Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The sisters spend most visits watching a movie, or playing computer games, or just talking.
Big Sister Mary Jo Stapelton of Warsaw and Little Sister Jessica (last name withheld) have been together for five years.
Stapelton has been a "Big," as the Big Brother Big Sister organization refers to the adult participant, for 20 years.
Jessica is a Wawasee High School freshman. She plans to be a registered nurse, beginning her studies in WHS's co-op program during junior and senior years.
Jessica is the youngest of three siblings. She's been matched with a Big Sister three times since first grade. The match with Stapelton, beginning when Jessica was a fifth-grader, has been long-lasting.
Stapelton has been a Big Sister since 1986. Jessica is her fifth Little Sister.
Some relationships ended naturally, when the Little turned 18 or graduated from high school. One Little moved away. Once Stapleton had two Little Sisters at the same time.
She was with Little No. 4 for six years until the Little decided she no longer wanted to be in the program.
"My Littles are part of my family," Stapelton said. "Jessica goes to our Christmas party and to family cookouts."
Because of her work schedule at RR Donnelley, Stapelton picks Jessica up on weekends, Saturday or Sunday. Littles never spend the night with a Big.
Some matches see each other through the week. The minimum requirement is two hours, twice a month.
Jessica said her interests include talking on the telephone and knitting.
Stapelton has no children, one niece and a lot of nephews.
"Time spent with a Little doesn't have to cost anything or cost very much," said BB/BS donor relations director Lori Shipman.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana is based in Fort Wayne. The organization serves eight counties: DeKalb, Noble, Kosciusko, Whitley, Huntington, Adams, Wells and Allen. It is funded in part by the United Way.
The agency also sponsors the Lunch Buddy Program where Bigs meet their Littles at Madison, Lincoln, Pierceton or Harrison elementary school during lunch hour. No telephone numbers or addresses may be exchanged.
In Kosciusko County there are 30 matches in the Lunch Buddy school program.
Shipman said about 30 percent of the Lunch Buddy matches evolve into the traditional match where the pair meets during the week and spends time together outside of the school.
"There's a greater need for Big Brothers than for Big Sisters. We have about 20 Kosciusko County kids waiting for a match," Shipman said, adding that there are 33 community-based matches.
"We play miniature golf or computer games. We would go bowling, but she," Stapelton nods toward Jessica, who rolls her eyes, "wants to put the stupid gutter bumpers up. We have the most fun when we don't spend a lot."
They don't see eye-to-eye on shopping, either. Jessica likes to shop; Stapelton doesn't.
What they do have in common is a love for hard rock music. Among the bands they admire are Faith No More, Ozzie Osborne, Motley Crue, Metallica and Van Halen.
"It's fun to get away from the family once in a while," Jessica said. She plans to be a Big Sister when she grows up.
"I like being around kids, and talking to them. I'm an extra shoulder to cry on," Stapelton said.
Potential Bigs must "pass" a background check and expect to be interviewed for at least an hour, said Community Development Director Kristi Geiger. "The interview is to make sure the Big and the Little share the same interests. We make matches based on interests, not on a first-come, first-serve basis."
Children can enter the program from ages 7-17. Geiger said the Littles come from all economic backgrounds with a variety of interests.
"I know there's a stereotype, but a lot of the kids are on the honor roll or very active with sports. There isn't a set criteria for the kids," Geiger said.
Potential Bigs and parents of interested Littles can call 888-456-1600 for more information about the program.
