“I’ve learned how important I can be to a child and it’s kind of shocking!  But it feels so good - the school tells me how Ashley’s practically bouncing with excitement waiting for me.  Believe me, it’s wonderful for my self esteem too.  I have total support from my workplace, which is great.  I’m apt to give everything I’ve got to my job but this gives me time for something that means a lot to me, something that provides balance in my life.”
- Lorena, In-School Mentor

“Ashley has a lot of energy and it takes a lot of energy to keep up with her and sometimes that’s hard when I’m juggling three jobs.  Since her Big Sister Lorena came along she’s calmer and she’s allowed me to get closer to her.  Our relationship’s gotten much stronger.”
-Michelle, Parent

“If you haven’t been a Little Brother it’s really hard to explain adequately how one person can have such a huge impact on your life.  I had my Big Brother for 3 years before he moved away - I like to think he’d be pleased that I’ve just been accepted to Med School.  Now, as an adult, I have a really busy schedule, but I received such a benefit from my Big Brother that it’s important for me to be a volunteer.  The In-School Mentoring Program is perfect for me.  My Mentee is so much like I was - too much energy, short attention span. I really understand his frustration.  We try to do things that are a bit different.  Last week we made nanaimo bars which made him very popular with his teachers.  We get closer every day - it’s an amazing experience.”
-Chad, In-School Mentor & former Little Brother

“I am writing to thank you and everyone else for getting me a Big Brother, Mark.  We have lots of fun together. We have gone fishing, I’ve seen some airplanes with him, we went to the park and the beach.  Mark even came to my spring concert. I was Papa Bear.”
-Little Brother, David