Family

On the Path to Bigger Things

For more than 50 years, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters (YBBBS) has made meaningful supported matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and youth (Littles) ages six through 24. YBBBS develops positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of local young people.

The Summer of Adventure

The two most important questions of the school year: “What did you do over summer break?” and “What are your plans for summer vacation?” At the end of every school year, kids plan and prepare to make stories throughout the summer season. To find that thing to do, to experience what comes next, and to capture that elusive feeling of adventure.

Summer vacation is filled with so many exciting moments and traditions for kids and families to look forward to. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona, we are proud to celebrate one such tradition where all kids can explore and grow and create their own stories to share every year upon their return to school.

The Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to providing the best thing to do after school, and that’s not just after the school day. As the 2023-2024 school year comes to an end, the Clubs are excited to announce our Summer Day Camp for 2024. It’s eight weeks of fun, excitement, and camp for all kids in our community.

Preserving a Prescott Tradition

Nestled in the heart of downtown Prescott, Papa’s Italian has been a cherished community restaurant since 1991. Stepping inside, visitors are instantly transported to the Italian countryside, surrounded by walls embellished with beautiful murals, cozy seating tailored for families of all sizes, and traditional Italian aromas filling the air.

Helping Heal Our Community

Kara Schumann and Amanda Eliseo, Licensed Professional Counselors, have known each other for over 20 years. In that time, their paths continued to cross or run parallel … so much so that starting a business together seemed like a natural fit.

#Goals

Cori, who graduated from BASIS Prescott in 2018, knew from the time she was an AYSO player, tagging along with her big sister’s team, that she was meant to play on a bigger pitch. That dream became reality when she signed with Cruz Azul this February.

“It was unbelievable,” Matt said of watching Cori play on TV one evening. “I came home from work last night and there on TV was my daughter playing pro soccer in one of the largest stadiums in the world. There are no words to describe the emotions.”

Matt and Tracy traveled to Mexico City in March to watch her play in person, and, Tracy said, “It was very surreal. We watched this kid growing up, playing soccer since she was very young. She’s always been very determined, very perseverant. [Watching her play professionally] was such an amazing joy. It was a mountaintop moment.”

Better Together

Creativity runs in the family, the women said: their great-grandfather, Runar G. Rodell, is considered one of America’s greatest western artists. His work—dioramas with backgrounds painted in oil paint and foregrounds containing sculptures made of sticks and other natural materials he collected in nature—is currently on display in the Phippen Museum’s James Gallery.

Committed to Great Futures

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona have served our local communities for almost 30 years. We are proud to be a leader in after-school and summer services for all children ages six to 18. We are best known for taking care of those that need us most and providing safe spaces essential for childcare, but we aspire to do more – to do whatever it takes for great futures. We are excited to announce that our vision for our local Clubs is to be the greatest thing to do after school. When it comes to our youth, everyone needs support, and all parents and guardians are tirelessly looking for opportunities and positive outlets for their kids.

‘They’re my family’

Today’s seniors are those who helped create the United States as we know it today. They worked hard through the Depression and World War II. In the quad-city area, 42 percent of residents are older than 65. Many of them are isolated and homebound and have limited social interaction.

Polara Health’s Senior Peer Program aims to change that.

Empowered to Change

Those who experience trauma or abuse often form subconscious beliefs that they’re not worthy or not good enough, or they deserve bad things. These “inner bully” beliefs can cause people to develop unhealthy patterns such as unhealthy food choices, substance abuse (or consistent overindulgence), abusive relationships, or perfectionism.

Let’s Talk Estate Planning

It may be hard to believe that a significant number of individuals do not have a will or trust in place. According to a 2020 Gallup survey, only 53% of adults over the age of 50 have a valid will or trust. A person does not need to be of high wealth to have a plan in place. There are several options for an estate plan; you may need to speak with an attorney to determine which option is best for you.

Become an Advocate for Local Children in Out-of-Home Care

FCRB volunteers commit to monthly meetings, by video conference, to review the cases of children who are in out-of-home care. Members of each board review their assigned cases until permanency is achieved. As children return home, are adopted, have guardianship granted or age out of the system, new cases are added to the board’s review day. The Board makes recommendations to the Juvenile Court and interested parties involved in the case.

Inspire a Young Person to Create a Bigger Future

Bob Mariano believed wholeheartedly in giving back to his community, which is why he became a Big Brother to Little Brother Kyle in 2004.

That match, through Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, ignited a long-lasting relationship between Bob, his wife Barb, and Kyle … one that went beyond their official match (which lasted more than three years). Kyle remains in touch with the family today.

Kyle is now married, living and working in the Pacific Northwest. “When I met [Bob and Barb],” he said, “I was struggling with self-esteem issues. I felt safe and comfortable right away with the Marianos.”

“My match was important to my development and learning to be who I am today. Bob was a huge role model. He taught me how to treat people and they listened to me without judging me.”