Spotlighting Ariana
There’s plenty of good reasons to volunteer.
For Ariana, a desire to become closer to her community was the main reason for getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
It’s now been four years since Arianna has been matched with her mentee as a volunteer mentor.
The Community Matching program pairs an adult mentor with a young person in their community who is experiencing any number of adversities. Mentors are someone mentees can talk to and share new experiences with. Through weekly outings and activities, a supportive relationship is established.
Program goals include improving mental health and wellbeing; improving social-emotional skills, and youth participants report favourably on being happier and more confident because of the program.
Case Manager, Aaron Murphy, says there has been a positive development in Ariana’s mentee since the two have been matched. “Ariana has been a committed, dedicated and compassionate volunteer who has been working with her mentee to help them reach their full potential,” Aaron says. “Through her time, encouragement and guidance, Ariana is making a meaningful difference in her mentee’s life.”
These outcomes are a result of everyday activities paired with the consistency of a positive mentor.
“My favourite memory of being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters is the times I spent with my mentee laughing, smiling, and learning new things,” says Ariana.
For Ariana, being a mentor is an important responsibility. “Mentoring means getting to be a part of a mentee’s life and having the responsibility to be a person they can go to for support and encouragement as they grow,” she says.
Ariana is described as positive, enthusiastic and reliable by her case manager. Thank you, Ariana, for your time, commitment and care.
