Online Chat with Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Flint Hills
October 20, 2011
Online Chat with Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Flint Hills
moderator: Today our guest is Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Flint Hills. She is at the Gazette offices to talk about the organization and some upcoming events. We only have 30 minutes to chat so we will get started with the first questions.
moderator: What are the goals and mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Flint Hills (BBBSFH) primary goal is to promote positive youth development through a variety of mentoring programs designed to reflect and enhance the unique strengths of each child and family. We provide positive role models who offer friendship and support to children who come from all social, financial and ethnic backgrounds. In addition, ongoing support and enrichment are provided by the professional staff for parents, children and volunteers. Our agency provides Community-Based One-to-One Matches, Site-Based Group Mentoring Programs, and a First Friends Club to any child, ages 5-17 years, who wants or needs a mentor. Our programs are fun and have proven positive impact on the lives of our “Littles.”
moderator: What region is covered by Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Flint Hills?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: The BBBSFH service area includes Chase, Coffey, Lyon and Morris Counties. Our office also works with other Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies to assist with referrals, file transfers and child enrollment.
moderator: How many "Littles" are signed up with your program and how many volunteers do you have to serve as a "Big" currently?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: Our numbers fluctuate throughout the year, as we accept volunteer and child applications at any time. We are just wrapping up volunteer recruitment season, which was extremely successful. Currently, we have 41 Community-Based Matches, which provides one-on-one time between an eligible volunteer and child, and nearly 30 Site-Based Program Matches. These Site-Based Programs are supervised by BBBSFH staff and include Buzz Club and Hornet Queens at ESU, Lunch Buddies at Council Grove Elementary, Sterling House After School Activity, and Sister Sister After School Activity at Emporia Middle School. Our First Friends Club provides monthly activities to children who are new to the program or waiting to be re-matched with a Big Brother or Sister. First Friends ranges from 10 to 30 children throughout the year. Currently we are serving over 100 children from all four counties.
moderator: What all is required of a volunteer that wants to be a Big Brother or Sister?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: Volunteers are truly the heart of our organization, and we are always eager to welcome new “Bigs” to the BBBSFH family. Volunteers may choose to participate in a Community-Based Match, or a Site-Based Program. Potential volunteers work with our Program Coordinator, Jamie Roberts, to complete enrollment and determine eligibility. The enrollment process includes an application, in-person interview, home visit, background checks and reference checks. Volunteer training is also provided. Community-Based Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid drivers’ license and reliable means of transportation. Site-Based Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Site-Based Volunteers commit to at least one semester. These programs meet once a week while school is in session. Volunteers work with a child within a group setting, and engage in a variety of creative and team-building activities. When a volunteer is accepted into the Community-Based Match Program, BBBSFH staff determines a compatible match with a child based on volunteer and family preferences, similar interests and personality type. A primary goal of our agency is to make and sustain long-term matches that both the child and volunteer enjoy. Once a match is made, our “Bigs” are encouraged to spend a couple hours once a week or at least four hours a month with their “Little Brother” or “Little Sister.” During their time together, matches share activities they both enjoy; some matches play sports, work on homework, cook dinner together or share new experiences, by attending a play at ESU or visiting a local museum. By providing consistent one-on-one time, our matches are able to establish a strong and lasting friendship. Believe it or not, just a few hours a month can have a huge positive impact on a child’s life. Plus, being a “Big” is fun! Becoming a special friend to a child is a rewarding experience and a great way to give back to your community. These matches last a minimum of six months, but most volunteers and their “Littles” enjoy their time together so much, the average match length is over a year!
moderator: Other than volunteering how else can someone help BBBS of the Flint Hills?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: The best way to support your local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency is to become a volunteer, whether it is enrolling in a match program, serving on the Board of Directors or assisting with annual agency events, like our Holiday Party or Bowl For Kids’ Sake Fundraiser. As a non-profit organization, our agency is fortunate to be a United Way Community Partner. In addition, we rely on the generous support of our local communities and are funded through grants and private donations.
moderator: What fundraising events or activities do you have coming up?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: Our flagship event is the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser, which will take place in February. This will be the 30th Annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake event in Emporia, and we encourage community members, school staff and civic organizations to participate!
moderator: Is is too late to sign up for the Bruff's/KVOE Steak Challenge?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: Teams may register the day of the event, Saturday, October 22. We are so fortunate that the Bruff’s/KVOE Steak Challenge chose our organization as the beneficiary for this year’s event. For all those grill masters out there, more event information may be found at www.kvoe.com.
moderator: Any last thoughts you would like to share with our readers?
Jessica Hopkins, Executive Director: We are fortunate to live in such a generous community, and are grateful for the continued support from local volunteers, businesses, community foundations and the United Way. For more information about our programs or how you can get involved, please contact our office, 620-342-5645 or email jessicah@bbbsfh.org.
moderator: It looks like that is all the time that we have for our chat today. On behalf of the Emporia Gazette and its readers I would like to thank Jessica for taking time to come in and chat with us today. If you are interested in volunteering to be a big brother or big sister be sure to contact the BBBS office and sign up.