Annual Report2014

INTRODUCTION

Sincerely,

Nichole M. Turgeon Theresa L. ThibodeauChief Executive Officer Board President

You helped start nearly 1,000 youth on a path to success through a relationship with a caring adult mentor in 2014. Thanks to your investment, 11% more children who face adversity now have a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple in their life.

One of the many success stories you started is the story of Little Brother Humberto and his Big Brother Roger. Learn more about their friendship and its impact on Humberto and our community on pages 9-10.

You made it possible for more children to have a Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring relationship in 2014. You gave us the resources needed to improve the support and guidance provided to our volunteer Bigs and our families. Match support is critical to sustaining long and strong relationships for youth in our program.

Thanks to you, we exceed the national average for number of of Bigs and Littles in our program who stay together for 12 months or longer. Research on youth mentoring emphasizes relationship length as a key measure of program success.

Your investment led us to achieve national recognition! In 2014, our agency became one of only four agencies nationwide chosen by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to pilot a program enhancement. This new initiative will help us improve academic outcomes for our Littles.

Our own local Big Sister Dakotah Taylor, achieved national recognition as the National Big Sister of the Year. You can read about the incredible friendship between Dakotah and her Little Sister Peggy on pages 7 and 8.

You are showing children like Peggy and Humberto the community cares about them and their success. You provided a Big for them and others like them. You gave them a special adult friend who can help them be resilient and find success in school and in life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers the only evidence-based mentoring program in our community. This means independent evaluation has shown that our program produces positive outcomes for youth. Your investment in us helps break the cycle of poverty for children and their families.

Now, take a journey with us through this annual report. You’ll see how you are giving Littles the tools they need to be successful in school and in life. We hope you will take a moment to celebrate everything you do…

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Our Mission: Provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

2Big Sister Rowena Dutton and Little Sister Jolee enjoy a sunny day at Memorial Park. 2

OUR FOCUS Program Your support in 2014 allowed us to serve 967 children who face challenges in their life.

Thanks to you, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands can continue to strengthen the quality of relationships for children in our program. As the only evidence-based mentoring program in our service region, we know our model of youth mentoring produces strong results.

Youth enrolled in our program for 12 months or longer are:

In 2014, we began a new initiative called PERL to increase our capacity to help youth in the program as individual learners. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands was chosen as 1 of 4 agencies in our nationwide network to pilot this project.

The PERL Project will give youth who experience learning difficulties extra support. It is designed to improve academic outcomes for youth and change the way Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies address the needs of our youth through partnerships with other service providers.

Thank you for helping us become one of the top performing agencies in the Big Brothers Big Sisters national network.

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Number of Children Served

# of

Chi

ldre

n

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013

Twelve Month Match Retention Rate

Little Brother Donny and Big Brother Clint talking at Gene Leahy Mall.

1   2  

73.5  

65  

Chart  Title  Series1  

NationalAverage

66.7%

20142014

650

731

825

872

967

1   2  

73.5  

65  

Chart  Title  Series1  

Local77%

• less likely to skip school• less likely to begin using drugs or alcohol• less likely to use violence to solve problems• more confident in their schoolwork performance• have improved relationships

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| 2013 Youth Outcomes Report 6

How Do Our Outcomes Relate to Long-Term Success?

The areas measured in the Youth Outcomes Survey are linked to long-term outcomes im-portant to families, our communities, and our nation. See Appendix 2 (p. 36) for research evidence to support these associations.

Schoolengagement

College graduation

College readiness

High school graduation

Academic achievement

Reduced risky

behavior

Less delinquency

Reduced violence

Parent/Guardiansupport

Program Staffsupport

Social Acceptance

Scholastic Competence

EducationalExpectations

Attitudes Toward Risky

Behaviors

Social Acceptance

ParentalTrust

Special AdultRelationships

Grades

Outcome Areas

Big + Littlein successful match+ +

educationalsuccess

socio-emotional competency

risk behaviorsavoided/reduced

Long-term Outcomes

YOS Measures

Our Outcomes 2014 Youth Outcomes Report Summary The Youth Outcomes Survey (YOS), a critical component of our outcomes evaluation system, is collected before a youth (age 9 or older) is matched with a volunteer. It is collected again every 12 months. We refer to these two time points as baseline and follow-up. The baseline represents the youth’s well-being before they are matched and the follow-up represents the youth’s well-being after they are matched with a volunteer for 12 months.

In 2014, local YOS results revealed 81% of youth in the program showed positive outcomes in 2 or more of the eight outcome areas. Statistically significant results were achieved in the categories of social acceptance, presence of a special adult, and attitudes toward risky behaviors such as using drugs and alcohol, skipping school and hitting.

Who are our Littles and how do they come to us?

