BIG BROTHER

engagement activities, and monthly parenting classes.

A NEW Learning Center

This wonderful room at our headquarters at 1917 North Ridge Road in Lorain, and our complementary Virtual Learning Center accessible on our website at BigLorainCounty. org, enhance the traditional one-onone mentoring approach of BBBSLC to also include opportunities for mentees, mentors and parents to join together in developing skills that address children and youth social and emotional competence; knowledge of parent and child development; parental resilience; social connections, support in times of need, and academic support.

At the request of parents and educators we have added foundational reading and writing skills and cross disciplinary and project-based learning through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art Math). The Learning Center also serves as a location for family engagement activities, parent development skillbuilding, career and college readiness programming, and the delivery of wraparound services by other agencies to ensure mentees are healthy, engaged, supported and challenged.

The Learning Center is open by appointment by calling ahead at (440) 277-6541 or Monday – Friday from (9:00am – 6:00pm or Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm.

Helping Our Children Discover Their Vast Gifts and Strengths

At the BBBSLC Learning Center, parents and mentors are provided the resources they need to connect children and youth to different ways to explore the world, identify interests, develop passions, and unleash their potential.

• Bookcases chocked full of books for every grade level and interest are available for the taking!

• Computers and Smartboards make knowledge accessible to ALL at their fingertips.

• Educational games, robots, educational website links and subscriptions, and other materials stimulate critical thinking and make learning fun.

• Family Engagement Nights bring children and parents together to emphasize the importance of learning at home.

• Caring educators provide encouragement and support in the learning process through free one-on-one tutoring services and other programs that emphasize foundational academic skills and STEAM learning experiences.

Assisting Mentors in Interacting With Mentees

All mentoring matches enrolled at BBBSLC have access to the Learning Center and its programs, activities and materials. Mentors are encouraged to come in and explore the available resources and check out our calendar of FREE programming available through BBBSLC and our many Lorain County partners. Examples of BBBSLC FREE programs for mentors and mentees (parents are also welcome) include:

• Annual July BIG Sail Day with the Lorain Harbor Boat Club

• Annual August Back to School Picnic and Scavenger Hunt

• Annual December Holiday Party and Gift Give-Away

• Annual February Bowl For Kids Sake bowling event (dates may vary)

• Annual May Kite Day - Build it and fly it at Hilltop Park (May 7, 2022 - 11am – 2pm)

• Various Cookouts and Game Days at various parks throughout the summer

Supporting Parents in Raising Their Children

Parents of mentees want the best for their children and BBBSLC is committed to providing them the resources they need to succeed. In addition to the examples of programs that have been conducted or will be offered, a current schedule of parent engagement and development opportunities are posted on our website. Examples of programs recently conducted include:

• Family Game Night – using games to build connections, inspire cooperation and reinforce literacy and math skills.

• Parent University Night – an evening of adult learning subjects important to parents helping their children reach their potential including (1) understand IEPs; the importance of having a Growth Mindset; and (3) home activities to support math and literacy skills. Dinner served.

Family Literacy Night – fund for the whole family. Used an escape room concept to explore a book, incorporating fun activities, games, and ending in FREE book selections for children and adults. Dinner served.

Family Math Night - discover the wonders of math using math manipulatives, games, fun activities,

and even music. Dinner served. • Family Library Night – discover all the FREE programming available through presentation by Lorain County public library system representatives

Accessing Wraparound Services – representatives from mental health agencies make short presentations to parents about available services along all points of the prevention continuum.

Financial Literacy – tips for parents and their children.

About Your Child’s Social and Emotional Learning – an overview of basic SEL concepts and what parents and mentors can do to reinforce them in children and youth. How to be prevention-focused and aim to improve parents’ and childrens’ protective factors