10 years ago I decided I wanted to be a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  For those of you who know me well, when I decide I want to do something, I do it (for better or for worse, seriously).  I know where a lot of this determination comes from - the people who have supported and encouraged me my whole life.  My family, teachers, friends, and co-workers have been there for me through the ups and downs, when I've been at my best and my worst and everywhere in between.

For all of the support and encouragement I've had and continue to have, there is no real remarkable moment to describe, no monumental piece of advise or guidance given to me...because it's not always big things that make the most impact.  It's a lot of little things that add up and make us feel more secure, more confident, and more determined.  It's the TIME that someone spends getting to really know you, listening to you, confiding in you, laughing and crying with you, that make you feel valued.  It's hearing things like "Yes!  Great idea!" and "You'd be so good at that!" and "Let's come up with a plan!"  It's someone showing up when they say they will.

What if your support network was very small, or you didn't have one at all?  What if you had dreams or crazy ideas but you shut them down in your head because they seemed silly or impossible?  What if you thought your story was already written?  At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, we provide children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. These relationships will change their lives for the better, forever and I can attest to this personally.

It has been such an incredible experience being involved in Essence's life for so many years.  I've grown to know her and her family and there is a connection there that will never be lost.  This past June, I watched her graduate from High School - the first in her family.  The photo says it all.  So proud of this amazing young woman and so excited to watch her continue to write her own story.

It costs $1,200 to sustain one match annually.  Please consider making a donation and supporting this extraordinary organization so we can continue create these powerful relationshps.  More information at www.bbbscr.org.  

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