Agency Update March 16, 2020
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan is
monitoring the COVID-19 virus and its impact on our communities. Below
you will find changes to our programming and the steps we are taking
to protect our staff, supporters, and stakeholders. This is a rapidly changing
situation and our position is subject to change based on available information.
Please see our Facebook
page for updates from our agency.
Our offices in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek are
closed and our staff are working remotely until the end of
March. We will reevaluate at that time. Please see our online staff
directory and contact our team directly by email for assistance. If you
have general questions or concerns please email
our CEO, Amy Kuchta, or call her at 269-329-9836.
Bigs in Business/Bigs in Schools: We
have suspended all Bigs in Business programs effective immediately and until
further notice. Our Bigs in Schools programs are suspended
until school reopens. We will be working with our business and school
partners once schools return to session to re-open our site-based mentoring programs.
Community-Based Matches: We are
recommending that our one-to-one flexible community program matches do not meet
face to face at this time. Our Bigs and Littles are encouraged to
communicate with each other by phone, text, email, or old-fashioned letter
until further notice. If you are part of one of our matches and you have any
questions, please contact your Match Support Specialist.
Agency Sponsored Match Activities: All
agency-sponsored activities are suspended until our office reopens.
Bowl for Kids’ Sake: All remaining
Bowl for Kids’ Sake bowling parties have been cancelled. We
expect to offer a virtual bowling experience to our supporters this
week. If you signed up for Bowl for Kids’ Sake in Marshall, Allegan,
or Battle Creek you will be receiving additional email communication. We will
also post information on our social media channels (see the bottom of this
email for links).
For additional information regarding COVID-19,
slowing its spread, and recognizing symptoms, please see the information from
the State of Michigan posted here.
Please follow all recommendations regarding social
distancing. This is the time for us to work together as a community to ensure
the health and safety of everyone. We are #BiggerTogether.
Warm regards,
Amy Kuchta
CEO
