BIG NEWS
NEWSFLASH! ANNOUNCING OUR 2009 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR!
2009 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Each year, our agency selects our Volunteers of the Year- those who have shown extraordinary effort and truly epitomize what it means to be a ‘Big’. We are fortunate to have over 500 ‘Bigs’ in our program. Each and every one of our volunteers is absolutely incredible, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island would like to recognize all of our Bigs who make a difference every day in the lives of the children they mentor. Thank you to all of our volunteers for your tireless efforts to add a little magic to the life of a child!
BBBSLI BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR | Alan Perlman Alan Perlman was matched with Little Brother Demarcus in July of 2005, and since their first match meeting have become inseparable. Case Managers have commented “their friendship is obvious.” Over the past four years, Alan has epitomized what a Big Brother truly is. He has been a role model to Demarcus, providing him with a consistent source of positive reinforcement, support and guidance. Alan has also been a valuable asset to other Bigs in the agency, providing advice and experience at Volunteer Talk Times and at agency events. When we asked Demarcus about the impact that Alan has had on his life, he remarked, “Alan has always been someone to talk to; he is an extra friend with a much higher value than the others. My favorite thing about Alan is, really everything about him. Alan is a great person and one of my best friends and I am thankful for having him in my life.”
BBBSLI BIG SISTERS OF THE YEAR | Amy Halsey & Joan O’Brien Amy Halsey and Joan O’Brien have both been extraordinary forces of guidance and support in the lives of their little Sisters, and therefore have both been named Big Sister of the Year for 2009. Amy Halsey has been matched with Little Sister Kayla for the past seven years. She has added a sense of family, support and structure into Kayla’s life. Amy’s consistent and patient approach to support Kayla’s passion to succeed has enabled Kayla to learn, grow and mature into a young woman with endless possibilities. Inspired by Amy, Kayla would like to become a businesswoman, just like Amy who owns a farm on the East End of Long Island. Kayla has shared with the agency, “Amy and I are just like real sisters.” Joan O’Brien was matched with Little Sister Esra six years ago. Joan has consistently provided her Little Sister with a push to succeed, helping Esra mature and become a better young woman. Esra once wrote in a letter to BBBS that Joan “has changed my life forever.” Esra has always appreciated the friendship and support Joan has provided, particularly now as a college bound, aspiring filmmaker. This year, the match came full circle as Esra, inspired by Joan’s dedication and mentorship, became a Big Sister herself!