“I just want to be someone’s best friend,”

“I just want to be someone’s best friend,” were the words that came out of Big Sister Anna’s mouth as she told her match support specialist why she wanted to volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I think we all need someone to help cheer us on,” she concluded with a smile. Anna had been a volunteer for almost a year with a different Big Brothers Big Sisters program before deciding to become a Big Sister. It was in this program that Anna found her Little Sister, Jackie.

“I think even Big Sisters need someone to cheer them on when they get sad,” Jackie explained to her match support specialist. That was when it was clear that the perfect match was unfolding. Jackie was just finishing her first year of high school and felt like she needed another friend. “Someone who will help me out when I’m stuck,” she described it. Anna remembered that feeling well and an instant bond was created with Jackie. While the two met in a group program on a weekly basis, it became clear that they both wanted to spend more time together. Jackie had been waiting for a Big sister for six months prior to becoming Anna’s Little Sister.

Jackie’s mom remembers, “We had been waiting for the perfect match for quite a while, not even realizing that we’d had it all along.” Jackie’s mom had been excited about her daughter getting matched with a Big Sister but knew it would take some time. Jackie’s mom wanted her to experience having time with someone who could teach her what it means to be a young lady. Jackie’s mom suffers from a disability that makes it difficult for her to take Jackie out, which has been another way in which she knew Jackie, would benefit.

“Jackie has some special needs and we knew that whomever she got matched with would need to be patient, and Anna is. She is fun and patient,” Jackie’s mom smiles and she notes, “In fact, you would almost think they’re actually sisters.”

Now that Anna and Jackie are matched in the community based program, they spend their time going to the mall, doing each other’s nails, and talking a lot. “It’s great because I feel like I’m back in high school now too,” Anna laughs. “We definitely have a lot of fun, but I see Jackie starting to come out of her shell a little bit more every time we are together. She is not afraid to be herself around me.”

“We really just have fun together and do girl stuff, and sometimes we even talk about boys,” Jackie beams as she talks about her Big Sister. “She has taught me a lot and I want to be just like her someday.”

“I think all that anyone can hope for is the chance to be somebody’s role model and to help change their life. Big Brothers Big Sisters gives you the chance to do that.”

If you would like to volunteer, complete the on-line application or download an application today.

Need more information about volunteering?