Testimonials
“A Part of My Family”
Tonya Lengar and DeAndra – “Sisters” since January 2006
Tonya Lengar’s commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana parallels her commitment to everything in life, “I think one of our missions in life is to be a servant. We can all serve others, and that commitment is a true gift we can give people.”
DeAndra, Tonya’s Little Sister, enjoys talking to her Big Sister and sharing stories about her day. “She loves that attention,” Tonya says. “I think it’s important to give her that listening ear, to be there for her when she wants to talk about something.”
As an attorney, Tonya’s schedule is very busy. But she and DeAndra always find time to share a dinner, some time at the mall, and a phone conversation every now and then. “She’s a part of my family now,” Tonya smiles. “It’s very nice to know you’ve made an impact on someone’s life.”
> Check out the video with Tonya and DeAndra
> Check out the full-length BBBSCI video
“Bulldogs Being Bigs”
Katie Doane – Big Sister since 2004 and Organizer of “Bulldogs Being Bigs”
When a young person goes to college, he or she usually looks forward to getting involved in various aspects of campus life. When Katie Doane, an education major from Butler University, looked to get involved, she contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “I had heard of the organization in high school, and I really wanted to find a way to make a difference,” she recounted.
But Katie did not stop there, “I just felt like many of us had an hour a week we could give to help make a difference in the lives of these young people.” So Katie helped to found a campus organization “Bulldogs Being Bigs,” named after the popular Butler Bulldogs mascot.
The site-based mentoring organization works in partnership with Indianapolis Public School #84 and invites college-age “Bigs” to visit their “Littles” over the lunch hour to review homework, play games or just share stories and have fun.
Bulldogs Being Bigs, now more than 100 strong, has grown so popular, that Katie has since helped Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana to co-author a guide for other college campuses to help them develop similar organizations.
Katie reflects, “Most of the best learning I’ve had in my life has been outside a classroom. As a Big Sister, I’ve had the opportunity to show other people some of the things that they are really good at, and some of the best qualities that they may not see in themselves. I think this is a positive we can pass on to anybody.”
> Check out the video with Katie and the Bulldog Bigs
> Check out the full-length BBBSCI video
“Teammates Score”
Jeff Johnson and Colton – “Brothers” since September 2002
Sporting activities have been at the center of Jeff Johnson’s long-standing relationship that he has enjoyed with his Little Brother, Colton. “We have a lot of things in common, but sports is really big.”
“We’re very competitive,” Jeff laughs. “It doesn’t matter if it’s bowling, golf, basketball, we’re always trying to outdo each other.”
As the associate director of creative services for Pacers Sports & Entertainment the basketball season is always a busy time for Jeff, especially in a basketball-crazy state like Indiana.
But even during the most hectic of times, Jeff has always found ways to spend some time with Colton. “Sure, I was busy. But I always had to eat. So it was easy to call him up and go get a sandwich or a burger. It’s easy to hang out and just be buddies.”
Jeff continues, “Colton never really knew his father. It made me realize how important my father was in my life. Getting involved like this helps me show my appreciation and give back in some way.”
> Check out the video with Jeff and Colton
> Check out the full-length BBBSCI video
“We Are All Teachers”
Robert Forrest and Rayshawn – “Brothers” since March 2007
I’m doing what I can because I think it’s in my heart,” says Robert Forrest, head maintenance engineer at the Second Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Robert is reflecting on his relationship with his Little Brother, Rayshawn, who he first met through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana in March 2007.
Among his many duties at the church, Robert helps teach Bible classes for teens and organizes various youth activities. He invites Rayshawn to many of the group activities, but also finds time to spend some one-to-one moments together.
“We are all teachers, because the youth of today are looking at us,” Robert notes. “I would say that any of us can be leaders by just being the regular, outstanding man you are, and then allowing these kids to see your character. That’s important.”
Robert also has two kids of his own, and will sometimes invite Rayshawn to spend time with his entire family on an outing. Other times he enjoys spending time with his Little Brother, one-to-one.
Robert reflects, “For me, the most rewarding part is not here yet. When Rayshawn is my age, and he looks back, I want him to say, ‘There was someone in my life who made a difference.’ And he would bring up Robert Forrest. That will be the most rewarding part.”
> Check out the video with Robert and Rayshawn
> Check out the full-length BBBSCI video
