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Start Something
Written By: Elizabeth Spaulding - Big Brothers Big Sisters | Issue: 2017/06 - June
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has two branches in our area – Cashiers and Highlands.
Both of these branches have committed mentors who decided to start something special and join our efforts to positively impact a child’s life. When a mentor is matched with their “Little,” they are provided with ongoing activities, training, and support services to help build a strong and enduring connection.
Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees) both gain a lot from the experience in terms of their friendship. Littles gain a role model and friend who provides them with new experiences, which help to build higher aspirations in their lives. These relationships help them to achieve academic improvement, growth in self-confidence and development of life skills. Bigs are rewarded with the experience of being an integral part of that young person’s success.
BBBS Cashiers is growing at a steady pace, and we are now serving 21 school-aged children in Jackson County. This spring, Big Sister Lauren, and Little Sister Nayely were matched. Lauren is a special education major at Western Carolina University. She has a heart for children and supporting them to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. Her passion and background made her a perfect fit for our program.
Lauren and Nayely were matched based on their interests and personalities. These two girls are chatty, outgoing, and extremely engaging. They have spent time getting to know each other through arts and crafts activities and exploring our beautiful area, both in Cashiers and WCU’s campus.
Although the initial commitment for Big, Little, and the family is a year, we always encourage the match to continue as long as all parties are content in the relationship. The longer the relationship lasts, the stronger the bond, and the more profound the impact in the Little’s life.
We hope that Lauren and Nayely will be together for a long time to come.
