Category: Spotlights

This is the 4-H pledge. With over 7 million active members, 4-H has continued to evolve into one of the most significant youth development and empowerment organizations in the United States! The official symbol for this organization is the four-leaf clover, which has four H’s on the emblem that stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Through the slogan “learning by doing,” this program focuses on extending and developing the skills and experiences of the rural youth, serving the needs of the surrounding community. The concept of youth development emphasizes the importance of belonging, generosity, independence, and mastery. Positive experiences in these four areas of need will help develop the younger generation into active members of society. An important area of focus for 4-H is agricultural education. Focusing on agriculture allows participants to become involved in creating positive change in the environment from both urban and rural settings. On July 25, 2014, close to thirty high school-aged 4H members from...

Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nationwide is “on our side” as we are proud to recognize board member, Jeremy Staun, AVP/Nationwide. Staun moved from Iowa to Gainesville with his wife and two young daughters 18 months ago. He states that Gainesville has been very welcoming and the transition has been quite easy on both him and his family. They love the small town atmosphere, warm weather, the proximity to beautiful beaches and Disney World, and of course all the excitement from sporting events that come from living in the Gator Nation! After moving to Gainesville, Staun claims that many people talked with him about the importance of getting involved with the Gainesville community. After spending some time looking at different charities, he came across an opening in Big Brothers Big Sisters and his heart was set. He remembers being involved with his local Big Brother Big Sisters in high school and how rewarding it was to be involved in such...

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida has much to be thankful for, not only during the Thanksgiving season, but year-round.  Our community is full of generous people who give freely to our Littles and their families. This November, we would like to focus our spotlight on one story in particular. When one of our Bigs told dental assistant Jessica Davis that his Little’s teeth needed some attention, she went straight to Dr. Daniel Walkup. Dr. Walkup and his staff – Jessica, Karen, Sandy, Michelle and Erika – gladly agreed to perform a number of extractions and cavity fillings at no charge to the Little’s family. Dr. Walkup expressed only kind words in regards to the Little, stating that he was a “nice, well-mannered young man and it was a privilege to meet him.”  The dentist called BBBS a blessing to children and the community. While Dr. Walkup was blessed with guidance from both his parents growing up, he expressed his concern...

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ambassador Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans emphatically stated that the mentoring organization is vital. “As is the case all over the nation,” she said, “kids need help.” “You can tell the level of a civilization by how you treat your children.” She further explained how programs such as the ones that BBBS provides are important to democracy: “To have hungry kids or undereducated kids or children with no mentors is a contradiction to all the things we claim we are.” Dr. Evans left her desk to read pieces of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s last will and testament, which is framed on her wall. She spoke the words with meaning. “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” These ideas influence Dr. Evans work. She is the Director of African American Studies and an Associate Professor of African...