BBBS staff is spending hours each week speaking to our Little Brothers, Little Sisters, and their families. In doing so, we are hearing about the trying times that they are facing as this crisis continues. High school students, who hold jobs to help their parents pay the bills each month, are experiencing drastic cuts in their hours. Middle school students speak of their parents being laid off, making them unsure of whether their family will have food each day. Elementary school students say they felt safe at school and that they loved learning, but now they are scared and miss their teachers.
Continuing to hear the effects of this crisis each day, I cannot begin to share how grateful I am for our city. Birmingham and the surrounding areas have rallied together to provide amazing resources, and I consider it a privilege to get to help our families facing income reductions, health issues, food needs, and fear and anxiety during this time.
There has never been a time where I feel more confident about the power of mentoring. As our Bigs and staff continue reaching out to Littles to encourage them and provide hope, they are continuing to be Defenders of Potential through new challenges and obstacles.
We are grateful for each and every one of YOU.
Defending Potential Together,
Emily Herring | Director of Workplace Partnerships.