Summer 2006 - Big Sister League

BIG SISTER LEAGUE
OF
SAN DIEGO, INC.
Serving women and girls in San Diego County for over 60 years
Newsletter #9
BIG
AND
LITTLE SISTER NEWS
My Sister, My Friend
In 1978 the Big and Little Sister Mentor
program was created with the objective
of reaching young girls of the community in need of guidance. Among the first
to be matched was Big Sister Gaye with
Little Sister Kristine. This was the beginning of a friendship that has lasted
almost 30 years.
“Joy” autographed by Maya Angelou
Create Your Own
Celebrity Pillow!
The League has been gathering
celebrity signature squares. Our initial
thought was to create celebrity signature quilts, but we recently created a
pillow with one signature, Maya
Angelou. It turned out so beautiful that
we said, “Hey; why not offer folks the
opportunity to ‘have it their way?’”
So, we’re offering you the opportunity
to create your own celebrity signature
pillow! We have the signatures of over
30 women of influence from all walks
of life — singers, poets, comedians,
actors, athletes and politicians. (See
the list below.) Each pillow is
designed and created with high quality
fabric, made by a skilled quilter and
the predominant color choices are red
or blue. (But if you have something
else in mind, please let us know –
we’ll try to accommodate if we can.)
Each finished pillow is $250 plus
insured mailing. Pay homage to
your favorite woman of influence and
help the Big Sister League! Please
email us at [email protected]
to begin your order!
Jacqueline Bissett
Barbara Boxer
Joyce Brothers
Helen Gurley
Brown
Rosalyn Carter
Melissa Etheridge
Diane Feinstein
Jane Fonda
Ashley Judd
Naomi Judd
Nancy Kerrigan
Billie Jean King
Patti Labelle
Angela Lansbury
Nancy Lopez
Sophia Loren
Kathy Najimy
Dolly Parton
Paula Poundstone
Lynn Redgrave
Della Reese
Janet Reno
Joan Rivers
Nora Roberts
Jane Seymour
Maria Shriver
Barbra Streisand
Elizabeth Taylor
Barbara Walters
Joanne Woodward
Gaye first became involved in the Big
Sister League as a professional woman
who wanted to impact the lives of young
women. Kristine came to the program
when she was 7 years old. Her father
recognized the necessity of a female role
model to take the place of her absent
mother.
Gaye’s one-year commitment to Kristine
as her Big Sister began a life-long
friendship filled with memories. When
Kristine was young Gaye would take her
to the Zoo, Balboa Park, Seaport Village,
amusement parks, and the movies, and
sometimes Gaye simply took Kristine to
work with her or to run errands. Once
they took a special trip to Los Angeles to
see CATS. Today, Kristine’s favorite
memories are of the times when Gaye
would hold her hand and tell her she
was special. Gaye remembers fondly the
excitement and joy of the holidays spent
together. One exceptional memory for
both women was when Gaye stood in as
Kristine’s mother at her wedding.
Like most Big Sisters, Gaye recognized
the challenge of keeping up with cultural
and other outside influences on her
Little Sister. There were times in their
relationship where she struggled to
communicate with Kristine. Kristine
reflected on this time with Gaye saying,
“When I was a teenager, there were
times where I was very distant, doing my
own thing. Sometimes I did not call. I
am sure that I hurt her feelings; however, she was still always there for me.”
Gaye’s goal was always to show kindness, compassion, and dedication, and
as a result the rewards of her commitment far outweigh any challenges.
Summer 2006
Throughout their friendship, she has
watched Kristine experience life, change,
and grow into a responsible and loving
adult. Kristine is grateful to Gaye for
teaching her honesty, independence, and
dependability. Gaye showed her the
importance of working hard and being
dedicated to the people you love.
It is with joy and gratitude that both
women look back over the development
of their friendship. Kristine says, “I have
a strong friendship with Gaye, and I just
could not imagine my life without her. I
do not think I would be the same person; she has taught me to become who I
am.” And Gaye reflects, “My time as a
Big Sister has been a wonderful experience that I am so glad that I had.”
