Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County

Little Moments equal Big Magic for both "Bigs" & "Littles".

Match of the Month Stories

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Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization selects a "match" for special recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.

May 2010 Match of the Month

Big Sister Corrissa Buechner and her Little Sister, Samantha share similar personalities and lots of common interests that keep them busy. They were matched because of their shared interests in outdoor activities, horseback riding, art and playing games. "They both were shy at first, then outgoing," says BBBS match specialist Becky Wilhelm. "They love to talk about what's on their minds. They're both fun-loving." "I think we're both kind of quiet around people we don't know," says Buechner, 19, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, "and then once we get to know someone, then we're a lot more outgoing." Even so, the pair hit it off immediately. "We both like being creative," she says. Buechner and Samantha are the May BBBS Match of the Month.

The pair have been spending time together for about three years, having been matched in September 2007. They meet at least twice a month, and weekly in summer when school is out and they can enjoy their favorite outdoor activities. "We swim whenever we get the chance," says Samantha, 11, a sixth-grader at Mishicot Middle School. "Especially if it's a really hot day."

They also can be found playing games at the park — often games Samantha will make up on the spot — at the beach, out for ice cream, watching movies like Samantha's favorite, "Twilight," ice skating at the Manitowoc County Ice Center or skating at the Rollaire Skate Center. They've already made plans to visit the Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center this summer. Buechner's favorite activity they've done together is ice skating. She says they were on an ice skating kick for a couple months, but they still can't agree on who fell more. And Samantha's favorite activity?"Shopping."

"Her shopping obsession has grown over this past year," Buechner says as they both laugh. "We didn't really shop at all before that." And who better to shop for clothes with than a "big sister"? Samantha says she wanted to join BBBS because she thought it would be cool to have an older sister to hang out with. Samantha has become more confident and outgoing since joining BBBS, according to Wilhelm. This past school year, she tried out for her school play, which her mother says she never would have done before. Buechner also has noticed Samantha becoming more sociable and talking more about her friends. Which is the point of their pairing and ultimately BBBS, says Wilhelm — to provide a positive role model and someone to spend one-on-one time with who can introduce the kids to new activities and interests. "It's really rewarding to hang out with someone and watch them grow up," says Buechner, who got her father to join BBBS as well. "I've talked to people about it before who've said, 'It's a really big time commitment.' It is, and it isn't. You just find the time. Taking the kids out and just spending time together makes a big difference … And it's nice to hang out with Sam — it's fun for me, too."

Article and photo by: Michelle Turcotte - Lakeshore Chronicle

April 2010 Match of the Month

Hannah is an outgoing 10-year-old who loves reading, animals and reading about animals. She and her Big Sister, Andrea Herrmann, read together often and share outgoing personalities and a love for animals. "We both talk a lot," Herrmann, 18, says to Hannah, who laughs in agreement. "Hannah is not shy; I'm not shy."

The pair has been meeting once a week for more than two years, having been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County's school-based program since March 2008. They are the April BBBS Match of the Month. Herrmann says she decided to join the program because she likes working with kids. Her older sister was also a Big Sister. "She always came home with stories about how fun it was and how it was something different to do rather than the same eight hours each school day," she says. Herrmann, a senior at Valders High School, meets with fourth-grader Hannah for a half-hour each Tuesday at Valders Elementary School. They often read together or sometimes work on homework for a while before taking part in other activities.

Herrmann says Hannah always loved to read, but she didn't always like doing her homework. Now, Herrmann says Hannah gets excited about school rather than hating to do her schoolwork. Hannah has improved in all of her classes, according to BBBS match specialist James Anderson. The good influence of her Big Sister has played a part in that progress. "I really like school," says Herrmann. "And I tell her, 'You really should try to like school because you're going to be in school for a long time.'" Anderson believes Hannah's involvement in the BBBS program has increased her confidence. "She's turned into a rather sparkling student and become a real achiever," he says. "Hannah has had some issues about having a positive sense of the future, and that's changed dramatically for the better. Her attitude and outlook for her future she views very positively now."