Home structure:Single parent home 81% Two parent home 11%Other 8%

Have at least one parent who is incarcerated: 13%

Eligible for free or reduced lunch: 84%

Have been referred by:Family/Friend 41%School 12%Therapist/Counselor 12%Self 9%Media/Special Event 9%Service Organization 6%Other 11%

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OUR FOCUS Program Demographics The demand for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ program services continues to increase. Thanks to your support and volunteers in the community, we are serving more youth in our community-based mentoring program than ever in our history.

These one-to-one mentoring relationships are the driving force behind making a positive impact on youth who face adversity.

We know the consistent presence of a non-familial caring adult makes a real difference in the social and emotional development of a young person, particularly one growing up in a single parent home, in poverty or some other adverse situation. For this reason, we reserve our services for those children who need us the most.

In 2014, 65% of the children served were children of color. Of those families reporting income, 84% of children in the program were eligible to receive free or reduced lunch at school. 121 children in the program had a parent in prison.

Thanks to you, we know these children are developing stronger skills to meet the challenges they face and are building the personal assets necessary to lead happy and healthy adult lives.

Male47%

Female53%

Ages 18-19 2 %

Ages 7-916%

Ages 10-1240%

Ages 13-1425%

Ages 15-1717%

Caucasian35%

African American49%

Latino12%

Asian1%

Other2%

American Indian/Alaskan Native1%

Gender

Ethnicity

Age

Playing games at Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream, Little Brother Tre with his Big Couple Tom and Thea Weinandt.

Photo Courtesy of Midlands Mentoring Partnership

Photo courtesy of the Midlands Mentoring Partnership.

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BIG IMPACT

Peggy and Dakotah Taylor at their first match meeting in 2008.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America 2014 Big Sister of the Year

Dakotah and her Little Sister, Peggy, traveled to Chicago in June to receive her award during the 2014 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Leadership Summit.

National Recognition

Peggy’s story...

Six years ago, Dakotah Taylor met her Little Sister Peggy for the first time. They met during a difficult time in Peggy’s life. She struggled to get along with her family and open up to others.

Their friendship has not been easy. Dakotah went to great lengths to stay in contact with Peggy, especially when she was not living at home. The relationship was a challenge, but she refused to give up. Dakotah committed to “staying the course” for Peggy. She gave her what she needed to get back on the right path— consistency, a safety net, and a trusted confidant.

Once Peggy had her life back on track, she was anxious to share the story of her life-changing friendship with Dakotah. She contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters to ask if she could nominate Dakotah for an award. She wrote 9 pages!

Peggy’s nomination earned Dakotah the 2014 Midlands Mentoring Partnership Mentor of the Year Award. Dakotah also received national recognition as the 2014 Big Sister of the Year from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for her commitment to Peggy.

Thanks to the support of her Big Sister, Peggy now 17, has turned her life around. She completed high school and plans to pursue a nursing career.

“I want people to hear my story because when you have someone who cares and loves you like she does, you start having hope.”

-Peggy

“I’ve been through a lot in my life. When I was 12, I went to jail and the only people who wrote me were my mom and my Big Sister. When I got out Dakotah was still there ready to give me her hand. She didn’t have to stay with me but she did. The most important thing to me is that she has NEVER given up on me because a lot of people have, and I don’t blame them.”

“Dakotah was never told by anyone that she had to continue to be my Big, but she did, and I thank God every night for that. She’s helped me understand things I never could; she helped me get off the ground and onto my feet again when I couldn’t do it myself.”

Dakotah and Peggy with Jamie Foxx, the national spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

BIG Things Come To Those Who Wait. Eighteen months is a long time to wait, especially when you’re 9 years old. But that’s how long Humberto waited for his Big Brother Roger Garcia.

Humberto waited longer than most boys because he needed a Big Brother who speaks Spanish. His Big Brother had to be able to communicate with his mother who doesn’t speak English.

In 2013, the Omaha World Herald ran an article about the critical community need for more male and Latino mentors. The article featured Humberto’s story, and talked about his long wait for a Big Brother. After reading the story, Roger immediately picked up the phone and called Big Brothers Big Sisters. Roger connected to Humberto’s story… a young Latino, growing up without a father figure in his life. So began his process to become a Big Brother.

Humberto and Roger met in December of 2013. Like most of our Littles, Humberto was quiet during their first few outings. Now Humberto is more outgoing and can talk about anything with his Big Brother.

Roger, who is the youngest of his siblings, enjoys being a Big Brother to Humberto. Roger says, “Humberto gives me the opportunity to have the little brother I never had.” They like to go swimming, play basketball at the YMCA, and watch movies.

Roger, an Hispanic community leader, is now an advocate for our program. His friendship with Humberto is part of his mission to improve the lives of Latino male youth.

Humberto does well in school and is more outgoing because of the confidence he has gained from his Big Brother.

