Darlene, Amanda matched in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Nashua through Y-Achievers program

Darlene and Amanda were introduced to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program through the YMCA Achievers program. Y-Achievers is an extracurricular educational and teen mentoring program engaging students in grades 7-12 in leadership training, career exploration and character development. Adult mentors, such as Darlene, encourage youths to excel in school and to attend college. Y-Achievers has given Darlene and Amanda an unexpected setting to begin a wonderful friendship. The match meets at the YMCA’s Y-Achievers program twice a month, but outside the classroom setting, Amanda and Darlene enjoy activities such as attending a variety of classes at the YMCA, as well as going out to do things such as seeing the play “Annie” together. Their most enjoyable moments together have been the simple act of spending time talking – Amanda loves that Darlene is a good listener and that she has someone she can talk to about anything. “Whenever I’m down, Darlene can always make me smile,” Amanda says. Big Sister Darlene always looks forward to spending time with her Little Sister, but most of all, she enjoys watching Amanda experience new things. She feels that the Y-Achievers and the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs have given her the opportunity to build a friendship with Amanda and to be a positive role model. Over the seven months they’ve known each other, Darlene says, “Amanda has really started to come out of her shell” – when they meet, Amanda always has a big smile and is very welcoming toward Darlene. The Y-Achievers program has made a positive impact on Amanda’s and Darlene’s lives. For Amanda, having a role model who encourages her to excel in school and go to college has really helped her flourish. Amanda even said, “I don’t think I would be the same person if I hadn’t met Darlene.” You can be sure a friendship like this will continue to grow stronger each time they meet. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Nashua & Greater Salem would like your help in placing more children in mentoring relationships like this one.