Mentoring Maryland's Future 2012 annual report - Big Brothers Big ...

“i have Found that in My sister”
Diandra’s life has always been filled with challenges. Her mother is a drug
addict, in and out of rehab for years, and her father is a recovering drug
addict whose health and cognitive skills are drastically diminished as a result
of years of drug use. While there are several extended family members who
assist and watch over the girls, Diandra and her sister bear many of life’s
burdens together. They keep the house running, they hide their money so
their mother can’t use it to buy drugs, and they give each other the support
necessary to make it through each day.
Three years ago, Diandra and Carina were matched to Big Sisters. The
relationships have proven to be the connection the two young ladies needed
to take the next steps toward a better life. Diandra elected to attend a High
School many miles from her home in Baltimore City even though it meant
that she would have to travel from the west side, all the way to the northeast
side. She graduated with a 3.2 GPA and received a full college scholarship.
Diandra’s mother cast doubt about her going away to school saying, “They
won’t accept you, you aren’t going to fit in, and they’re going to be too hard
on you.” But Diandra received encouragement from her Big Sister to choose
the path in her heart. Diandra knew she needed to focus on education and
take care of herself even though she was afraid to leave her sister. Diandra’s
confidence was buoyed by the commitment of both Big Sisters who
promised to look out for Carina, keeping her on the right path and keeping
her safe.
Diandra writes; “I’ve been with this program since the summer of 2008 upon
entering my senior year in high school. I think that I’ve grown as a person,
but I am most satisfied with the relationships that I have gained with my big
sister, Diana, as well as my younger sister’s Big Sister, Tracey, who is also a part
of the program. The reason that I originally wanted to be a part of Big Brothers
Big Sisters was because I wanted to be around a young adult female who
I feel is a true representation of independence. I have found that in my Sister.
I truly believe and would hope that we could still keep in touch even when
the program is over. “
our Bigs oF the year
started soMething aMazing
Big Brother of the year:
andrew spindler
Big Brother Andrew Spindler began
mentoring his Little Brother in 2010.
Andrew was matched with his Little
Brother in part because both of them
were interested in sports and loved
outdoor activities. Andrew is perfect for
his Little Brother and they attend many
of the Big Brothers Big Sisters-sponsored
events, including the recent Eastern Shore
Amazing Race, where they won second
place! Mom says Big Brother is always
available to support Little Brother even
though he works two jobs. Big brother
goes out of his way by calling, texting,
and checking up on his Little Brother on a regular basis. Despite a long drive,
Andrew attended all of Little Brother’s football games to cheer him on!
Big sister of the year:
renee dodd
Big Sister Renee Dodd has been matched
with her Little Sister since 2008. Renee
and her Little Sister enjoy movies, walks
through the mall, and baking
homemade cookies. Renee drives from
Denton to Salisbury and beyond to
attend agency events with her Little Sister,
including the Eastern Shore Amazing
Race, where they came in third place!
Renee’s dedication and hard work despite
obstacles is the reason this match is
a success story!
8 Big Brothers Big sisters of the greater Chesapeake 2012 annual report 9