Humberto’s patience paid off. Roger was well worth the wait.

REAL LIFE STORY

“The most important thing to me is just spending time with Roger.” Little Brother Humberto

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“The opportunity to mentor also helps me in my passion to help the next generation better themselves.”

Big Brother Roger Garcia

Finding The Perfect Match

Little Brother Humberto and BigBrother Roger Garcia hanging out together at the South Omaha Library.

Little Brother DJ, matched with Big Couple Pam and Chuck Nelson, greeting a guest with Pam at our Impact Circle event. 11

FINANCIALS Operating Budget & Agency Expenses

2014 Operating Budget Agency Expenses

IndividualDonations

35%

Grants & Foundations

20%

Corporations

7%

United Way of the Midlands

13%

Events Revenue

21%

Other Revenue 3%

Investment Revenue 1%

Program$1,346,668 78%

Management and General

$178,522 10%

Fundraising$217,394 12%

Total$1,742,584 100%

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BIG COUPLE OF THE YEAR

BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR

BIG SISTER OF THE YEAR

Karl Foxhoven

“Karl helps me learn stuff. He’s helped me learn to ride a bike. Karl deserves this because he’s one of the nicest people I know. I’m not one of the fastest learners and Karl’s fine with that.” Little Brother Drew

Traci Shaffer

“Traci has been the only consistent person in Hannah’s life for the past year and has made it her mission to make sure Hannah gets to experience life as a kid.”

Katie Homan, Match Support Manager

*Little Sister Hannah not pictured due to foster care no media policy.

“Jaxson has started reading more on his own, which helps him in school. He has also learned to be more responsible and that it’s ok to try new things.”

Nina, mother of Little Brother Jaxson

Brian and Linda Reddish

Your generous support helps us to change the lives of children facing adversity. Our Bigs are changing these lives everyday. We are very grateful for our supporters and volunteers. You make it possible.

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In 1997 Crystal Greene was like many of the Littles in our program. She had a single mother who worked two jobs and struggled to make ends meet.

As the only girl in her neighborhood, 11-year-old Crystal considered herself to be a tomboy. Surrounded by only boys her mother knew that she needed another female influence.

Her mother signed Crystal up for a Big Sister, and soon Crystal was introduced to Amy Haase, her Big Sister. Amy was new to the Omaha area and was looking for a way to be more involved in our community. Mentoring seemed to be a good fit for the 24-year-old.

Crystal was quiet during their first couple outings. Amy encouraged Crystal to be more outgoing and soon her shyness faded away. Crystal and Amy enjoyed activities like going to sporting events, pottery, skating, and concerts. Each outing was a new experience for Crystal.

Their friendship naturally developed over time, each gaining good qualities from one another. Amy said “I learned to be a better listener.” Their official match lasted through Crystal’s high school graduation.

Amy’s positive influence on Crystal is still having an effect today. Crystal is now a Big Sister in our program. Her Little Sister Hailey is in the 8th grade and needs extra support navigating her way through her adolescent years.

Hailey is part of our growing foster care program. Her Big Sister Crystal is excited to provide support and guidance to a Little facing the challenges of the foster care system.

With each friendship you make possible, you make our community a better place. When Littles become Bigs, our work has gone full-circle; many lives are changed for the better, forever.

Crystal Greene and Amy Haase

You’ve Started Something BIG!

Crystal holding a piece of pottery she made with her Big Sister Amy. Crystal keeps the pottery as a reminder of all the good memories they made together as Big and Little.

“The importance of being a volunteer is how it can change a life.” Former Big Sister Amy

“I had someone to be girly and be a tomboy with. Now, I want to help a Little Sister become a good person.” Crystal Greene

AlumniLittle Sister Crystal Pays It Forward by

Becoming a Big Sister

PRESIDENTTheresa ThibodeauPrimrose School of La Vista

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2014 LEADERSHIP

DIRECTORS Barry Gideon First National Bank

John Gilbreath Tenaska, Inc. Jeff Karloff Omaha Public Power District

Tom KelleyFive Points Bank

Steve KesslerUnion Pacific Michelle Koraleski Community Volunteer

Terry LeeSecurities America Financial Corp

Jan MadsenCreighton University Heidi Mausbach Ervin & Smith

Bob MundtCouncil Bluffs Chamber of Commerce

Troy RomeroUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha

Mark RussellMillard Lumber

Lisa Taylor JonesLincoln Financial Group

Diana TedrowCox Communications Dave Treinen West Corporation

Dana WashingtonMutual of Omaha

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Board of Directors

PRESIDENT ELECT Shirley SpiekerFirst Data

SECRETARYMary KnightGallup

TREASURERNathan FarmerMorgan Stanley

10831 Old Mill Road, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154bbbsomaha.org

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We thank Sara Rogers Photography for the Big and Little photos included in this publication.