BBBSNEW Blog

Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin shines a light on the relationships that we are helping build within our community. This month we would like to acknowledge our featured Match of the Month. Please help us congratulate Ken (82) and Marilyn (78) Rabideau, and their Little Brother, Christian (10) of Green Bay for being the July 2018 Brown County Match of the Month.

Here’s what they have to say about their match in their own words.

Why did you want to become involved?

Marilyn Rabideau: We took a UW Green Bay Life Long Learning Institute Session in mentoring and that sparked our interest in being mentors.

Why did you want to have a Big Brother or Big Sister?

Christian: To have fun, to go on adventures and to do lots of stuff!

What do you do when you spend time together?

MR: Some of our favorite activities are going to the Maritime Museums in Sturgeon Bay and Manitowoc. We also really like swimming together. We liked Fish for Kids and roasting marshmallows to make S’mores. We also like visiting lighthouses and Bay Beach Amusement Park.

What is your favorite memory with your Big?

C: Going swimming (Ken & Christian swim almost every week). Ken taught me to be a better swimmer. I used to be afraid of the deep end. Other favorite activities have been the National Railroad Museum, EAA and the Maritime Museum.

Is there something in particular that stands out as a memorable time with your little?

MR: We really enjoy watching Christian’s confidence grow in social situations and around water.  We enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of a younger person.

What have you enjoyed about being a Big?

MR: It’s sometimes kind of like being a kid again. We also enjoy helping Christian learn how to swim, conquer his fear of water and gain confidence in himself.

What is something you learned from your Big?

C: To never give up.

In what way has being matched with your Little affected you and your life?

MR: We are an older couple, so it is exciting to see life through the eyes of someone younger. This has been an opportunity to try new things that we would not necessarily do on our own.

What would you say to others about Big Brothers Big Sisters and to others who are thinking about becoming a Big?

MR: We would encourage it. 100 percent! It is a great thing. Also, you don’t have to be close in age. That is a misconception we had but age doesn’t really matter.

What would you tell other kids who are thinking of getting a Big Brother or Big Sister?

C: You will have fun with your Big! They will be nice to you and you will get to do a lot of new things and go to new places.