Gaye’s advice to Big Sisters is to be dedicated, responsible, caring, and compassionate, and always tell your Little Sister
how special she is. A Big Sister must
recognize her position of influence and
work hard to set a good example. To
Little Sisters Kristine says, “Do not forget
to thank your Big Sister and tell her you
appreciate her.” Aside from serving as a
Big Sister, Gaye has also contributed her
time and resources to the League’s
Housing Program providing makeovers
for residents. ~ AB
Be a Mentor! Be a Big Sister! www.bigsisterleague.org or call (619) 297-1135
Our Web Site
Has a New
Look!
Buy Grace Products
and help the League
With the wonderful help of three volunteers, Thanh Nugyen, Amanda Barrack,
Nancy Mitchelmore and the President of
the BOD, Donna Moore, we launched our
brand-spankin’ new Web site. Things to
look for:
• Each page gives you the opportunity to
either donate or become a big sister!
• Mentoring Pages, including the Big
and Little Sister Photo Album featuring
pictures of some of our big and little
sisters.
• Our Activities pages (under “What’s
We now offer a link from our site to Grace
Products. Grace offers chemically safe,
hypoallergenic, salicylate free and high
quality products from head to toe. They
have a complete line of dental, personal
care, supplements and cosmetics including mineral makeup at very affordable
New”) showing our most recent activities.
• Sponsors / Contributors are alphabetized making it easy to find your
name or company!
You can now donate online using
your credit card via PayPal. (PayPal
membership is not required.)
Please log on to
www.bigsisterleague.org
and have a look!
prices. Grace does NO animal testing and
satisfaction is guaranteed or your money
back. With each purchase you make, the
League receives a percentage of your total
dollars spent. To read more go to:
www.bigsisterleague.org/pdf/Grace.pdf.
Notes from the Home
Page 2
NEWSLETTER #9
A Resident’s Story
Alexis: On Perseverance
In 1993 I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.
For 11 years, I battled my illness causing extremely
negative outcomes: drug addiction, incarceration
and 8 months of homelessness. Although I did get
help and positive support during those years, it was
not the best help or the best medication for someone surviving with difficulty, along with the dangers
of the illness.
I was determined to go on and to work as hard as
I could. In 1994 I received a certificate in Travel
and Tourism from the Regional Occupational
Program. This led to a 7-year career in the travel
industry. It was an exciting time. I traveled extensively, had many contacts, a comfortable income,
determination and a powerful tool –hope. At the
same time, I was exhausted and did not have
proper psychiatric attention. I thought, if I could
just persevere, my illness would fix itself. I
enrolled in college while experiencing many
symptoms. Finally, the illusion of feeling better,
fatigue and stress caught up with me. I had to
withdraw from college for the third time.
I made a promise to myself that life would not be
about survival. Life would be about living a
meaningful and healthy existence. In August
2004, I was emotionally and physically undone. I
put myself in the doctor’s care, accepted treatment and medication.
Today I am a student at San Diego City College in
the Business Program. My goal is to receive a
degree in economics from UCSD. I have been a
resident of the Big Sister League for the past 7
months. Lydia Lewis, Executive Director and the
League’s Residential Advisors have shown they
have my best interest at heart. Learning to trust
again has not been easy. The staff reminds me
that my health comes first and everything does not
have to be accomplished in a day. I have learned
to listen and I know from my history that without
support and structure from this program, my
dreams may not come true.
I am also involved in the Students in Free
Enterprise program (SIFE). (to learn more, visit
www.sdsife.com/about) I wrote a financial literacy
program for the residents of Big Sister League.
The project goals were to teach personal money
management skills during a 5-week workshop
series demonstrating how to open a savings
account, guide self-evaluation of earnings potential and to introduce an Internet budgeting pro-
gram. 15 women from the Big Sister League participated in this successful program. This year,
we were awarded an $880 grant from HSBC Bank
Financial Literacy Program to conduct the program. I was thrilled HSBC Bank recognized the
need to provide financial education to a community of individuals who are often overlooked. I’m
happy to be helping make a difference in the lives
of others.
I’m part of a volunteer team, answering phones,
promoting community awareness projects at the
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and
to the improvement of the quality of life of all who
are affected by these diseases.
