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2012-2015 Strategic Plan
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On behalf of the Board of Directors I am proud to present the new Strategic Plan. The plan provides direction to the organization for the years 2012-2015 and outlines a clear roadmap to accomplish the goals we have set to achieve in this time. Creating this plan has been an exciting adventure. I would like to thank the efforts of both the Board and the Staff for their time, commitment and ongoing dedication to BBBS. I would also like to thank Karen Blewett, Community Development Officer Government of Alberta, for her guidance and inspiration in facilitating a very successful Strategic Planning workshop.
The plan contains six priority goals. BBBS Has Active and Committed Mentors, Strong Core Programs in Place to Ensure Quality Service Delivery, Board of Directors Demonstrates Effective Leadership to the Organization,
Professional and Engaged Staff, Stable Revenue and Strong Financial Base, and a Well Established Community Profile.
Our number one priority is to ensure BBBS has active and committed mentors to ensure our programs stay alive and we continue to make a difference in the life of every child that comes to us. Finding male mentors has been a
challenge in recent times and addressing this need is a top focus.
This Strategic Plan will be closely monitored to ensure its success. The Board requires quarterly reporting from the staff on its progress. Annually, both the Board and the Staff will review the successes and challenges of the plan, re- prioritize goals and strategies, and renew the implementation plan.
So, let’s Start Something...
Natalie Crook
President, Big Brothers Big Sisters Medicine Hat & District
Opening Message
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non profit organization that has been a part of the Medicine Hat community since 1972.
Our business is matching positive adult mentors to every child that participates in our programs. Many children are resilient despite the life experiences they have encountered while many more need the positive influence,
consistency and stability that an adult mentor can provide them with. To start, BBBS began matching adult male mentors with at risk male youths. In 1988 the agency expanded to include Big and Little Sister matches. Today, BBBS provides mentoring services to youth between six and sixteen years old through a variety of programs.
Our cornerstone remains the Traditional Big and Little matches. Bigs and Littles spend time together once a week and engage in activities in the community. Often, lifelong friendships are formed in this program and the relationship continues into adulthood.
In School Mentoring is a program that matches adult volunteers with children in elementary, middle or high schools.
They meet once a week for an hour during school day. The mentee spends this hour outside of class but within the school grounds with the mentor. In many cases the mentor will stay with the child as he or she moves through different schools and grades until graduation.
We offer group mentoring programs also. Go Girls and Game On are programs that take place in select schools and run for six weeks. Topics such as self esteem, relationships and healthy living choices are addressed with a small group of Grade six and seven students. These programs are facilitated by adult volunteers and BBBS thanks the Medicine Hat College students for currently supporting these programs. We hope to grow our number of facilitators so we can expand these programs to many more youths.
Introduction
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In Fall 2012 we are excited to introduce our newest mentoring program with the addition of the Teen Mentoring initiative. This program will match a group of high school mentors to a group of elementary school mentees. They will build a relationship together through a weekly visit at the elementary school.
Adult mentors are carefully screened to ensure the safety of the child. Both the mentors and mentees participate in safety training and orientation sessions. All matches across our programs are monitored for success. Our casework staff makes contact with both the mentors and mentees to ensure the match is progressing appropriately and both parties are enjoying the experience.
Mentoring has many positive outcomes. In a 2009 Harris Interactive study it is proven that participating in BBBS programs improves a child’s odds for succeeding in school, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and behaving non-violently.
Youth involved in our programs acquire improved self esteem and self confidence, develop and maintain positive relationships with parents, teachers and other adults, attend school regularly and show improved school grades.
BBBS programs are dependent upon donated funds. Fundraising in the community is crucial to ensure these programs can continue to be present in Medicine Hat. We appreciate the support of our community financial partners and recognize the partnership of the United Way of Southeast Alberta for their support. The organization continues to look for new partnerships in both business and Government for funding opportunities.
By 2015 BBBS Medicine Hat looks forward to serving 300 children across our programs each year. With the continued support of the community we will be able to provide mentoring experiences to all Medicine Hat youth in need.
Thank You for your support.
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In Spring 2012 the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat & District Board of Directors and Staff participated in a Strategic Planning workshop. On this evening we examined our strengths as an organization and our opportunities for growth. From this discussion we were able to see a clear vision of our future and establish priority areas.
At a second workshop the Board took all the brainstorming and were able to make goal statements from the priority areas. The plan was beginning to breathe life. But, how would we accomplish these goals? Strategies were the key.
After some further brainstorming strategies were carefully chosen to pave the roadmap to 2015. And thus, the Strategic Plan was born!
Board Authorization of Strategic Plan
Natalie Crook, President Tara Dupas, Vice President Karen Taylor, Treasurer Tanya Scherer, Secretary Normand Boucher, Director Darren Folkersen, Director
The following pages outline the Vision, Mission, and prioritized Goals and Strategies that will guide Big Brothers Big Sisters Medicine Hat & District through the years 2012-2015.
Priorities
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Enhancing Southeast Alberta by helping children achieve their potential through the power of mentoring.
Uniting children with mentors to provide positive experiences and role-modeling in order to enhance a child’s personal growth.
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat & District has Active and Committed Mentors
Strategies:
- Campaign to increase awareness, exposure and understanding of our need for mentors in Medicine Hat & District - Recruit, train and retain quality mentors
- Recognize and celebrate mentors
Big Brothers Big Sisters Medicine Hat & District has Strong Core Programs in Place to Provide Quality Service Delivery
Strategies:
- Expand In-School Mentoring program to provide service to increased number of schools - Increase awareness by utilizing program ambassadors and rural connections
- Strengthen and grow current youth mentoring programs
- Utilize learning opportunities for staff to strengthen delivery of programs
Goal 1
Goal 2
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Medicine Hat & District has Dedicated, Professional, and Engaged Staff
Strategies:
- Actively set goals and objectives to achieve Strategic Planning goals - Develop strategies on staff retention, training and succession planning - Foster a team environment within the office and between Board and staff
- Recognize and celebrate staff by providing positive feedback and expressing gratitude for efforts and achievements
Big Brothers Big Sisters Medicine Hat & District has Stable Revenue and Strong Financial Base
Strategies:
- Maintain existing revenue streams through projects and grants
- Explore new partnerships with business and government for funding opportunities
- Be accountable to membership and community through accessible audited financial statements - Recognize corporate partners and donors
Goal 3
Goal 4
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Medicine Hat & District has a Well-Established Community Profile
Strategies:
- Develop marketing and communication plan to increase awareness of our Big Brothers Big Sisters agency - Utilize a variety of communication tools to promote Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programs in
Medicine Hat & District