CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BIGS OF THE YEAR!

Big Brother Etienna (E.T.) Winzer

Big Sister Sheryl Ellington

Little Brother Joseph and Big Brother Etienna (E.T.) Winzer

Big Brother Etienna  (E.T.) Winzer and Little Brother Joseph (Joe) first met back in 2001 in the school-based program. E.T. thought he could easily give an hour a week to visit a school and be a positive African-American male mentor to an African-American boy in need. Joe was eight-years-old when he met his Big Brother; he was being raised by a family friend he lovingly called grandmother, was very shy and had low self-esteem. He had no relationship with his father and rarely saw his mother.  Joseph said he wanted a Big Brother who would help him with math and play kickball.

E.T. and Joseph quickly bonded over sports. They also started reading together each week. Eventually, they decided to transfer to the community-based program so they could see one another over the summer while school was out. When Joseph struggled in school E.T. had meetings with his teachers and helped Joseph catch up and stay on level. E.T. attended his Little's football games, band concerts, PTA meetings, teacher meetings, and school orientations. Joseph in turn attended E.T.'s wedding and E.T.'s step-daughter's dance recitals. They also toured college campuses together.

In 2007, Joseph's grandmother passed away. This was very difficult for Joseph because his grandmother was not only his caregiver but his best friend. Over the next few years, Joseph moved several times, and ended up living with various family members. It was hard at times to keep him focused on schoolwork but E.T. continued to be the one consistent force in Joseph's life. Joseph began to trust that E.T. would always be there for him and believed his grandmother would be happy to know E.T. was there.

Nine years after their first meeting, Joseph is now a 17-year-old junior and attends a charter high school. He's now on the hunt for a part-time job and college.  E.T. was uncertain what to expect when they first met and truly believes that the adversity Joseph facef has prepared him for success and a bright future. Joseph said  E.T. has taught him the value of life and that everything happens for a reason. "Before meeting him, I guess you could say I was lost. I grew up without a father, and the only men I had to look up to were the neighborhood drug dealers. The truth is if we would not have been matched up, that is exactly where I would be, eventually dead or behind the cell, a lost soul in a world of opportunity."

 Big Sister Sheryl Ellington and Little Sister Alexis

Big Sister Sheryl Ellington met her Little Sister Alexis back in 1999. Alexis was six-years-old, is a twin and one of six siblings, with an out-going personality but a short temper. She loved to play with her dolls and wanted a Big Sister who would take her out to eat--and to Disney World. Alexis' mom wanted a Big Sister for her daughter who would guide her on the right path so that Alexis could establish and attain goals. At the beginning of their relationship, it wasn't always easy to get in touch with the family, but that didn't stop Sheryl. She made sure to attend Alexis' musical recitals and bring her to agency activities.

As Alexis grew older, Big Sister Sheryl did run into some 'rough times'. They were not able to see each other as often because of Alexis' busy school schedule and because Alexis was trying to build a stronger relationship with her twin sister. Sheryl understood and gave Alexis the space she needed.

Alexis is now a high school senior and is ready to spread her wings and embark on the new journey of her life, college;  she was recently accepted to Howard University. "My Little Sister is driven and knows she is going to achieve success in life," said Sheryl. From Alexis' perspective, she says she is truly honored and thankful to have participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. "The mission of the organization is to 'provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally, supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever'. And I can proudly say that I am a perfect example of this vision."