Almost a year and a half ago, I took a step out of my comfort zone and applied to become a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Although I did not know what to expect, I knew that this is one decision I would not regret because deep down, I desired to be a positive influence in someone's life and build a connection that would last a lifetime. 

With the utmost confidence, I can say that I would not trade my decision to become involved in this program for anything. Almost immediately, I was matched with my Little Sister, and despite my nerves and jitters, I knew I would be embarking on the formation of a beautiful friendship that will allow for the creation of new memories and shared experiences. One of my favorite aspects of being a Big Sister is planning and participating in activites with my Little that either we both enjoy or we are trying together for the first time. A special memory with my Little is knowing that we won the t-shirt design contest, and our design is now printed on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region t-shirts used for the Bowl for Kids' Sake bowl-a-thon.

Over the last 16 months, I have watched my Little Sister grow into a beautiful and confident girl who allows for her passion and faith to lead her life. I truly am inspired by her everyday, and I know that I am that much happier because she is apart of my life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a phenomenal program that instills the notion that every child is worthy of positive companionships and success. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program I will continue to support as I grow older, and I strongly encourage everyone to support this outstanding and influential organziation as well! 

Grow Something Big is all about celebrating the life-changing impact of mentoring and bringing that opportunity to more kids throughout the Capital Region. We can all think of mentors who've helped us grow into the people we are today. Where would you be without that person? Some communities don't have acces to an information network of mentors. That's where you come in. You can bring caring mentors into children's lives. Mentors help them think about their futures, making healthy choices, and having positive relationships. When you make a donation of any size, it changes lives. 

$15 - pays to bring a child to and from the Site-Based Program to see their college-aged mentors

$25 - interview of one child and their parent

$50 - state and federal backgrouned check for one volunteer

$100 - volunteer recruitment efforts

$250 - full enrollment of one volunteer