As a woman in today’s world, I believe financial
independence is essential. With it comes freedom
to pursue dreams and interests that are true to
your heart. By accomplishing personal dreams,
positive benefits are given back to the community.
My goal is to be an entrepreneur. As a resident of
the Big Sister League for 8 months, I know this
goal is achievable. I have not always been able to
express these beliefs.~AP
Residential Advisors Needed
Responsible, mature, energetic person to provide support, housekeeping, food preparation at a residential home for women with mental illnesses. Hillcrest area, fluent in English, good judgment, decision making and communication skills, answer phones. Lift 10 lbs. Shift work, F/T: days,
overnights, and weekends. Health/dental avail. $8 hour to start. Letter/ resume/ Fax: 619-297-3908 or Email:[email protected].
Fingerprinting, references required.
The Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc., publishes a newsletter three times a year. Our newsletter reaches 3500 homes and businesses in the San Diego area.
Advertising in our newsletter is a great way to reach new customers and help a worthwhile community based organization. If you are interested in placing a business
card size ad in our newsletter, mail a check for $50.00 and your business card to the Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc., 115 Redwood St. San Diego, CA 92103.
Page 3
THANK YOUS
The Big Sister League of San Diego wishes to
thank the following generous individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups
for their gifts make between 12/06/05 to
5/15/06. Over 100 women have benefited from
housing social service support, 15,300 meals
served, 25 Big & Little Sisters matched. These
services are only possible through your kind
support.
Barbara Gothard
Carl & Hermien Cole
Charles C & Sue K Edwards Foundation
Charlotte Edwards & Freya Gordon
Cheryl Lynn
Commercial Capital Bank - Catherine Tabb
Thibodaux
Daniel Kolk
Danielle Webb
Darrel & Antonia Lawrence
Deborah J Grady, CEO
Fitness and Wellness Insurance Agency
Derek A Pinnock
Edith Watson
Elaine Heers
Elizabeth Clarquist - Incentive Management Inc.
Special thank you to the following
friends who help in so many ways
Donna M Moore, Elizabeth Clarquist –Incentive
Management, San Diego Chapter-Federally
Employed Women AKA ‘Crafty Ladies’ in special
memory of Mickey Zanie, Todd Rockwell, Ellen
Cutler Owens, Trader Joes in Hillcrest,
NEWSLETTER #9
Ellen Cutler - Owens
Evelyn V Moore - SBC Employee Giving
F. Kaye Sharon & Douglas Sharon
Gen-Probe Inc.
George M Hecht
Goodrich/Rohr Employees’ Will- Share Club
J. Harley & Patricia E Quint
James & Laura Tetlow Nautilus Entertainment Design, Inc.
Jamie Campbell
Jane & Tim McCarthy
Janet Lamborghini
Jeremy Roth ~ Littler Mendelson Foundation,
Inc.
Joan Roseman
Julie McKane
Kathryn Starr
Lisa Loftus ~Photography
Lorraine Machado
Marilyn Irwin
Marjorie Konoshe
Marta Phillips - Sungrubbies.com
Mary C Terpatsi
Marylou Curtis
Melissa Ramirez - GMAC-RFC Gift of Time
Michael & Janelle Whitton
Millicent Cherie Machado
Nita Southern
Paul & Julie Fisher
Rick & Jean Gibbs
Rosemary & Irvin Stafford
Ruth Klampert
Sheila Hardin
Sigfredo and Tiffany N Rivera - Holistic Hands
Steve Smurthwaite - in memory of his parents
Thomas Jones
Todd Walton
Walter Anderson Plumbing
WD-40 Company
William Hitt, MD~William Hitt Center
Yolanda Gammill
Clairemont Women’s Group, Maratha ChapelYoung Women’s Group, Joan Azar, SIFE
Program at San Diego City College, Alicia
McLain and Pam Chapman - Weekenders, Peggy
Silva, One- Up Technology- Beau, Matt, Julie and
Cheryl, Maria Ceasario and Curves for Women,
Hillcrest & Downtown Centers, Volunteer San
Diego, Lee Sharp- President- Peninsula
Women’s Club, Debra Kerrigan,Wendy
Beerbower, Robin Behm, Welcome Wagon,
Cynthia Deigert Tanner, Murria & Frick
Insurance Agency, Leana Robertson, Marilyn
Turner, CPA, Linda Weber, Valerie Fontaine,
Lenore Hawkins, Cathy Kell, Taryn Ranoa,
Michele Fabianes, Gloria Wilkie, Deborah J.