When Hannah and Herrmann aren't reading, they're often playing their favorite game, Mancala, a "count-and-capture" board game. They also like to visit the computer lab to play art and math games. Sometimes they join in on Bigs-versus-Littles games of kickball, charades or hangman. But when the weather is nice, they are usually outside on the playground, often swinging on the swings or skipping rope. And sometimes they like to just sit together and talk. Herrmann says the best part of being a Big Sister to Hannah is watching her grow. "It's really rewarding," she says. "And knowing that I impacted one person's life, at least, that makes me feel good." "I think it's really fun," says Hannah. "I always tell my mom I want to be a Big Sister some day."

Article and photo by: Michelle Turcotte - Lakeshore Chronicle

March 2010 Match of the Month

Colleen Stein remembers seeing the little kids play with the big kids in the gym after school when she attended Koenig Elementary, and wishing she were part of the fun. The fun was being had by members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County and their "Little" counterparts. Now a junior at Two Rivers High School, Colleen is a Big Sister. Colleen and her Little Sister, Aubrey, are the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County Match of the Month for March. They've been matched for a little more than a year. Now, Aubrey is a third-grader at Koenig Elementary, where the pair meets each Wednesday after school as part of the school-based match program. She was excited to join BBBS. "I thought it was cool because you can get your homework done and then you can go have fun," said Aubrey, 9. "We can play games and play with the other kids and do whatever we want."

The pair spend their first half-hour working on homework and the second doing activities. They can be found playing instruments in the music room — Aubrey is learning guitar and Colleen is first-chair on French horn — coloring in the library, playing "Wii Sports" bowling with the others, or playing in the gym or on the playground when weather permits. "My most favorite thing is playing dodgeball," Aubrey said. "Yeah, we show those boys," said Colleen. "Girl power during dodgeball, for sure."

Colleen and Aubrey are the only girls in the group, but they have fun playing games with the guys. They likely won't be the only girls for long, because Colleen is recruiting new Big Brothers and Big Sisters at school. "Last year, there were a lot of seniors who've graduated," Colleen said. "I've been telling my friends, 'You've got to sign up, it's such a great experience.' "For me, I look forward to this every Wednesday, and I really want to get other people involved in it. It's a lot of fun."

"Colleen and a couple other volunteers made announcements at school about our program," said BBBS match specialist James Anderson. "She's been a really good advocate for the program." Six new students have initiated the sign-up process. Anderson says he's seen a lot of growth in Aubrey. "She was always very sweet, but shy. She's not afraid to engage in conversation now, whether it's with peers or adults. And she's excelled in her academic progress. She's really blossomed in this program, and they've got quite a friendship developed."

So much so that Colleen and Aubrey plan to continue meeting in the summer as part of the School-based Plus program. "It's been a lot of fun getting to know Aubrey," Colleen said, "and helping her with homework, and also just relaxing and talking and having fun. It's an awesome experience."

By Michelle Turcotte for the Lakeshore Chronicle.

February 2010 Match of the Month

Little Sister Jayda can be difficult to keep up with when she is excited about something. Just ask her Big Sister, Sara Pasch. "She's quick," said Sara, 17, with a laugh. "My favorite thing about her is just her spontaneity. Jayda is very energetic." Jayda, 9, and Sara were matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County in November 2008. They are the BBBS Match of the Month for February. "Jayda was really quiet and shy when she joined the program," said BBBS match specialist James Anderson. "That's one thing BBBS has worked with her on, was building more self-confidence. She's made great strides in that area." Sara and Jayda, a fourth-grader, meet each Wednesday for an hour after school as part of the site-based program at Jefferson Elementary School, Manitowoc. They spend the first half-hour working on homework together; or if Jayda does not have homework to complete, the pair often looks through picture and pop-up books in the library. The second half-hour is reserved for games and other activities.

