Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County has named Big Sister Maggie Turek and Little Sister Jada Gutierrez as its match of the month for November.
Each month, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization selects a “match” for this recognition. The award is given in honor of the commitment the volunteer and child have made to each other and to the organization in developing a special friendship. This month Maggie and Jada are going to be treated to free sandwiches courtesy of Subway.
Maggie was raised in Manitowoc and truly enjoys living in the lakeshore community. She currently works at Kohler Co as a Sales Analyst. Maggie’s Little Sister, Jada, is in 7th grade and loves reading and her English Language Arts class. She is on the dance team and is joining the basketball team this year too. The pair has been matched for about two years.
Maggie originally got involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to make a difference in the community and someone’s life. She writes, “there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that you are making a positive impact on a child in the community.” Together, Maggie and Jada do a lot of fun activities! Some of their favorite outings have been going to a trampoline park, trips to the NEW zoo, walks to the lighthouse, kayaking, bowling, and watching movies. Most of all, Jada loves when they volunteer and donate together. She specifically loved when they went shopping for school supplies to donate and ringing a Salvation Army bell during Christmas time. Maggie notes, “ It’s awesome to see how excited Jada gets about these events.”
The girls have grown a lot closer over their two years as a match. Jada has matured a lot and the two have established a great bond of trust. When asked what they enjoy most about their match, Maggie wrote, “ I enjoy just talking to Jada and learning about her life at school and at home. Seeing her mature through the two years that we have been matched is very rewarding. Jada is so sweet and funny- she never fails to make me laugh.” Jada chimed in that she loves how Maggie “ is very nice and she listens to me and she is very easy to talk to.”
Maggie and Jada want to encourage others to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The program has not only been rewarding for both of them- but also fun! The duo is making a tremendous impact on one another and the Manitowoc community. Jada wants other children to know “It’s a really fun program you can do all kinds of stuff and once you get to know the person your with you get a lot closer and their like your best friend. It helps a lot because they listen and being listens to is very important and they know how to help.”
If you would like to learn more or get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, contact the Manitowoc agency at bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org or by calling 920-684-7445.