Submitted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County has named Big Sister Aimee Augustine and Little Sister Sabrina as its match of the month for July. 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. To celebrate, Aimee and Sabrina were treated to free sandwiches courtesy of Subway.
Aimee and Sabrina were matched in 2015 and have since developed a wonderful relationship. They have enjoyed a variety of activities together, from scrapbooking to the BBBS fish derby. This summer they came up with their own unique activity, which they called “Muscle Car Mania.” This included them test-driving a few of Sabrina’s dream cars. Aimee realized that their best conversations often happened while driving so that was the inspiration for their summer outings. Aimee wanted to instill in Sabrina that she could work hard and achieve her dreams, including one day owning her own muscle car. Aimee and Sabrina talked about how it’s okay that Sabrina may not have a mom or dad around but that she will be able to one day get a job and buy her dream car all on her own. Aimee would like to give a special thank you to Maritime Ford for taking them on the test drive and for their continued support of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Sabrina is a 7th grader this year and lives with her grandma and younger siblings. She described herself and Aimee as a great match. Sabrina’s grandma stated that her favorite thing about the match is that Sabrina has someone to talk to and to confide in.
Aimee has been involved with BBBS since 2009. Sabrina is Aimee’s second “Little Sister.” Aimee still regularly sees her first “Little Sister” who is now 21 years old and has gotten to know Sabrina as well. The trio recently enjoyed dinner and explored the Spirit of the Rivers monument. Aimee has been a longtime advocate of Big Brothers Big Sisters as well, describing her experience as “rewarding and heartwarming.” She stated that she loves being a Big Sister and shares it with everyone she knows. Aimee said that “everyone can give back in some way.” Aimee genuinely embodies the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters which is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. She shares in our vision that all youth achieve their full potential.
Aimee and Sabrina want to encourage others to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. They both have gained new experiences from participating in the organization and are making a positive impact on one another and the community. There is a thorough process to make sure you get matched with Big/Little who seems like a good fit for your personality and who you could foster a meaningful relationship with as Aimee and Sabrina have. It only takes an hour a week to make the kind of impact on a child that Aimee has had on Sabrina. 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.
