4.18.2020

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In an effort to keep you all informed and up to date, BBBS VT will be sending you regular email updates and posting regularly on our facebook page and website. 

 

We'll also continue to reach out to you individually and encourage you to reach out to us as well. For participants who do not have access to a computer or email, we are reaching out via phone and regular mail.

 

 

We are here, as always to help support all of our awesome Bigs, Littles and families, and we are conducting volunteer and family interviews online, so please continue to refer your friends and neighbors!

 

All of our communication will continue virtually (phone/text/email/video) through at least May 15th.

 

Kimberley Diemond, Executive Director kimberley@bbbsvt.org

Charlotte Raine, Program Coordinator, MSW charlotte@bbbsvt.org

Tanya Martin, Program Coordinator tanya@bbbsvt.org

 

3.20.2020

 

In an effort to keep you all informed and up to date, BBBS VT will be sending participants weekly email updates and posting regularly on our facebook page and website.  We'll also continue to reach out to you individually and encourage you to reach out to us as well.  For participants who do not have access to a computer or email, we are reaching out via phone and regular mail.

 

What's happening now:

 

We've made the difficult decision to lay off two of our staff members and have reduced all other staff positions to part-time.   We are taking these steps now, to ensure that programming will continue once this crisis has passed. 

 

What you can expect:

• Our program remains open, however our physical offices are currently closed.  Staff will be working from home for the foreseeable future. 

• We'll be hosting Virtual Office Hours Monday through Wednesday from 12pm - 1 pm.  To access office hours, click HERE 

• All other meetings will be scheduled "by appointment" by contacting our program coordinators Charlotte Raine or Tanya Martin

• Staff will be posting videos on our Facebook page and website with fun activities; suggestions for maintaining connections while social distancing; helpful mentoring tips; what to do when kids are at home, and coronavirus related assistance and resources in your area

• We've also launched a Virtual Coffee Shop for Bigs and a Virtual Coffee Shop for Parent/Guardians on Facebook

• Community-based matches are encouraged to maintain communication via video calls, texts, emails, or regular mail as long as you have parent approval to do so.

• Site-based matches who would like to keep connected with your Big/Little, please contact us and if all parties agree, we will help you to arrange virtual means of communication during this time. 

We know these are challenging times and we are here with you and for you every step of the way. 

 

Take good care, 

 

Kimberley Diemond, Executive Director

Charlotte Raine, Program Coordinator, MSW

Tanya Martin, Program Coordinator

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3.16.2020

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In light of the fast moving changes to social distancing recommendations coming from the CDC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont has decided to suspend all site and community-based match meetings/outings effective immediately, until further notice.  

 

We feel this is the socially responsible approach to take for our program participants, staff, and the community. 

 

We will continue to update participants via email as this situation unfolds.  We also encourage you to visit this website and the BBBSVT Facebook page for the latest updates, suggestions for home activities for families, and creative ways to remain connected during social distancing.

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3.15.2020

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As Governor Scott has announced that public schools in VT must be shut down by Wednesday, March 18, we are suspending all school-based programs effective immediately.  We will work with each of you to ensure that your connection to your Big/Little remains intact during these uncertain times.  

 

If you (Bigs, Littles and families) are in need of assistance during this time - please reach out to myself or your program coordinator and we will do our best to ensure you have the resources you and your family needs.  

 

3.13.2020

 

We at BBBSVT are continuing to monitor information from state health officials and following the CDC guidelines for travel and exposure. Fortunately, we have no indication that any of our matches or team members have been exposed to the virus at this time. However, we need to continue to take steps to make sure everyone remains healthy.

 

Our organization will remain open, but we have asked all staff to work remotely at this time, so if you are planning to visit any of our offices please call ahead first to ensure the office will be staffed.

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Please remember not to panic.   Make smart, safe choices, and follow recommended guidelines for your area.  Please feel free to contact us if you are in need of specific resources.

 

Staff Contacts:

 

Via Phone: 802-689-0092

 

Via Email:

Kimberley Diemond, Executive Director: kimberley@bbbsvt.org

Charlotte Raine, Windham County Coordinator: charlotte@bbbsvt.org

Kelly Maxwell, Chittenden County Coordinator: kelly@bbbsvt.org

Tanya Martin, NEK Coordinator: tanya@bbbsvt.org

Tessa Tavares, Match Support Specialist: tessa@bbbsvt.org

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For Bigs and Littles on our Waiting List:  

We welcome applications at this time, but we will not be making new matches for the foreseeable future.  

 

For our matches that meet in the community:

We recommend exercising your best judgment when considering spending time together, including whether to attend public gatherings on outings. At a minimum, we ask all Bigs, Parents/Caregivers, and Littles to do the following:

• Review and follow the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations for preventing the spread of illness.

• Postpone match outings if anyone in your household has been exposed to COVID-19, has a fever, or exhibits any cold/flu symptoms.

• If your match has to go an extended time without meeting due to illness, please seek alternative ways to stay in touch.

Some ideas:

• Become pen pals for a couple weeks. Who doesn’t love snail mail? Send each other postcards or letters while you’re not able to get together.

• Use technology to keep in touch. Schedule a Facetime, Skype or good, old phone call once a week to talk, or send email updates about what you’ve been up to.

 

For our matches that meet at schools 

Our UVM Big Buddies Program is suspended until further notice.  All other school-based programs will remain open as long as the schools remain open, though we are respecting that some matches may not want to meet during this time and we are supportive of that choice.  

 

Remember, mentoring is about connecting however you’re able to do it, so while consistent meetings are a critical part of our program we encourage matches to find creative ways to stay in touch when that’s not possible.

If you have any questions, please contact your program coordinator. 

 

For those planning to attend the Windham County Bowl for Kids' Sake event
(scheduled for April 25)

We are still in full swing for the 39th Annual Bowl for Kids' Sake - however, the date will be postponed.  We will keep you posted with regular updates.  **Please continue fundraising efforts during this time, as we are reliant on this funding, and want to assure no disruption in services to our Windham County program**

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