"We go down to the gym and play," said Jayda, "or we like to go to the art room and draw." In the gym, they can be found playing kicker, hula-hooping, jumping rope, playing basketball or climbing the pegs on the gym wall. They also often participate in group BBBS activities like football and dodgeball. Sara, a senior at Lincoln High School, said she joined BBBS because she wanted to have a big sister when she was Jayda's age, and because she likes working with kids. She said Jayda was shy at first, but it didn't take long to begin to warm up to her. "She's gotten a lot more outgoing," said Sara. "She talks to me now about what she does outside of school with her friends, things like that."

Sara and Jayda are a great personality match, said Anderson, and that doesn't necessarily mean they have to be the same. "Even though they have different personalities, they're seen as a good fit," Anderson said. "We needed someone who is confident in herself, and Sara's also really patient with Jayda and doesn't have unrealistic expectations. She doesn't push her." Jayda is a bright student and has become very involved and interactive since joining the BBBS program, he said. Does Sara have any advice for people who might be thinking about joining the BBBS program? Added Sara: "I would tell them I definitely think they should, because it's a great way to help out your community, especially if you like working with kids. I'm really glad I joined."

By Michelle Turcotte for the Lakeshore Chronicle.

January 2010 Match of the Month

Devan Scherer enjoys having three older brothers, but she has always wanted a little sister. Two years ago, she found a friend and Little Sister in Brianna through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County. Brianna, who has two older and two younger sisters, gained a fifth. A junior at Roncalli High School when she joined BBBS, Scherer was matched with Brianna in February 2008. They are the BBBS Match of the Month for January. "I like having a Little Sister besides just my three brothers," said Scherer, 19. "You get to do all the things sisters do." That's currently evidenced by their matching pink toenails. "We did that last week. Right, Bud?"

Scherer addresses her 9-year-old Little Sister as "Buddy" and "Bud" frequently, and that's clearly what they've become over the last couple years. They like going out to eat, swimming at the YMCA, going to the movies, baking, reading books at the library, shopping for clothes, and visiting Bay Beach Amusement Park each summer.

Brianna said swimming is her favorite activity. Scherer agreed, and added that baking chocolate chip cookies together also is enjoyable. "We're up for anything," Scherer said. "We'll always try something at least once or twice." They gave boating a couple tries, but they said their trip on the Lake Michigan car ferry will remain a one-time event, as will their turn at the BBBS summer fishing derby. "We love swimming, but we're not meant for the lake," said Scherer. "We're not good on the water, so we'll just stick with pools."

Scherer is a freshman at St. Norbert College, majoring in psychology and sociology. She comes home at least once a month to visit with Brianna when school is in session, and they meet once or twice a week when she is home in Two Rivers during breaks from school. Fourth-grader Brianna likes the poster of the St. Norbert campus she received from her Big Sister.

"Devan takes me to lots of different places," said Brianna of her favorite thing about hanging out with her Big Sister. Does she recommend the BBBS program to her young peers? "I'd tell them it's a lot of fun because I have this really good Big Sister!" Scherer recommends the program to her peers as well. "It's a lot of fun and you get to make an impact on someone else's life besides your own," she said. "If someone's thinking about doing it, just take the step and do it. Don't wait, because every little kid needs a Big Brother or a Big Sister." And volunteers just might find it works both ways. "I like having a Little Sister to spend time with and doing things I used to do when I was a kid," added Scherer, "and making sure that she has the same fun experiences that I did growing up. We just like to spend time together."

By Michelle Turcotte for the Lakeshore Chronicle.

December 2009 Match of the Month

Big Brother Dylan Koch fits right in at the LaViolette household. He and his 10-year old Little Brother, R.J., spend lots of quality time together there, often including 5-year old Alandra and R.J.’s older brother, Matthew, in on the fun. “R.J.’s mom is really grateful for Dylan, “says Match Specialist Becky Wilhelm. “R.J. and Dylan get along really great. They are just two peas in a pod.”

