BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS of ST. LUCIE, INDIAN RIVER & OKEECHOBEE COUNTIES

"They rescued me"

For over a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping change kids’ perspectives and giving them the opportunity to reach their potential. In 1984, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties chapter began serving children along Florida’s Treasure Coast. Today, one-on-one mentoring programs between “Bigs” and “Littles” provide personalized attention, tailored teaching methods and targeted feedback to enhance the learning and skills of children aged 4 through 18. These programs result in dramatic improvements in children’s test scores, grades, school attendance, and conduct. They also foster positive relationships, expand children’s social networks, and enhance personal and professional growth.

Debbie Hawley, Chief Executive Officer, recalls how she was sharing her tribulations about needing financial help with a friend who then recommended YPTC. “Our bookkeeper had retired and moved away and all the financial work suddenly landed in my lap,” she says. “It was the end of our corporate year and we had all the pressure of putting our numbers together and getting ready for the audit. While I’m competent working with the finances I didn’t have the time to do it with all my responsibilities as CEO. In essence, they rescued me.”

Hawley notes how seamless the work with YPTC has been. “They’ve made things really easy for me. They assemble everything we need. They anticipate my needs and things are ready within minutes. This is the most marvelous partnership I’ve ever been a part of.”

She is particularly impressed with the personal relationships that have developed with YPTC staff members Joanna Brenner and Melissa Ogonoski. “I’m a firm believer in relationships,” she explains. “Being able to trust them with information that’s proprietary is important to me. They’re just good people and I appreciate being able to work with people who are like-minded.”

The BBBS Board appreciates the regular, succinct financial statements with all the information that they need. “This is something that we haven’t had in years. It’s a win-win as far as we are concerned,” Hawley adds.

“I didn’t really realize how much we needed this kind of help until we had it,” she adds. “It filled a gap that we really weren’t aware was there. The month-to-month in-depth look has been vital. And the real prize to me is that I’m looking at real-time numbers. Just to have the peace of mind that I don’t have to worry about our financial data has been invaluable.”