In December, BBBS of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) welcomed a new match, Little Sister Abby and Big Sister Jasmine! For the past several years, BBBSCI has been working alongside Catholic Charities Indianapolis through the Thriving Families Initiative to pair more young people in their program to caring mentors.
Hear a little about what Abby and Jasmine’s Mentoring Relationship Manager, Drew Neddo, had to say about their match introduction:
Last night I had the pleasure of introducing Little Sister Abby and Big Sister Jasmine and kicking off their match. Abby is a very cool 8th grader who is interested in music (and was willing to share some recommendations with me) and identified a love of learning new things as something she is really excited to do with Jasmine. Jasmine comes to BBBSCI after participating in College Mentors for Kids while in undergrad and feeling like she is at a place in her career where she can fully commit to mentorship again.
Abby’s family is [originally from outside the United States]. We had a really great interpreter from LUNA who ensured Abby’s mom was able to actively participate in the meeting. This does make the introduction flow a little differently than some though, so it was really fun when Abby and Jasmine spent some time talking together about things they would like to do together. They have big plans to make some candles, try some workout classes together, and wander around an art exhibit.
It was very sweet when we were about finished I asked Abby if she was feeling excited about getting started with the match and getting to know Jasmine she looked at me with a big smile and said she was and that ‘she seems really cool!’ Middle schoolers are wild bunch but they sometimes give you a genuineness and honesty that is hard to get from other people. Be sure to say ‘hey’ to Abby and Jasmine when you see them around!
Big thanks to Catholic Charities Indianapolis for their partnership and United Way of Central Indiana for funding the Thriving Families Initiative!
Be sure to visit www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer to learn more about joining our program as a mentor!