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All
good things come to an end
BBBS 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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