When the pandemic hit and the world shut down, Rikki Jo made one last trip to stock up—not at the grocery store, but at Michael’s.  Fond of the painter, Bob Ross, Rikki Jo loves expressing her creativity through a variety of ways—a quality that would stand out when she enrolled to become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters last summer.

While Rikki Jo was staying busy with projects, 12-year-old Johnae spent the early months of COVID learning painting techniques from a neighbor. When they were matched through the mentoring program in July, their shared love of art helped create an immediate connection. Since then, both Big and Little have enjoyed trips to the Allentown Art Museum and time spent painting together at scenic locations in the Lehigh Valley.

Although art is a common interest, they’ve also passed time baking cookies, playing video games and dancing in Rikki Jo’s living room—simple moments she feels have been more impactful than seeking activities in the community. But when they do go out, the match looks for opportunities to try something new. The braver of the two, Johnae is always up for an adventure, even ones that involve snakes or lizards. During a trip to the Da Vinci Science Center, Johnae was more than comfortable handling the reptiles while Rikki Jo cheered her on.

While the pair has shared in many laughs, Rikki Jo and Johnae have also confronted some of the challenges that life can bring. And because their friendship is rooted in trust, they’ve tackled the tough subjects with relative ease. When Johnae was failing in school, Rikki Jo stepped in to see how she might assist. She worked with Johnae over Facetime to develop good study habits and help prioritize her workload. As a result, Johnae’s grades improved significantly—and good grades are something she’ll need to achieve her dream of becoming a beautician, lawyer, and veterinarian (in that order).

Their strong foundation has also helped Johnae work through feelings associated with the sudden and tragic loss of her mom in 2018. “Rikki Jo’s more than a friend. She helps me get through rough times like the passing of my mother and recent passing of my grandfather. She just helps me through my life,” said Johnae.

Rikki Jo explained further. “I am just a listening ear. I sit and listen to her stories. I ask her questions about them and I think it really helps her process her feelings to have somebody listen straight through and be fully engaged in what she’s trying to express.”

Today, as the limitations of COVID-19 begin to fade, the future looks bright for this special match. As summertime approaches, Rikki Jo and Johnae are eager to embark on more adventures like picnics, bike rides, and pool days—all the things that sisters often do.

Our April Limelight feature focuses on new board member, Rocco Zegalia. We sat down with Rocco to learn more about him and why he chose to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley.

Rocco is currently the Director of Sales at TWG Security.

Position(s) with BBBSLV:

Board Member and Golf for Kids’ Sake Committee Member

What drew you to volunteer with BBBSLV?

My parents divorced when I was about nine years old. We moved away to Florida and my mom got me involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program down in Tampa when I was around 11 or 12. Having a Big Brother really helped me at a tough time in my life and I always knew I wanted to give back in some way. I started out by helping to plan the annual Golf For Kids Sake outing, and just recently, was asked to serve on the board.

What/Who inspires you or keeps you motivated?

I would say my wife, Lynn is my biggest supporter and motivator. Also, staying involved in the community keeps me motivated and always looking for ways to help in any way I can.

Who is one mentor who made an impact on your life and how?

I have had a few mentors in my life along the way, from football coaches, to military leadership, to my professional career, but one person who really stands out is my GM from my billboard days at Adams Outdoor. Tony Cioffi really taught me a lot about being a professional, about my craft which is sales and about treating people with respect. Also, I always saw how involved Tony was with the community and charitable organizations and I feel a lot of what I do stems from what I saw in him.

Do you volunteer anywhere else, or are you involved with other community organizations?

I am actively involved in the Veteran Community in the Lehigh Valley and I also serve on the Executive Board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

In a few words, describe volunteering with BBBSLV.

Working with BBBSLV really gives me a sense of pride in giving back to an organization and a community that has given so much to me.

THE BIRTH OF A MISSION

In 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley has flourished from the Allentown Kiwanis Club’s idea to begin a “Big Brothers” agency to the premier mentoring organization throughout our area, serving over 400 children annually. Grown with $3,000 in seed money from the Kiwanis Club in early 1971, the organization received its charter from the national Big Brothers agency and added its first member to its Board of Directors – Dr. John Shuman – by the summer of that year. The goal, in part, from the organization’s first mission statement: to “organize, in the County of Lehigh, Pennsylvania, under professional direction, a body of mature and responsible men to interest themselves individually in the welfare and improvement of boys.” 

