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SUCCESS STORIES
One of our volunteers has been a Big Sister for over 26 years, and is
currently matched with an eighth grade student. They have been matched
for over 3 years and are looking forward to a long lasting friendship.
Since the Little Sister has been involved in our program, her grades
have vastly improved and she has grown emotionally. Her mother reports,
that her daughter's enhanced self-esteem, self confidence, academic
achievement and social skills eased the transition into Middle School.
The time shared between Big Sister and Little Sister has provided this
young woman with an additional support system and asset to base her
future upon. The BBBS staff, the client's mother and family and Big
Sister are all proud of this Little Sister's accomplishments.
In 1999, Ken and Joshua were matched through our agency and have been
together ever since then. Ken has become a supportive friend to
Joshua's mother, and they have faced many challenges together
concerning Joshua. In a recent interview Josh's mom recalled how Ken
gained Josh's trust by being a good listener. She talked about how
Ken would listen to Josh talk about his problems at school and would
always encourage him and never scold. She feels that Ken taught Josh
"what is right for a man to do", like remember her with cards and
flowers on special occasions.
Ken and Joshua spend time together playing golf, going to sporting
events and many trips to Culvers for a "treat and talk" when needed.
Ken states that recently Joshua asked if they will still get together
after he turns 18, and Ken replied that they will always be friends.
The match between Ken and Josh is proof that one caring adult can help
a child move from risk to resiliency.
I have been volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters for a few
years. I have been able to help children on their homework in hopes
that I am improving their grades and understanding of certain subjects.
Every time that I help a student, it makes me feel very good inside,
but I never know how they feel about me being there or if I am actually
helping them, until this school year started. Big Brothers Big Sisters
was able to match me with the same student that I had worked with last
school year, and her name is Sam. I was very excited to work with Sam
because she was always ready to learn and work on her studies and was
happy and ready to learn. When I had showed up for the first day to be
re-matched with the same student, Heidi the School Buddy Coordinator
also came to set up our match and let us know where we could work.
When Sam came out of her classroom she had a large smile on her face.
She said she was happy to see me! I had never felt as important as I
did that time; her face was unforgettable and made me feel better about
helping students.
When all three of us were walking down the hall to the library, she
was still smiling. Heidi had asked Sam about how she felt about me
working with her, she looked up with the largest smile on her face.
The first thing that Heidi said was never mind I can see that you are
very happy that Tiffany is working with you. Sam just sat back in her
chair and smiled and tried to hide her excitement. I was so thrilled
to know that she appreciated me and was glad to work with me for
another school year. I will never forget that day and her expressions
when she found out that I was working with her for another semester.
Feel free to contact us
with questions and/or comments.
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