Maggie Burger began her match with her Little Sister
Adriana, in March of 2006. The match began meeting at Irving Elementary school
as part of the School Based program. Maggie and Adriana immediately created a
bond, that has now lasted almost 6 years. The course of their match has taken them from the School Based program to now, the Community Based program, where Maggie and Adriana spend time outside of school. Maggie has grown
close to Adriana’s family as well, attending birthday parties and family
gatherings. Even though Adriana’s family moved to New Hartford last spring, this didn't stop the match between Maggie and Adriana. Maggie continues to see Adriana several times per month.
The match now spends time in Dike and New Hartford,
where Maggie has helped Adriana explore her new community and try out new
restaurants and stores in town. Maggie also brings Adriana back to her
home in Waterloo as well, where Maggie has taught Adriana a lot about cooking
and baking. They regularly plan and cook meals together.
With Maggie's consistency and support, Adriana has flourished. She has become involved
in music and chorus, is taking a Spanish class for the first time, and has
socially adjusted well. Adriana thanks Maggie for being a part of her life,
stating that meeting Maggie “has been the experience of a lifetime. I would say
that she is my best friend and that I thank her for all of her work.”
Adriana’s mom agrees: "Maggie goes above and beyond what she's supposed to do. She
has stuck with Adriana for a lot of years even when we moved. Adriana has
really come out of her shell, mostly because of Maggie. Adriana thinks of
Maggie as more of a friend than a Big Sister. She has done a really good job
with Adriana and she really looks forward to spending time with Maggie. Adriana is
getting involved with stuff, doing great at school, and making friends.”
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