ABOUT US

About Us: 2015 Big Sister State Winner

Big Sister Cathy and Little Sister Christiana

Big and Little Sis
Debbie was a single parent raising 5 adopted children, her youngest being 12 year old Christiana who had experienced trauma in her early childhood. Debbie said, “To say that I was unprepared for the challenges associated with adopting older children would be an understatement. I came to realize that it does indeed take a village to raise a child.” Debbie knew Christiana would benefit from the valuable one on one time and attention a Big Sister could provide. She brought Christiana to Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2008.

Cathy Beck, a calm and nurturing woman with adult children of her own seemed to be the perfect match for Christiana. Cathy grew up in an alcoholic home that she described as having “not enough hugs and too many secrets and lies. I remember as a young teen wishing that I could share my secret, but there was no one I could trust. I lived in a world of surviving, not thriving.”

Cathy stated, “When my youngest went off to college, I decided that I had room in my life and my heart to join BBBS.”

Big and Little Sis
Christiana was matched with her Big Sister Cathy on October 17, 2009. Since then, Cathy has always made sure to be consistent in getting together with Christiana every other week. In addition to having fun, during their time together Cathy would often insert guidance, share wisdom, and discuss coping skills. Christiana says she enjoys talking with Cathy about life and hearing her “mom perspective.” Cathy always finds ways to boost Christiana's self-esteem and seeks to help Christiana understand the value of her voice and to believe in herself.

Over the years, Christiana faced many struggles including behavior that led to out-of-home placement, involvement with law enforcement and placement in a residential setting. However, Cathy never missed her regular time with Christiana even when it meant driving 90 minutes to a facility where Christiana was placed.

Christiana is now 17 years old, living back home, and getting her life back on track. Of Cathy she said, “She has supported me through thick and thin and has never once judged me.” Christiana says that Cathy inspires her to good things for others and hopes to be a Big Sister one day. “I never knew that any one person could make such a significant impact on my life in just five years like she has,” said Christiana.

Big and Little Sis

Cathy reflects on her relationship with Christiana by saying, “These years have gone by so quickly. Looking back, I don’t believe that we made one wrong turn. We both had growing to do. My visits with her were constant. We shared our childhood stories. There was so much healing for the both of us. Through the BBBS program, I connected with another life that I would have missed. She lives 7 minutes from me and I would not have known her. I am grateful to the BBBS program. This child will be cherished and in my life for the remainder of it.”