The agency, from its inception, grew at a rapid pace – by 1972, it had hired its first executive director, Lester F. Lawrence, and boasted a 27-member Board of Directors, which included many pillars of the 1970s-Lehigh County community. The following year, Big Brothers of Lehigh County served 75 matches and absorbed a mentoring program run by PP&L (now PPL Corporation) in the City of Allentown. By 1979, the organization had hired its first female executive director, Linda L. Stalford, and made the important decision to recruit girls for the program throughout our area. 

Within a decade of its first existence, the agency was renamed Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Lehigh County and was serving over 115 matches throughout the County. A merger with a similar mentoring organization in Northampton County in the mid-1980s created the organization as its now known today – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley. 

The strong spirit of our High School Bigs matches has continued on this past year, despite the struggles posed by COVID. With so many schools offering virtual-only instruction, or not allowing volunteers to enter schools, our High School Bigs programs from Bethlehem Area School District and Whitehall Coplay School District quickly transitioned to meeting virtually so that Bigs could still provide Littles with the social-emotional support that is important–now more than ever given the reduced amount of person-to-person interactions. Big Sister Angelique recently shared with BBBSLV,

“Having a virtual program instead of an in-person one doesn’t change the value of our time spent together. The fact that I can still chat with my Little and hear his updates on life is what is important to me!”  

Each week, Program Specialist Kristen Myers facilitates a meeting on Zoom where Bigs and Littles meet in break-out rooms to spend one-on-one time together, which is a hallmark aspect of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring model.  

Each month of programming has a special theme ranging from Thankfulness in November to Self-Esteem in April. Bigs and Littles are provided with activities to complete together that help them grow and connect with each other. Big Sister Madison shared,

“I have been enjoying my little drawing sessions with my Little Sister. It is something me and my Little really like to do and it is always fun to see what she is gonna draw that day.” 

While there are still many uncertainties ahead, the BBBSLV High School matches have shown that despite challenges, they will persevere in building connections.  In the words of Big Brother Angelo,

“It is still important for Bigs and Littles to continually meet during these times especially due the fact that many now than ever, need someone in their lives to look up to, talk to, be there for them, and have fun with.  The program has made me realize that I can still participate in activities impactfully through a virtual setting.” 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley (BBBSLV), an area nonprofit dedicated to igniting the power and promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring, is expanding their programming through the establishment of a new on-site STEAM Lab. With the goal of improving math skills and PSSA scores of children enrolled in their mentoring programs, BBBSLV is enhancing exposure to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities at the Lab located in their Youth Mentoring Center on the Eastside of Allentown.

The BBBSLV STEAM Lab was made possible through funding from local companies and foundations including, Trexler Trust, Fox & Roach/Trident Charities, Computer Aid, and Phantoms Charities. Contributions were used to reimagine the space and purchase needed technology and tools for STEAM integration into program curriculums, including iPads, a mobile charging station, a smartboard, robotics kits, Lego walls, and more.

“STEAM integration will prepare children for future academic pursuits and careers by introducing them to activities they might not otherwise have access to. Further supporting children through mentorship will give them the confidence they need to navigate novel activities and increase the fun,” said Susan Bartels, CEO of BBBSLV.

STEAM activities will be utilized within four different BBBSLV programs: the Site-Based mentoring program (local high school students mentor students from Mosser and other local elementary schools once-per-week); the weekly After-School Enrichment Program (elementary students utilize online math program Dreambox to improve math skills and receive homework assistance from mentors); Littles2B (a once monthly program offering enrichment activities for adult volunteers and children waiting to be paired with a mentor); and the Community-Based program (mentors and mentees have access to the Mentoring Center during “Match Drop-in Hours” available three evenings a month).

In accordance with new PA state and CDC guidelines released last week, BBBSLV is hosting its on-site programs virtually utilizing Zoom breakout rooms to incorporate STEAM activities, with the intent to resume meeting in person as soon as it is safe to do so.

