On Jan. 10, matches participated in “Calm and Create,” a vision-boarding exercise. The event, held at the United Way building in Asheville and facilitated by BBBSWNC staffer Tessa Valladares and Project MARS member Audrey Crowl, focused on wellness, mindfulness, and goal setting for the new year.
The goal was to help matches – particularly Littles – recognize the people and resources that support them, while giving them space to reflect on their hopes and goals for the year ahead. Bigs were encouraged to offer ideas and gentle guidance, helping Littles think about habits, aspirations, and strengths they may not have considered.
Matches were invited to create a “vision garden,” identifying and illustrating their support systems, personal goals, self-care habits, and fun or meaningful activities. Matches could incorporate those elements into a garden-themed landscape or a more traditional vision board using magazines and art supplies.
In addition to goal setting, the event was designed to enhance Littles’ creativity, self-awareness, communication skills, emotional expression, and collaborative problem-solving ability. By expressing their ideas and making decisions, the event helped Littles increase their confidence while strengthening their relationship with their Bigs.
