June 3rd, 2020

In an effort to #KeepKidsConnected, we will be sending out a bi-weekly newsletter with program information, virtual match activity ideas, family resources & more! For more information & resources, please visit our website at www.acadianabigs.com/COVID-19.

Our mission is to ignite the power & promise of all youth. When racism & injustice threaten that promise, it is impossible to stand by.

As a youth mentoring organization, we are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion now and for the next generation. We can not remain silent & we must take action, speak up, & advocate for justice.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to bring people together, to value each person, and to see differences as strenghts that make each of us unique. We will continue to promote love & the value & dignity of every single person. We will not sit on the sidelines & watch racism play out in our community & endanger our Littles & their families. We have work to do & we will do it. Together with out staff, volunteers, parents, & youth, we will have conversations about the issues that our black & brown youth face. We will equip our Bigs to have these conversations. We will take the lead from our partners, leaders in anti-racist work, & our youth & families. We will work to be a part of the solution.

We stand in solidarity with our Black community, youth, families, Bigs, staff, & Board members.

Please refer to these useful links: Supporting Kids of Color in the Wake of Racialized Violence, 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice, Anit-Racism Project, Showing up for Racial Justice, Racial Equity Tools

Look for more ideas on our website at www.acadianabigs.com/COVID-19.

Acadiana always seems to band together in a time of need.  The COVID-19 pandemic is no different.  Make sure to take advantage of the resources available to our community!

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge is providing a Virtual Teen Summit, This is a FREE event for ages 13+ with 4 guest speakers with topics on how to use movement, mindfulness, and motivation to promote self-love & positivity! REGISTER HERE

AWS WEBINAR: How to successfully navigate a Virtual Job Search

With the current times of COVID-19 guidelines requiring everyone to adjust to a new normal, the vast majority of job searches and employer hiring processes are being handled through virtual means. This webinar, provided by local career consultant Danielle Dayries of DMD & Associates, Inc., will provide valuable tips and tools on how to navigate the virtual job search process. This webinar is sponsored by Acadiana Workforce Solutions One-Stop Centers and LEDA.

It's so important for kids to stay on a good schedule & keep learning while social distancing. Help your Little set a daily schedule including time for learning & reading. Below are a couple of fun & free learning resources!

We know many parents are feeling the stress of supporting & providing for their children over the weeks & months to come. It can be difficult to find a balance during this stay-at-home order.  We will try our best to provide any resources we come across!  Below are a few of our favorites but you can find more on our website at www.acadianabigs.com/COVID-19 or by following our FaceBook page. ​

• If your workplace has temporarily closed or you have been told to take unpaid time off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
• A crisis text line has been activated to provide FREE, confidential support for people 24/7. If you need to talk to someone, you can get connected by texting REACHOUT to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor who will help de-escalate, identify coping strategies and use active listening techniques to support you.
• The Current has put together a user-friendly dashboard of information & resources for families in the Acadiana Area. 
• Find the latest Lafayette Parish COVID-19 UPDATES in english, french & espanol.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or requests!

	BRITTANY COZART Program Manager 337.224.4564 bcozart@acadianabigs.com		NOELLE BROTHERTON School-Based Case Manager 337.258.7311 nbrotherton@acadianabigs.com
	LESLIE ROBERTSON Macth Support Specialist 337.412.5847 lrobertson@acadianabigs.com		CHELSEA ZENO Case Manager 337.849.1661 czeno@acadianabigs.com
	JARDIN BURLEIGH Case Manager 337.278.8744 jburleigh@acadianabigs.com