much greater exposure to adverse childhood experiences. The trauma to our most vulnerable will continue with profound effects, our work could not be more urgent and our mission more important than ever said Joy Mahler, CEO, and President. Big Brothers Big Sisters are actively supporting the vital, life-changing mentoring relationships to engage in social-emotional and educational support of our young people and families.  Your thoughtful donation provides children support to strengthen their match relationship, help find resources and troubleshoot issues in these very difficult times and we thank you.”  

BankUnited has awarded a 2020 charitable grant in the amount of $5,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for the purpose of general operating / program support.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage through our communities with particularly profound impacts on low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and individuals, BankUnited recognizes, values and supports the work of our partners who are racing to adapt, address and serve the needs of our Nation’s most vulnerable. Funds from this grant are for-Sarasota County Beyond School Walls (BSW) program and Covid-19 related operating expenses: mentor recruitment, screening, and training; youth outreach and advocacy; compatibility matching; ongoing professional support by Degreed and Certified Mentor Managers; regular meetings between mentors and students; youth outcomes evaluations; student meals (breakfast and lunch) on mentoring days; transportation to and from the business site; program materials; program staff cell phones; and IT and HR contract work.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has received a gift in the amount of $20,000 from Publix Super Markets Charities as a corporate sponsor for its fundraising events throughout several communities the organization serves. These events are hosted beginning November 2020 and run through April 2021. A fundraising event is hosted to benefit the following Counties BBBS serves: Sarasota, Manatee, Highlands, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier. The organization appreciates Publix Super Markets Charities for their years of support. For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been igniting hope and giving youth the opportunity to achieve their potential. They build and support one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth.

The Venice Golf and Country Club Foundation awarded a supplemental grant of $895 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. This additional funding is to help address the challenges the organization is facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This grant will serve to heighten Big Brothers Big Sisters’ online security and boost its technology as the agency continues to serve local youth through remote one-to-one mentoring.