Testimonials from "Bigs"

"I just wanted to tell you something my Little Sister did for me on our last meeting... She drew a picture for me and underneath she wrote 'You have a beautiful soul'. I almost started to cry and she said, 'It's true!' I told her I will keep it forever, and I will! :) I am really starting to see her as my 'little sister'. Thanks so much!"
- Eliina (Big Sister at the Site-based Program for 8 months) in an email to the staff

"Being a Big Sister gives me a sense of purpose to support a young girl finding her way in a world of wonder and uncertainty. To help her discover her potential and capabilities will always be my goal."
- Mary (Big Sister for 5 years)

"I get a huge sense of satisfaction (and, frankly, ego gratification) out of being able to expose my Little Brother to new stuff, explaining how to do things, or sharing the experience as we learn together. Being a Big Brother is great and I wish I could convince a lot more men to take part. They are really needed, the kids love it, the rewards are great, and it doesn't take much time."
- Ted (Big Brother twice ­ first time 6 years, second time 4 years)

"Children are a great blessing and having a Little Sister in my life enriches it. My Little Sister has helped me stay young and to continue to enjoy playful activities in and out of doors."
- Joan (Big Sister for 5 years)

"I feel I have given my Little Sister opportunities that otherwise she would not have experienced, such as attending museums, college sports, and watching movies that have positive messages, or are about historical events. It has been rewarding for me to be a positive mentor and friend and to watch my Little Sister mature."
- Maria (Big Sister for 4 years (twice)

"The pairing with my Little Brother has been a great experience for me. Being a Big Brother has helped me feel I am contributing in some small way to the development and personal growth of an amazing young man. The time I spend with my Little Brother has brought me not only many happy memories of times spent going to movies; bike riding or boogie boarding, but also has taught me skills of child communication and some basic parenting skills that I think will help me in the future."
- Frank (Big Brother for 2 years)

"After my children were grown, I missed the spontaneity and joy of spending time with a child and always wanted to be a "BIG". I have enjoyed developing a relationship with my Little Sister and am amazed at how fast she is growing up. My Little and I have both done things that we've never done before and always wanted to do. We rarely plan what we'll do on our outings, but ALWAYS end up having a good time - and usually some sort of adventure in the process. Getting to have a special role in her life is hard to put into words, but our relationship strengthens and grows each time we see each other."
- Cathy (Big Sister for 3 years)

"Being a Big Sister has been a very rewarding experience. I love having the opportunity to provide a mentoring relationship to a child in the community and I have learned so much about myself in the process. It is amazing how many different things we have taught each other over the past year."
- Angela (Big Sister for 11 months)

"Being a Big Sister is one of the most gratifying things I have ever done. It feels great to make a difference in a child¹s life and it¹s so easyŠ I just get to be me."
- Wendy Rae (Big Sister for 7 months)