Follow BBBSLV

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bbbslv

Instagram: www.intstagram.com/bbbslv

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bbbslv

YouTube: www.youtube.com/bbbslehighvalley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-the-lehigh-valley

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Children enrolled in their programs experience improvements in academics, sociability and self-confidence. In 2021, BBBSLV will celebrate its 50th anniversary. www.BBBSLV.org

Contact

Kimberly Hopkins

khopkins@bbbslv.org

610-417-8844

Our December Limelight feature focuses on one of our newest board members, Eric Bartosz. We sat down with Eric to find out more about him and why he chose to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley.

Eric is the founder of BAR40, and resides in Center Valley with his family.

Position with BBBSLV:

Board Member and Fundraising Committee

What drew you to volunteer with BBBSLV?

A tremendous amount of talented and generous people reside in the Lehigh Valley and many of them may not have full awareness of how they can assist BBBSLV. One aspect of volunteering that appealed to me was the opportunity to help introduce the people in my network of friends and associates to the wonderful life-changing work that BBBSLV is doing every day. Being able to assist in making the connections between people who are willing and able to help with the people who could use it most is always a priority for me. Also, I’m a huge proponent of the benefits of an active lifestyle and wanted to put my experience in this area to use in helping build a fitness platform that Littles in the program can add to their life. Habits we form in childhood tend to stay with us and that definitely includes great ones like a healthy diet and frequent exercise.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?

Goals! Identifying target achievements that we want to see happen in our life and creating the plan to make sure those aspirations are realized is something we can all be working towards every day. When we see the results of our daily perseverance it’s a continuous source of motivation and that success creates the passion for more success. As the expression goes, “The road to personal excellence is always under repair”!

Who is one mentor who made an impact on your life and how?

That’s a tough question! Picking only one would be a disservice to the many others who have shared (and continue to share) their wisdom and advice over the years. My approach has always been to get to know the people you admire most. Oftentimes that’s as simple as if you’re thinking something nice…don’t keep it yourself, reach out to give positive feedback and start a conversation. Social media and. In particular, LinkedIn has really opened the doors up for that sort of communication ease. Generally speaking people are inclined to share their ‘secrets to success’ if you simply ask the questions. Practicing that outreach over the years has put me in the fortunate position to become friends with people at the top of their field in all sorts of areas that I would consider mentors. That said, the advice I give to others and also live by is it get to know your future self and let that older, wiser version of you become a constant voice of advice and guidance. Essentially, create a self-mentoring program and be sure that you stay in frequent contact! When you’re in the habit of making decisions in the present that are seen through the filter of your future self you take a huge step in the right direction towards avoiding the regrets of ever having to say “I wish I did this differently when I was younger”

Do you volunteer anywhere else, or are you involved with other community organizations?

I’m a firefighter with the Upper Saucon Fire Department, community race organizer, and coach for Southern Lehigh lacrosse

Describe volunteering with BBBSLV in one word.

Enlightening

Throughout the course of their mentoring relationships, Bigs often discover personal rewards that stem from spending time with their Little. After being matched with her Little Sister Ema for the past seven years, Big Sister Sydney reflects on how they have grown both as individuals as well as friends.

After moving back to the Lehigh Valley from Maryland, Sydney was looking for different volunteer opportunities as a way to get involved in her community and stumbled upon Big Brothers Big Sisters. After watching a few of the agency’s match story videos, Sydney took the leap and at 22, became a Big Sister. Sydney was matched with Ema, an eight-year-old at the time. 

“We’ve gone from sitting at diners after school using sugar packets and coffee creamers to create math problems while we waited for our food to sitting at pizza parlors discussing who’s taking who to homecoming,” says Sydney. “What hasn’t always been easy has been worth it, and it is nice to know that as Ema has gotten older, she still values our relationship and understands the impact of the program she is affiliated with.” 

Throughout their match, Sydney and Ema have experienced an array of activities and bonding moments. They enjoy going to sporting events together and trying new foods. 

“I was a picky eater at her age too, and I remember my cousin making me try foods that I still love today, so I hope she looks back when she is older and thanks me,” jokes Sydney. “I also love the afternoons where we grab Starbucks and go for a walk.”

Ema’s growth is most evident through her maturity as a Girls on the Run coach, a local program that they have been involved in together for the last seven years. With Sydney’s support, Ema has grown from a participant in the program into a leader and role model for young girls. 

“Last year, she led a team of 21 girls through a community service impact project. She helped them create rubber band friendship bracelets. The girls each kept one and they gave one to someone who was undergoing chemotherapy at St. Luke’s alongside a handmade card and photo of them wearing their bracelets.” 