Dylan and R.J., a fifth-grader, have been matched through BBBS since March of 2008. Rhonda LaViolette, R.J.’s mother, says the pair hit it off quickly. “We got along right away,” says Dylan, 34. “It took awhile to become better and better friends, but that’s like any relationship.” The pair, who meet once a week, spend a majority of their time at the LaViolette home, usually playing games before working on homework together. They like to play kickball and volleyball in the backyard, and have even invented a few sports of their own. R.J. says “hockey golf” is a favorite.

“There’s not a lot of rules in those games,” says Dylan, laughing. “When it’s nice outside, we try to go exercise for about an hour and wear him out, wear myself out, and then come inside and do homework. That’s usually the routine. We’ve gone to the beach to skip stones, and just do little stuff like that.” When they’re not pioneering new games, the pair has gone to Schuette Park, to the movies, played video games and with Legos, built snow forts, and is in the process of painting a mural on R.J.’s bedroom wall that presently depicts Darth Vader and Pac-Man, with SpongeBob slated to join the 2-D gang.

Dylan had always thought about volunteering for an organization like BBBS, but didn’t think he had the time. He decided to look into it at the urging of his former high school English teacher, Hugh Foster. “He’s a cool guy and was my role model in school,” says Dylan. He ran into Foster one day, the pair got to talking and Foster suggested he volunteer….giving him the final push. Now Dylan enjoys being a role model himself. “I know it’s pretty hard for R.J. to warm up to people,” Rhonda LaViolette says. “I can tell you that from a mom’s point-of-view he’s much more open and outgoing now. Much more.”

The pair has become much closer over time, and Dylan says lately what’s most fun for him is doing homework with R.J. “It gives me a chance to show R.J. things he is going to need later in school,” Dylan says. “It feels good to teach someone something they’ll need later in life…He’s really smart. It’s a pleasure to see him learn and apply himself.” R.J. began playing violin this year through a program at school. He and Dylan often practice together, and sometimes Alandra and Matthew will join the impromptu jam sessions. “We always have a good time,” says Dylan. “When I come over here I feel like part of the family. That’s for sure.” Article by Michelle Turcotte, Lakeshore Chronicle.

November 2009 Match of the Month

Though they are 17 years apart in age, Big Brother Justin Terp and Little Brother Christopher Holly share a lot in common. “It’s funny because I’m 27 and he’s 10,” says Terp. “What I’ve realized is I see a lot of myself at that age in Chris. He gets really fired up about the things he likes, and I was the same way.” Fifth-grader Christopher enjoys outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, as does Justin. Their shared love for the outdoors was one key reason for their match through Big Brothers Big Sisters according to Becky Wilhelm, a Match Specialist with BBBS. Justin and Christopher went on separate hunting trips at the end of November and swapped stories during their first meeting afterward. “I almost got a buck!” Christopher exclaimed. He went hunting with his father on this first outing, and he and Justin plan to go hunting together in the future.

Justin and Christopher have enjoyed all sorts of activities together, such as football, baseball, video games, four-wheeling, biking, archery, exploring “the man’s mall” (Fleet Farm) and playing with their dogs. Christopher marvels that his German Shepherd/Husky mixes are huge in comparison to Justin’s two Labradors. They also like watching movies together, and on this particular evening they are going to see “The Blind Side” after dinner, a movie Christopher picked out. The last movie they saw together was “Where the Wild Things Are.” Christopher’s one-word review for would-be moviegoers: “Weird.”

In addition to sharing similar interests, Justin says the pair also shares similar personality traits. He says Christopher has good manners, something that’s also important to him. “Chris is very respectful,” Justin says. “He holds doors open for people and says ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ A lot of things I expected to be working on with him, he’s already there….Chris is very mature for his age.”

The pair, who meet once a week, has been matched since May 2008 and could count on two hands the number of weeks they’ve missed since they began spending time together. They hit it off quickly. “Over time we could literally just sit and talk the whole time we are together as he got more comfortable,” says Justin. “We have a lot to talk about . We talk about everything, like school or his brothers and sisters.”

