Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Big Brothers Big Sisters Match Comes To An End After Nine Years

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County, our vision is for all children to achieve success in life. We are an organization that positively impacts children’s lives. Through our mentoring programs, we are able to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. By partnering with parents, guardians, volunteers, and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors, and educational success.

Big Sister Amanda became involved with our program nine years ago after hearing two dear friends of hers talking about their outings with their Littles. Amanda always loved working with kids and wanted to become a teacher, which now she is. Her passion for children and teaching is what led her to wanting to experience having a Little Sister of her own. According to Amanda, “My match with Sheyenne has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I could have chosen to begin.”

Amanda and Sheyenne met at the bowling alley for the Big Brother’s Big Sisters’ annual Christmas Party in December 2008 and Amanda said, “We could not have asked for a better match!” They have many of the same interests and truly enjoy each other’s company. Having been together for nine years, they have gone from having movie nights and baking cookies with a 10 year old; to talking about boys and school with a 14 year old; to the young adult graduating, driving, and working. Over the years, some of their favorite activities included baking cookies; making pizzas; having movie nights and makeovers; bowling; going to the mall; watching fireworks at Riverscape; and visiting Brumbaugh’s Fruit Farm, Bear’s Mill, and Shawnee Prairie Preserve. Even though Sheyenne is an adult now, Amanda says they will never be too old to visit Brumbaugh’s Fruit Farm to walk through the mazes and drink an apple cider slushy together or share a kids’ pack at the movies.

What started as a chance to give back to the community, turned into a lifelong friendship that Amanda and Sheyenne will always cherish. They may grow older, start their own families, and see each other less often; but they will always be sisters and be there for one another. While their time with Big Brother’s Big Sisters may be ending, their sisterhood will not. Amanda is proud of the young adult Sheyenne has become and stated, “Seeing the kindhearted, intelligent, and positive young woman that she has grown into; I have no doubt that there are great things in store for her, and I can’t wait to be there with her along the way.”

Sheyenne recently graduated high school, and she is considering her options for what she wants to become in the future, but she feels that she is on the right path of finding out. According to Sheyenne, “My experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters has been nothing but wonderful! I have a great best friend, and a very great sister relationship with Amanda. I recommend having this option and opportunity for children who not just feel alone, but are wanting a lifelong best friend and sibling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Thank you Big Brothers Big Sisters for matching me up with Amanda. Amanda is a great sister, and I couldn’t have asked for a better match! Today we are still going strong. Yes, I am an adult now with responsibilities, we both are, but we still make time for each other. When you have a great, or even a perfect match, that bond will never fade or go away”.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with caring mentors who help provide individual guidance and support. That is what we do. If you, or someone you know, are interested in becoming a Big or Little, please call 937-492-7611, 937-547-9622, or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.

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