Ema has provided Sydney with support throughout their match as well. 

“This match has given me a support system full of the most genuine people and the skills to be confident with any decision I choose,” says Sydney. “We have both done a lot of growing up over the years. I think it goes without saying that your twenties are incredibly defining. She was such a stable part of my life as I navigated who I was both personally and professionally.” 

Sydney’s advice for anyone who is considering becoming a Big is to think of the mentors in their lives and reflect on the ways they’ve changed because of them.

 “The most influential people in our lives are usually not the ones we see every day. But they are the ones who continue to show up. They are the ones who offer so much by just offering to be there. And I think my advice is that simple, just be there, continue to show up – everything else falls into place.” 

“In two words, my experience is and has been life-changing. This program is much more than a mentor/mentee relationship and I think it is important to highlight that our name embodies what we have become – a family.”

Our October Limelight feature focuses on one of our newest board members, Luke Schaeffer. We sat down with Luke to find out more about him and why he chose to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley.

Luke is the Accounting Supervisor at Stoudt Associates, LLC. His role is to provide financial scorekeeping and coaching to businesses in the Lehigh Valley.

Position with BBBSLV: 

Board Member and Finance Committee Member

What drew you to volunteer with BBBSLV? 

Many people invested in me when I was a young kid and that has always greatly resonated with me. I have a passion to see the next generation succeed (as others wanted me to succeed)! One of the ways I can help see that become a reality is through volunteering and investing my time with the youth.  BBBSLV does such amazing work with the youth in the Lehigh Valley. Their passions and goals directly match my own so it was this that drew me to volunteer with BBBSLV.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?

I have always been motivated by the opportunity to learn and then apply that knowledge to improve myself both professionally and personally. 

Who is one mentor who made an impact on your life and how?

I have been lucky to have several individuals who have mentored me over the years. I have known my current boss, Mike Stoudt, for over twenty years. He volunteered his time to youth ministry and positively impacted me as a kid. He has continued to mentor me over the past twenty years and helped me make college, career, and personal decisions. One of the greatest things he taught me was to always follow through on commitments and to be consistent in both your words and actions. 

Do you volunteer anywhere else, or, are you involved with other community organizations?

I volunteer throughout the year with youth camps as well as with various youth ministries through Church. I remember how much fun I always had at overnight camps and those camps are not possible without volunteers. It was an easy decision to give back my time to ensure the next generation of kids had a blast at camp!

Describe volunteering with BBBSLV in one word.

Humbling! 

In May 2019, Big Brother Andre and Little Brother Zionel were matched in a one-to-one mentoring relationship. Zionel’s mother, Hilda, had enrolled him with BBBSLV with the hope that he could experience having a strong male role model in his life. Andre’s interest in becoming a Big came from his desire to give back to his community; he strived to make a difference and help someone.

Andre and Zionel initially used their outings to get to know each other better. Hilda immediately noticed her son’s positive attitude when he returned from being with Andre. “He loved his time with Andre. He came home and shared what they did and where they went without being asked.”

Today, now that they’re well acquainted, Andre and Zionel spend time playing soccer, being outside, playing games and simply enjoying each other’s company. And those simple interactions have impacted Zionel in many positive ways.

Since they met, Andre has talked to Zionel about his behavior at school and how to stay motivated by reminding him that education is the key to success. With encouragement from his Big Brother, Zionel’s behavior has improved and Andre notices him using his manners more. To build and maintain trust with Zionel, Andre just tries to be himself and listen to him, making Zionel feel heard. Andre notes, “I have expectations for Zionel, but at the same time I support him.”

When together, Zionel’s outgoing personality shines through and the match always has something to talk about. Zionel opens up to Andre by sharing details about school, friends, his parents, sister and dog. Their relationship has helped Zionel grow more confident, as he never hesitates to try new games and activities with his Big.

Now, over one year into the relationship, Hilda still sees the strength of their connection and the impact it has on Zionel’s behavior. They just have a great relationship and have fun together. If my son is happy, I am happy.”

The Future is BIG! We’ve got a goal to recruit 30 new mentors over the month of September. Learn how you can join Andre and be a mentor for someone like Zionel on our The Future is BIG campaign page, or sign up now as a volunteer!