Matches may continue to meet, but masks are advised
(This update was added on Aug. 23, 2021.)
- Our Littles will continue to meet in person with their Bigs, and we strongly encourage both to wear masks.
- Any Big Brothers Big Sisters event will follow a strict Covid-conscious protocol which includes wearing masks, social distancing required and hand sanitizer available. There may be other requirements put in place, dependent on what is happening in any specific location.
- As far as in-person meetings, all Council Meetings and Regional Meetings will move to Zoom for the foreseeable future.
- For site-based matches, we encourage all the above. Please be aware of each school’s protocol.
- Should the surge continue or worsen, in-person match outings will move to virtual meetings. This would hold the same for child, volunteer parent interviews and match meetings. All events other than those which can be held outside will be cancelled.
In-person visits resume for those who sign release
(This update was added on April 8, 2021.)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is now allowing face-to-face visits between Bigs and Littles if Bigs and the Littles’ caregivers have signed releases saying they will take precautions to limit the Match’s exposure to Covid-19. Those precautions include wearing masks, staying six feet apart and riding together in a car (if allowed) with the Little in the back seat. Bigs and caregivers can get those releases by contacting their Match Support Coordinator. For Matches that haven’t signed the release, BBBSWNC encourages them to continue conducting porch or yard visits, as well as staying in touch by phone and online.
On governor’s orders, BBBSWNC requiring Bigs and Littles to ride separately
(This update was added on June 25, 2020.)
On June 24, Gov. Roy Cooper extended Phase 2 through July 17 and is requiring anyone older than 11 to wear a face covering in public. We are extending, through July 17, our guideline of no outings where the Little is transported in the Big’s vehicle. By doing this, we will comply with social distancing, attempts to reduce the spread of the virus, and attempts to get kids back to a normal school routine in August. Some matches have had very successful visits in the Little’s yard, while social distancing, as a way to see each other in person.
Important reminder: An overnight activity cannot occur before the 1-year point. After the 1-year point, the Big must contact their Program Coordinator 2 weeks in advance to request approval for the overnight, obtain a Permission form, and the Big and parent/guardian must sign the form and return it to the Program Coordinator before the overnight. Please do not plan the details of an overnight outing with your Little before you have it approved. No overnights are being approved during Covid Phase 2.
Jamye Davis, Assistant Director
BBBSWNC extends face-to-face meeting suspension
(This update was added on May 7, 2020.)
In accordance with Governor Cooper’s executive order on May 5, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has extended its suspension of all face-to-face match activities until May 22. We will share updates on or before May 22 when Governor Cooper makes a further announcement.
There is nothing more important that ensuring our Big Brothers, Big Sisters and all our Littles remain safe. As a team, we will continue to follow recommended safe practices during this time and proceed deliberately but with ample caution.
Lelia Duncan, Executive Director
BBBSWNC suspends face-to-face meetings
(The post was published on March 17, 2020.)
With the rapidly developing situation concerning the COVID outbreak, we have decided that for the safety of the Littles, families and Bigs, we need to suspend all face-to-face match activities, as well as all volunteer interviews and match meetings, until March 30. Hopefully, this decision, along with the school closings and all of the other restrictions, will help to prevent the further spread of the COVID virus.
Our Match Support staff will be reaching out to Big, Parents, Guardians and Littles to assist with ways for the Littles and Bigs to stay connected during this time. Our goal is also to help connect you with the resources that your family might need during this time.
To our Big Brother and Big Sister applicants, we really appreciate your willingness to become a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer. But, during this unprecedented situation, we think it is best to ask for your patience in waiting to complete the enrollment and matching process. We’ll be back in touch.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please call me at (828) 253-1470. Also, please check our Facebook and our website – bbbswnc.org – for updates and/or activity suggestions.
Robin Myer, Executive Director