Grady, Bobbi Baker, Betty Jean Johnson.
Grants 2006
United Way of San Diego
Weingart-Price Fund at the San Diego
FoundationMatching Grant, Anonymous Donor
Cardinal Health Foundation ~ Volunteer
Leadership
Grant ~ Ellen Cutler Owens
Wal-Mart Foundation
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation
Thank you, Welcome Wagon, for your support and partnership with the League!
The Big Sister League is looking for a treasurer to join our board. This is a volunteer position, interacting with our bookkeeper to oversee the League’s budget and finances. The treasurer is responsible for communicating changes and updates to
board members at monthly board meetings. If you possess the financial background and have interest in helping the
League, please call Lydia at 619.297.1172 ext 101 or email us at [email protected].
Big Sister League
Board of Directors
President:
Donna M. Moore
Vice President/HR:
Megan Groover
Treasurer:
Vacant
Secretary:
Deborah Moore
Members:
Judith Enns, PhD
Ellen Cutler Owens
Cynthia Deigert Tanner
Laura Tetlow
Mary McAfee
Residency Board
Wendy Beerbower
Robin Behm
Cathy A. Kell
Antonia Lawrence
Anne Pillsbury
Cynthia Deigert Tanner
Gloria Wilkie
Laurie Wright, Esq.
Advisory Board
Georgine Brave, Esq.
Holly Cordova, Esq.
Theresa Hymer, Esq.
Sharon Quinn
HW “Skipper” Ragsdale, III
Nita Southern
Executive Director:
Lydia Lewis, LCSW
Information Technology:
Thanh Nguyen
Mentor Program Dir.:
Jane Moyle
Contributing Editor:
Amanda Barrack
Grant Administrator:
Kellye S. Buchanan
Accounting Services:
Rozelle Washburn
Housing Program Staff:
Residential Advisors
Annie V Eballar
Hallie Lever
Leana Robertson
Carol Smith
Yolandra Smith
✁
Please return this portion and your donation in the enclosed envelope
We get by with help from friends like you!
Yes! I want to help the Big Sister League assist women and young girls in need with a heartfelt gift of:
❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ $200 ❑ $500 ❑ $1000 Other $ ___________________
My employer will match my gift: (You can double your gift)
Company Name _____________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________State _______Zip_______
Wish List
• Costco gift cards to purchase supplies
• Paper products – napkins, paper plates, hot &
cold drinking cups, toilet paper, paper towels
Telephone___________________
❑ My check is enclosed. Please make payable to the Big Sister League
❑ Please charge my credit card ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard Gift Amount
• Kitchen and garden trash bags
$______________
• Plastic forks, spoons, knives
Card number ____________________________________ Exp. Date____________________
Name (as it appears on credit card) __________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________State_______Zip____________
Signature (required for credit card) __________________________________________________
❑ I would like more information to establish a planned gift to benefit the Big Sister League.
❑ I would like more information on establishing an Endowment Fund to benefit the Big Sister League.
Thank you for your generosity! Your tax deductible gift will make a real difference in the
lives of San Diego women and girls in need 501(c)(3) #95-1793706)
Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc.,
115 Redwood Street, San Diego, CA 92103 • (619) 297-1172 • www.bigsisterleague.org
Contact Information:
Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc.
115 Redwood Street
San Diego, CA 92103
• Twin bed spreads
• 2 Chest of drawers and /or dressers (used,
good condition)
• 2 durable, long gardening hoses
• Copy paper 20 lb. white
• Ticket donations to local events
phone: 619.297.1172
fax:
619.297.3908
www.bigsisterleague.org
The Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc. is supported by private donations, local businesses, grants, and United Way/Chad designations.
OUR MISSION: The Big Sister League assists women and girls in San Diego County by providing supervised transitional housing, volunteer
mentor relationships and support services. The League programs are designed to encourage confidence, self-esteem and independence.
Please visit us on the web at www.bigsisterleague.org