Thursday, June 20, 2013

"Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

 
Seven years ago, Little Sister, Shannon, met her Big Sister, Sherry.  The two were paired together in the School Based program and began their relationship meeting every week at Lincoln Elementary.  It didn’t take long for Shannon and Sherry to discover they had more in common than they thought and soon decided to expand their friendship and transferred into the School Based Plus program. This decision allowed them to continue meeting during school hours in addition to meeting outside of school.  Sherry wanted the chance to give Shannon the opportunity to experience new adventures in life such as going to the ballet and community plays.
 
As the years went on, Shannon’s mother, LeAnne, was able to witness the improvement in her daughter’s development.  Shannon felt confident with her Big Sister and found the confidant she’d been seeking.  LeAnne’s decision to enroll her child into Big Brothers Big Sisters was proven correct day after day during each awaited visit as she watched Shannon’s face light up when Sherry arrived.  Through Shannon’s ups and downs, her Big Sister has been by her side.  Shannon feels supported, understood and feels comfortable in her own skin with Sherry.  During their time together, Sherry has allowed Shannon to discover her strengths in creativity and performing.  She has encouraged Shannon to go after her dreams by working on scrapbooks to hold the memories they’ve made, and even recording Shannon’s music and plays she has written over the years.
This match started creating a bond seven years ago that cannot be broken.  Together, they have accomplished what Big Brothers Big Sisters envisions for all mentoring relationships.  One such achievement was celebrated this past month: Shannon’s high school graduation.  Shannon has made great strides in her academic performance and was all smiles receiving her diploma.  From the crowd, you could see her Big Sister, Sherry, beaming as her Little Sister walked across the stage.
Today, Shannon has dreams to become a music therapist and plans to attend Hawkeye Community College in the near future.  Shannon and Sherry’s involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters has officially come to an end, an end that Shannon describes as “bittersweet.”  Program Director, Katie Klein, agrees, “This moment is bittersweet but the absolute best way for it to end.  We will cherish the achievements of this relationship and will sit back and watch Little Sister, Shannon, soar.”




Monday, June 10, 2013

June Anniversaries


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of June:

One Year:
McKenzie Bruch and Haylee
Adam Eich and Martez
Brianna Matthias and Starr
Lindsey McCoy and Sierra
Dana McDougall and De'Vontay
Irina Moye and Dauje
Lindsey Petersen and Zoe
Amber Smit and Mylee

Two Years:
Erin Meeker and Aliyah
Jonathan Wangler and Kelondis

Three Years:
Dave Kane and Elliott

Four Years:
Christy & Dietrich Tice and Joseph