Ep 27: Ways of Giving Back – An Interview with Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Have you thought about giving back to make a positive impact on the lives of others?  Do you want to be involved in your community in a charitable way?  Maybe you have the ability to give some of your time.  Maybe it’s financial resources.  In today’s episode with Leslie Blake, Executive Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, we discuss different ways you can volunteer, be involved, or contribute to help support and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

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Show Notes

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” -Winston Churchill

A little over 10 years ago, a friend asked if I had ever thought about being a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  At that time, I wasn’t aware of what the program was.  When she explained the positive impact the organization has on today’s youth, it really sparked my interest.  I felt fortunate to have some great mentors in my life so I took the next steps with Big Brothers Big Sisters to become a Big Brother so I could provide that same mentorship and guidance to others.

That decision 10 years ago to take action and become a Big Brother was one of the best decisions of my life.  Over the last ten years I’ve been a part of my Little Brother’s life as he transformed from a child to a young adult.  I’ve been a guide on his journey and watched him achieve milestones like getting his black belt, 8th-grade graduation, making the Lacrosse team, passing his driver’s license exam, and getting his first job.  We’ve had great conversations ranging from schoolwork and friends to setting goals and money.  While the goal was to make a positive impact on his life, seeing his success and happiness has definitely left a positive impact on mine.

There are a lot of organizations, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, that focus on making a difference in the world. There are different ways to help these organizations which could be in the form of time, money or other resources.  Whether you are just looking to get started, retired and looking for additional ways to stay active, already involved and looking for other opportunities, or a company looking to support your community, listen in as there are great opportunities out there for you.

In today’s episode, Leslie Blake, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, talks about different ways you can volunteer, be involved, or contribute and provide support to others.  Leslie also talks about how people’s charitable involvement has helped their organization make an impact on today’s youth.  If you are looking to get involved, whether it is with Big Brothers Big Sisters or another organization or cause you are passionate about, we hope this discussion helps spark some ideas.

If you are interested in making a positive impact on today’s youth, I highly recommend reaching out to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County

https://bbsmchenry.org

815-385-3855

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbbsmchenry

Listen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section.

[2:33] What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?

[6:15] Helping others

[9:00 ] How to volunteer

[14:52] Scott’s experience

[18:38] Other ways to volunteer

[27:30] Helping financially

[33:12] Events

[35:50] Success stories

[42:10] Where they need help

[48:05] Connect with their team

[49:40] Surprise for Scott

Thanks for checking out this episode. We’ll talk to you again soon.

“I am a big believer that the universe will reciprocate what you put out.”

-Scott Sierens