Since they have been matched, Justin and Christopher’s grandmothers have died, as has an uncle of Christopher’s. They say it was nice to have someone to talk to during the tough times. “We enjoy hanging out together,” says Justin. “It gives me something to look forward to every week…It’s just as important to me as it is to him.” In the spirit of the recent holiday, Christopher ponders for a moment and shares what he’s thankful for this year. “What I really like is having a Big Brother like Justin,” he says. Article by Michelle Turcotte, Lakeshore Chronicle.

October 2009 Match of the Month

Kimberly not only has learned a lot from Big Sister Molly Cianfarani, but has also taught her "big sister" a thing or two. "She's a rock star at math," says Cianfarani, who recently learned the lattice method for multiplying and brushed up on her factor trees with her Little Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kimberly, 11, says she loves math and does math problems for fun. They are the 2009 Big Brothers Big Sisters Match of the Month for October. The pair meet each Wednesday for an hour after school as part of the site-based program at Jefferson Elementary School. They spend their first half-hour working on homework in the library, and their second half-hour is reserved for fun.

Cianfarani, an administrative resident at Holy Family Memorial, and sixth-grader Kimberly like to work on projects in the art room, play on the computers in the lab, read books, join in an occasional planned activity with the other kids — on a recent day it was "Cottonball Toss" and competitive orange peeling, the fewer peels the better — or play sports, often basketball in the gym.

"We've been playing a lot of HORSE lately," says Kimberly, who excitedly recounts her recent backward shot from behind the 3-point line. Not surprisingly, this earned her big sister a letter when she couldn't match the spectacular shot. "I think I fell on the ground laughing after you sunk that," Cianfarani tells Kimberly. "I never laughed so hard." Kimberly beams.

The two hit it off immediately when they were matched about a year ago, said Cianfarani, who describes Kimberly as "really extroverted" and "a ham." A ham who likes to play an occasional joke. Kimberly often hides when she knows Cianfarani is coming. Cianfarani merely has to follow the sound of Kimberly's giggles to discover her hiding spot.

"It's really nice to see how they connected," says BBBS match specialist James Anderson. "It's been nice for Molly to be another supportive friend for Kimberly." Kimberly's mother died earlier this year, and Molly was there for support. "She's matured a lot because she's had to," says Anderson, who's also happy to see a boost in self-esteem. "Molly's friendship has really helped."

Kimberly's a smart kid with not only a penchant for math but also a love for reading. "Guess how many books I've read this school year?" she asks. Answer: seven. The pair also like to read the "Captain Underpants" book series together. And above all, they have fun together, whether they're playing a game or just talking about their day.

"We just hang out and be friends," says Cianfarani, who looks forward to visiting with Kimberly each Wednesday. "If we have a bad or stressful day, we can just hang out and have fun." "I got a match with you," Kimberly tells Molly, "and I'm glad." Story by Michelle Turcotte, Lakeshore Chronicle.

September 2009 Match of the Month

Dustin is a polite 8-year-old boy who learns fast and likes to try new things, according to Kathy Schuette. Although he was pretty quiet when they met two years ago, he made one thing clear: Don't call him Dusty. "A lot of people call me Justin or Dusty, but my real name is Dustin," he said during a recent visit to the home of Kathy and JJ Schuette, his "big couple" through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Dustin and the Schuettes are the BBBS Match of the Month for September.

The Schuettes, who live in Kiel, had been matched with a teenage "little" for two years before their match with Dustin in November 2007. This time around they looked for someone who could potentially spend more years in a match, Kathy said. "I think it was love at first sight," Kathy said of the first time she and JJ met Dustin.

Since then, the list of activities the three have done together is extensive, including attending Milwaukee Brewers and Admirals games, camping, doing service work, constructing a backyard patio, building an impromptu indoor miniature golf course and collecting rocks. They even shared an interest in Civil War re-enactments before they met. The Schuettes helped Dustin get ready for his first time as a drummer boy on the field at a re-enactment.

