{"id":602,"date":"2016-12-24T18:30:53","date_gmt":"2016-12-24T18:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.afterschoolbuddies.org\/?p=602"},"modified":"2016-12-24T18:31:04","modified_gmt":"2016-12-24T18:31:04","slug":"merry-christmas-from-asb-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.afterschoolbuddies.org\/?p=602","title":{"rendered":"Merry Christmas from ASB!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fifteen years ago a 16 year old girl joined with a few friends and a mentor to positively impact the lives of more than 750 homeless people in Bend, Oregon.\u00a0 From this first gathering of supplies and clothing collected to fill new backpacks for needy children and adults evolved a program known as After School Buddies<\/strong>.\u00a0 Teens found themselves making a difference, working together to serve God by serving others in need of love and support. Now, 15 years later, more than 1000<\/strong> at-risk girls and mentors have participated in After School Buddies<\/strong> working to fulfill the mission of \u201cloving others as God has loved us\u201d.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>
\n\"\"ASB<\/strong> girls experience many of the same trials and tribulations seen in families all across America \u2013 divorce and custody battles, unhappy blended families, loss of loved ones, financial distress, mental or physical illness, incarcerated parents – to name just a few.\u00a0 Girls of all ages are impacted by these challenges \u2013 pushing the limits of emotional, physical, spiritual and relational well-being.\u00a0 The fall-out of abandonment and rejection of young children continues to plague families and communities long after the childhood years are over.<\/p>\n

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To counteract some of this trauma, ASB <\/strong>participants are offered experiences of joy, encouragement and inspiration by spending time with caring, compassionate teens and adults. Fifteen years of program success have demonstrated the impact and rewards of giving to others while inspiring girls to build self-confidence and improved academic and relational skills.<\/p>\n

As a result of serving with ASB<\/strong>, many teens and local college students have made life-changing vocational decisions because of their time spent as Big Buddy mentors. From teachers to counselors, social workers to human resources managers, from committed wives and mothers to nonprofit directors \u2013 young women spending time as Big Buddies gain experience, knowledge and insight that positively impacts their future.<\/p>\n

2016 was a banner year for ASB. \u00a0Why?<\/h4>\n