On Saturday, March 29th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona had the pleasure of hosting the First Responders Expo at the North Tempe Multi-Generational Center, with around 50 attendees joining us for a day of learning and excitement. The event was made possible through our wonderful partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Valley – North Tempe Branch, and we’re so grateful for their collaboration in making this event a success.
Local first responders from the Tempe Fire Department, Tempe SWAT, Tempe PD-Patrol, Tempe PD Bomb Squad, K9 Unit, Tempe PD-Horseback & Bikes, and EMS brought their vehicles and expertise, allowing youth in attendance to explore, ask questions, and engage in interactive games and activities with them. The event was a great opportunity for youth to connect with real-life heroes and learn about the important work first responders do every day. It was a fantastic way to build community and offer youth a memorable, educational experience.
Our partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley began in 2021, following the pandemic, when we launched our group mentoring program as a way to serve more youth in need of a mentor. In our group mentoring program, volunteers meet with 2-3 youth at a time at a designated site, participating in structured activities provided by a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member. This model allows volunteers the opportunity to mentor multiple youth throughout their time in the program, creating a dynamic and enriching experience for everyone involved. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley have been a fantastic partner in helping us deliver these valuable opportunities to youth at 3 of their branches.
If you’re interested in enrolling in our program and getting involved in future events like our First Responders Expo, we encourage you to visit our website at https://www.bbbsaz.org/volunteer/ for more information. We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for youth and families in our community and hope to see you at our next community event!
