"Day in DC"

I have been Chima's Big Sister for over a year and what a delight it has been to see him grow and mature. This month, he will be 13 years old and to celebrate, my husband (also a Big) and I took Chima to Washington DC. We spent most of the day at the Newseum, which was a perfect choice. There was so much to see and do and we all felt free to explore the areas that were of greatest interest to each of us. The highlight was definitely on the 2nd floor, when Chima got to be a newscaster. He politely asked if he had to read the script and our guide was kind enough to allow Chima to ad lib. He's a natural! We all delighted in seeing him explain why the traffic in DC is so bad. For dinner, Chima chose the Chart House in Alexandria where we had a delicious meal, seated at a table overlooking the water and the ferryboat traveling back and forth to the new Washington Harbor. And of course, we all sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert! ―Sally Anderson

"Being a Big Brother"

This experience has been one of the best in my life. It has given me a sense of giving back to the community. When I first met EJ it was like we were made for each other. He and I both enjoy playing and watching sports. EJ is an outstanding young man. I have even had the pleasure of meeting his family. EJ’s mom is also a wonderful person. It is hard for me to describe the feelings I have inside from being part of EJ and his family’s life. I would recommend being a Big to anyone that is interested. ―From a Big Brother in the Fredericksburg City Schools

"Tina & Virginia"

My name is Tina Greene and I have been part of the RBBBS program for 8 months. I got matched with my Little Sister, Virginia, who goes to Robert E Lee. She and I really hit it off the first day we met.

I am a mother myself of a 14 year old daughter, and I have a 21 year old step-daughter as well. I feel that with that experience, I can bring a lot to my relationship with my Little Sister. I feel that as a Big Sister you are there for your Little to be a good listener and to give positive feedback. Virginia and I have a very open relationship and we write or talk to each other every week.

Because I’ve enjoyed being with my Little Sister so much I would like to eventually try the community- based program, where I could spend more time with my Virginia.

"Five Year Friendship"

Being a Big Sister “Big” for the past 5 has been such an enjoyable and rewarding role for me. I first heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters when I was an undergrad many years ago. For some reason the idea appealed to me but I never pursued it until I began working on the Women’s and Children’s Care Center at Mary Washington Hospital and came across the program as one of my many resources. That old desire reappeared at which time I immediately called the local office to be eagerly welcomed by Amy, our initial Case Manager. Weeks later, after completing the screening process, Amy and I met to discuss a possible Little Sister “Little” match named Cherrell. I was excited because it just seemed to be right.

Shortly thereafter, Cherrell and I met at the agency at which time, I shared my photo album and we talked about what we both like to do and what was happening in our lives. I remember that, at 10 years old, she seemed so young and small but interacted with the help of her mom and staff. Now, 5 years later, it seems as if we have known each other forever and neither of us is afraid to say whatever we want. We have enjoyed many activities and interactions over the years, depending on our moods and desires; she makes me smile and reminds me of the simpler things in life in addition to what it’s like to be a 16 year old in 2006, not an easy thing. Despite all that life has dealt her, Cherrell is a breath of fresh air when we are together; her smile lights up our visits and the way she says my name when she fusses at me shows she cares about me but has to make her point!

We have participated in agency activities but love eating in local restaurants; Chinese if Cherrell has her way, watching movies and attending Riverside Center’s Children’s Theater presentations. Cherrell has even helped plant a vegetable garden, not knowing she was putting her hands into a mixture of horse manure and peat moss! We had quite a laugh after that but it was enlightening to have her share in an activity in which she normally would not have contact.

We are involved in each other’s lives; often asking about each other’s family, life, school and work. We have been through trials and tribulations, both offering support and asking how the other is doing. Throughout it all, we are still together and just celebrated our 5 year anniversary. It has been quite enjoyable seeing Cherrell grow and mature. I am very proud of the progress she has made and her accomplishments. Recently she began working at the hospital which brings her to my unit; I am so thrilled to see the awesome young woman she is becoming. I look forward to hanging out with her for many years as she continues to mature into a beautiful, funny and sweet young woman. She’s not so “Little” anymore, nor do I feel so “Big” anymore; we have become Friends, hopefully for a long time.

"Mutual Benefit―A Mom’s Perspective"

The BBBS agency has been part of my family’s life for a few years now. I feel as though my children have benefited emotionally from the relationships they’ve made. DeAnthoni has recently started the Campus Pals, and on his first outing he came home excited and wanting to invite his Big to all our outings. Micheal has really come out of his shell and become quite a young man. As a parent, I want to give my kids every opportunity to have a better life. The staff at BBBS has always been supportive and helpful when it came to the boys. The program has been the best advantage I could have ever given my children, and I hope they will be able to contribute to the community in the same fashion in the future. ―Windy, Micheal, DeAnthoni

"Expressions of Friendship"

Three years ago I found myself married and living in Stafford, VA. The bad part about this was I was still working as a Concierge in Washington DC. I love my job and was not ready to give it up. After six months of making the commute and almost forgetting what my husband looked like (he worked AM's I worked PM's), I was able to go part time. So what did this do? It left me a lot of free time since I knew no one in Stafford.

I have always been involved with volunteering in some way or another. I currently belong to GRREAT. The Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training, Inc. which allows me to take in homeless goldens, clean them up, love them up, evaluate them and find a new loving home for them. This hardly seems like work since I adore my time with them!

Needless to say I still found extra time on my hands...I needed a challenge. The first Christmas with my husband's family, I overheard my sister-in-law saying she had sponsored a little girl up in Maryland and they still kept in touch. I asked her to tell me about it, which she did with such joy and satisfaction that I knew that's what I wanted to do. We returned to Virginia and I began my search for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Once I passed my screening I was certain the caseworkers would find the right match for me. I was excited when Libby called me and told me about Jenny. I couldn't wait to meet her. Jenny is a wonderfully warm, loving, creative and intelligent teenager. Jenny keeps me on my toes about everything going on inside the head of a 14 year old. In the last year I have seen our relationship grow and Jen mature and develop.

I try to expose Jenny to as many different things as possible. Right before Jen came into my life I had adopted a 5 yr. old Golden Retriever. Jen and I took her through Obedience Class and Therapy Dog Inc. One of Jen's favorite outings was a fishing trip. We all made up names for each other... hers "Squaw catch'em nothing" and fished the lazy day away.

When I am with Jen I find all my worries fade away and I become a teenager again. We laugh and giggle and sing to the music on the radio and "behave" like sisters should. Some of our other activities have been yoga, step aerobics, concerts, dinners out, strolling in the park and taking pictures with my star, Jenny.

This year Jen goes into the 9th grade and I look forward to sharing her trials and tribulations. I hope Jen and I remain friends forever and I encourage those in our community who want to enrich and brighten their own lives to reach out to a child and let RBBBS assist you.