"We couldn't find him a Civil War drum so we got him a Revolutionary War drum," Kathy said. "And JJ sat and cut it down, and I made him his coat. And that was our Christmas present to him that year."

Maybe it would be better to ask what the trio hasn't done yet. Believe it or not, such things exist. Dustin wants to see a NASCAR race live, especially to catch a glimpse of driver No. 29, Kevin Harvick. The three might also take a trip to Chicago to see a museum rock exhibit someday, Kathy said.

The relationship continues to be pretty easy-going; so far, nothing too stressful has come up. In fact, the Schuettes always look forward to Friday nights with Dustin to make the house less quiet. "If we don't have him on a Friday night, it's kind of like a bummer," Kathy said.

In November, the trio will start their third match year together. Even though Dustin will be a year older, he doesn't plan to "ditch" the Schuettes anytime soon, as Kathy joked. Then he'd have nobody to play checkers with. "I think his favorite part," Kathy said, "is that he can beat us at checkers all the time."

Story by Allison Wickler, Lakeshore Chronicle

August 2009 Match of the Month

Rachel Nickels, 25, became involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters because she wanted to help someone through the challenging middle school years. Now she says her Little Sister is a “friend for life.” Nickels, who has a teaching degree but isn’t working as a teacher, was matched with Maddie Handl, now 15, in January 2006. “I think I’ve gotten a really good friend,” Nickels said when asked what she’s gotten out of the program. “I think I’ve gotten a friend for life.” They agreed they will continue to be friends even after Maddie, a sophomore at Lincoln High School, graduates and they no longer are part of the program. The Big and Little have found some significant commonalities, from both having a sibling with special needs to sharing a love of figure skating. Going skating at the Manitowoc County Ice Center is one of the activities they often do during their time together. Nickels was a member of the Manitowoc County Figure Skating Club while growing up and also used to teach for the club, and Maddie said she has been a member for about eight years.

Another activity they share is visiting the Lakeshore Humane Society where they play with the cats and walk the dogs. Maddie has a dog at home, and Nickels has two. They also go shopping, go to movies, and visit Beerntsen’s Confectionary for ice cream and chocolate-covered fortune cookies.

Nickels said they received a free trip from the Badger car ferry because of their participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters. They took their bikes and spent the night in Ludington. “I had always wondered what’s on the other side (of Lake Michigan),” said Nickels, who hadn’t made the trip before. It was the first time for Maddie, too, and also was her first time in Michigan. She liked going to the Ludington beach, which she said was very clean.

When Nickels got married in August 2008, Maddie came to the wedding. Nickels’ husband went out to eat with them once, Maddie said, but typically it’s just the two of them. “I think it’s good to have one-on-one girl time,” Nickels said. It gives them an opportunity for “girl talk.” “That’s probably the biggest thing we do,” she said. That’s surprising considering how quiet Maddie seems to be, but Nickels said she came out of her shell with her right away. It’s nice to have someone to confide in, said Maddie, who had two other Big Sisters prior to Nickels. She has had a Big Sister since she was 7 years old. “I’ve seen her become more confident,” Nickels said. “She’s got a really good head on her shoulders.”

Maddie said she would recommend the program to others because it provides “one extra person to talk to.” Nickels said knowing she’s helping someone else brings happiness. “I think that becoming a Big really enriches your life,” she said. Article by Cindy Hodgson, Lakeshore Chronicle Staff and photo by Doug Sundin, Lakeshore Chronicle Staff

July 2009 Match of the Month

Not all Lincoln High School students get to do their practice driving in the superintendent's vehicle. But Cristian Hernandez isn't just any student. He's Superintendent Mark Swanson's Little Brother. So when Cristian, who will be a junior at Lincoln, showed Swanson the instruction permit he'd recently received, Mark suggested they go to the Manitowoc County Expo grounds. "This is where I brought my kids to learn to drive," said Swanson, whose children are 21, 23 and 24 years old. At the Expo grounds, he allowed his Little Brother to drive his 2009 Nissan Murano. "I was kind of scared 'cause he has (an) expensive car," Hernandez said. Swanson said Cristian listens well and is safe and conscientious behind the wheel. He plans to let him take the Murano outside the Expo grounds eventually. "I just want him to be real confident with the vehicle," he said.

