Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is an internationally operating program
designed to assist children and teenagers (little brothers/sisters) in
crisis by facilitating a one-to-one positive relationship with an older
person (big brother/sister). BBBS seeks to help children to reintegrate in
the society, to give a hand to those little ones who feel insecure,
frightened, unprotected at school, at home, in the street, to those who
feel lonely, abandoned, and afraid to face the world and its realities. It
is miraculous how helpful a relationship with an older friend can be.
The start of the BBBS program in Lithuania dates back to 1995 when a small
group of energetic people from the local NGO Children Support Center (
www.pvc.lt ) initiated the
beginning of BBBS in the capital of the country, Vilnius . The strong
commitment towards the development of the program by the director of the
Children Support Center , Mrs. Ausra Kuriene, and the program manager, Ms.
Erna Petkute, has resulted in further expansion of BBBS in other regions
of Lithuania .
The widening of the program resulted in establishment of the BIG BROTHERS
BIG SISTERS ASSOCIATION OF LITHUANIA (BBBS AL ) in 2000 . The new
organization was warmly welcomed by the President of the country,
Mr.Valdas Adamkus. It also simultaneously joined the Big Brothers Big
Sisters International (
www.bbbsi.org ) the global alliance of country-specific national
associations of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
BBBS IN LITHUANIA FACTS:
CHILDREN SERVED 2003-2004 : 200
VOLUNTEERS (Big brothers/sisters) 2003-2004 : Contributed over 27,720
hours
REGIONAL COVERAGE : Vilnius , Kaunas , Klaipeda , Alytus, Siauliai ,
Marijampole, Vilkaviskis, Visaginas, Utena
SITUATION OF THE SERVED CHILDREN:
* Child is brought up by a single parent
* Parents are divorced or constantly fighting
* Family has 3 and more children
* Child lives with custodians
* One of the parents is dead, missing, or imprisoned
* One of the parents has lost his/her job
* Child has no friends and cannot fit well to the school environment
RESEARCH :
Many conducted researches had proven that children with an experience of
such mentoring are less likely to start using illegal drugs, alcohol, skip
school; the positive impact is more positive attitudes toward school,
improved relationships with the adults, and higher levels of
self-confidence. In general friendship with an older person enables young
people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and
caring individuals.
OPINION POLL SURVEY 2004 :
* Evaluation of the BBBS friendships in Lithuania :
* Little brothers/sisters 97% expectations met
* Big brothers/sisters 97% expectations met
* Parents/custodians 92% expectations met
COST : Average cost per Big Brothers Big Sister match annually in
Lithuania - $200
SUPPORT : FORBES Investment Guide for charities lists Big Brothers Big
Sisters as one of ten charities most worthy Your consideration. (
www.forbes.com/charities )
Children are the future, and your donation would help to bring up a new
bright, strong and responsible future generation. By supporting a
friendship you support the emotionally healthy childhood, independent and
self reliant adolescence and responsible adulthood.
LITTLE DONATION CAN BE A BIG MAGIC.
_________________________________________
Contributions to support programs affiliated with Big Brothers Big
Sisisters International (BBBSI) around the world may be sent to the
headquarters of BBBSI in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
BBBS International was granted 501 (c) 3 status from the U.S. Internal
Revenue Service in documentation dated 12-29-99. Donors may deduct
contributions to us as provided in section 170 of the Internal Revenue
Code.
_________________________________________
For additional information contact Ms.Giedre Paludneviciute, Director of
BBBS Association of Lithuania: (310) 980 5425, email:
paludne@yahoo.com
Giedre is currently residing in California, Los Angeles, she works for
BBBS Lithuanian Association on a voluntary basis.
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