April 2025

Despite some somewhat rocky weather to start the season, spring is here to stay, and we’re in full swing at BBBSWM. In fact, one of this month’s big announcements involves our national office recognizing all the great things happening in our service area!

School-based programs are still full speed ahead. And just around the corner, it’ll be time to start winding them down for the season so we can get ready to welcome summer break. Time flies!

As always, thank you so much to our donors, grantmakers, Bigs, Littles, parents/guardians, event participants, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and staff! We just couldn’t do all this great work without you.

Warm regards,
David Beturne, CEO

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NEW MATCH

Big Sister Takira and Little Sister Aurbree

Matched: 3/28/2025
Another great match! This photo is just pure happiness and excitement. Congrats to you both, and keep us posted on all the fun stuff you do together!

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READY FOR SOMETHING BIG?

Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking, “Gee, I definitely want to be a Big once the time is right.”
If so, your time is now!

Across the region, we’re experiencing a significant volunteer shortage. This means more and more kids who need and want a mentor are having to sit on the waiting list.

The Good News
Being a Big is fun and easy!

Truly, by simply being a friend to a child or teenager, you empower them to live up to their fullest potential. It’s a tried-and-true method that’s over 100 years old, and studies confirm mentoring’s real, lasting impact.

Come Be Part of Something BIG!

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FEATURED LITTLE

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

It’s just amazing when community partners offer support from all levels of the organization. This is 100% the case with Franklin First Federal Credit Union. In addition to supporting as a sponsor of special events, they also have employees who choose to donate at an individual level!

And as if all that weren’t enough, they also recently made a generous investment in Empower Her, one of our newest programs that matches students from Stoneleigh Burnham with middle-school aged youth. It’s an especially exciting program for our community’s young women where they experience mentoring but also develop leadership skills along the way. Franklin First was quick to jump on board and is an invaluable partner in the Franklin County region.

A financial institution open to all in Franklin County, they’re a great place to do banking! If you’re looking for somewhere that is small enough to take excellent care of its customers but big enough to offer security and a wide range of service options, definitely learn more about Franklin First Federal Credit Union!

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SPECIAL SHOUTOUT

The bag program with Stop & Shop has been a significant supporter now for several years. Lately, we’ve been seeing our name attached to campaigns across the region! Thank you so much for your generosity and for being a BIG supporter of our community’s youth, empowering them to live up to their fullest potential.

In need of a fantastic shopping bag? Keep your eye on our Facebook page to see where the next featured Stop & Shop location is!

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AGENCY NEWS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America recently announced that we are one of 28 agencies (of 270+ total affiliates nationwide) to win The Impact Award for 2024!

The award recognizes agencies that demonstrate both strong growth AND a significant positive impact on the lives of mentored youth, highlighting a commitment to program excellence and serving more children.

As we celebrate this BIG win, we know it’s not something we accomplished alone. Thank you so much to our donors & supporters, our fantastic Bigs, Littles and their families, and our hard-working staff.

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BIRTHDAY CHEER

If you see or chat with these folks, be sure to wish them a happy birthday:

April 13
Adam Lafield, Development Manager

April 19
Jessica Loebel, Case Manager

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STAFF UPDATE

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BOARD PROFILE

What is your vision for the future of BBBS?

I love that BBBS is getting more involved with older children in our community with career seminars & having high school students mentor the younger children. My vision is for BBBS to help every child possible through many avenues.

What do you love most about being part of the western MA community?

Western MA is such a caring, helpful, and loyal community. Everyone pitches in and helps each other.

What are some of your hobbies and things you like doing in your free time?

I love to travel and spend time with my family (especially my grandsons).

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NEW MATCHES (APRIL) & MATCH ANNIVERSARIES (JAN-MARCH)

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