Mark and Cristian, the July Match of the Month, have been matched since December 2006.

"My youngest son went to college, and I had a little bit of the empty-nest syndrome," Swanson said. Not only were his children out of the house, but Swanson also was in his first job that didn't involve direct contact with students. After working as a teacher and principal for 26 years, Swanson became superintendent of the Manitowoc Public School District in 2004.

Hernandez, 16, said he had been getting into trouble and needed "someone to help me straighten my life out." He thinks of his Big Brother as a friend and a counselor, and said he's been very helpful. "We hit it off right from day one," Swanson said, and Cristian agreed. "We don't feel like we have to do anything special," Mark said. "We just enjoy being together." The two have gone to some Lincoln sporting events together, played golf and basketball, and gone shopping and out for lunch, but Cristian mentions none of that when asked what he most enjoys doing with his Big Brother. "Just talk about how my week went ... get stuff off my mind," he said. "I feel safe telling him stuff." Cristian said he can talk about things with Swanson that he doesn't want to discuss with friends.

Swanson said he has helped "simply by being a listener, letting him know that everybody goes through the same types of things." He said his Little Brother has "been making very good decisions." Now Cristian is hoping to find a part-time job, so he can buy a car and help his mother with expenses. He has two younger sisters and a younger brother, and his mother is single, he said.

Swanson said he is happy he decided to become a Big Brother. He said it's "a small amount of time" — they try to get together once each week — "and I gain so much from it that I wouldn't have realized unless I tried it." Swanson said he has learned about the Hispanic culture, including a little bit of Spanish. His relationship with Hernandez also reminds him of the challenges teenagers are facing, which is helpful in his professional life. And he said he confides in his Little Brother just as Hernandez confides in him. "He's my friend and counselor as well, so it goes both ways," he said. By Cindy Hodgson, Lakeshore Chronicle.

June 2009 Match of the Month

Big Couple James & Jennifer and Little Brother Curtiss Dokey have been selected as the Match of the Month for June 2009. James & Jennifer have been matched with Curtiss for over a year and been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters for around three years. James & Jennifer have three children of their own around the same age as Curtiss, so including one more just added to the family fun. The Maurer family is very active in sports and have arranged for their children and Curtiss to be involved in Little League Baseball. The family also enjoys geo-cacheing, playing games, having a Wii night, having movie nights, and participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters monthly match events.

Curtiss has no other biological siblings and started his relationship with the Maurer Family as a very shy little boy. Jennifer Maurer said Curtiss would initially say hello and provide two-word answers. “Now it has gotten to the point where he’ll actually start a conversation,” she said. “I think he’s finally started to feel comfortable with us and that we’re friends. We’re here to give him something to do and have some fun and enjoy ourselves in the process.”

Curtiss said he likes the Maurer family and gets along well with the Maurer’s sons Owen, 10, Gavin, 8 and their daughter Quinn. 4. “They’re really fun,” he said. Jennifer said Curtiss fits right in with their family and they treat him like one of the family.

James Maurer said being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters is rewarding, and especially so with Curtiss. “It’s neat to see him smile,” he said. “It’s neat to see him have fun. He’s come a long way from this shy little guy we adopted over a year ago to the kid he is today.” Article by Cindy Hodgson of the Lakeshore Chronicle Staff.

Go to the How to Volunteer page if you are interested in putting some "magic" into the lives of kids like these, or call us at (920) 684-7445.
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