BBBSNEW Blog

Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin shines a light on the relationships that we are helping build within our community. Please help us congratulate Michele Feivor and her Little Sister LiliBeth, both of Green Bay — our Match of the Month for May.

Where did you hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Michele: I think it was while I was doing a volunteer search. It caught my eye, I called to set up an informational date, and I was all in! I knew it was something I would love.

Why did you want to have a Big Sister?

LiliBeth: Because my aunt (Bree) had a Big so I wanted one, and I was an only child.

Why did you want to become involved?

M: My kids are grown, and I love being around them! Many are vulnerable and need to have that mentor in their life to share experiences that they may not be able to do. Honestly, I just wanted to make a difference for a child.

What do you do when you spend time together?

LB: Crafts, the library, my reading lessons and BBBS events.

What have you enjoyed about being a Big?

M: I enjoy doing things with LiliBeth that I may not be able to do otherwise. I love spending time talking about her day and seeing her change as she grows up. Just the different things she likes, her friends, school. I hope to be able to teach her some new things or have experiences that she wouldn’t have been able to do or learn about.

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

M: She is absolutely part of my family, life, my days. When I plan anything, I make sure I always have time for her.

The past year I took an opportunity to get her tested for Dyslexia after I noticed some unusual reading and writing habits. My friend had just opened a non-profit to help children with Dyslexia and I’m now her tutor and we meet twice a week for that in addition to our fun outings! I feel it was God’s plan all along – how it all came to be.

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

M: Do it!! It’s priceless time to spend. They will love you. It’s sometimes a bigger blessing to me to be a part of her day! If you have time, it fills your heart! It makes more of a difference than you realize. Sometimes you may think you don’t have time – but realize, the 2 hours twice a month is doable. It’s so fun. You get to do things you wouldn’t usually do. You make their days better – which means yours are too.

What do you do when you spend time together?

M: So many things! We have an entire photo album of most of our time together. I have to say we really enjoy the events that the library has to offer. LiliBeth loves crafts, so we try to rotate some of that into our dates! We like bike rides, ice cream, lunch together and the BBBS events when we can make them. One of our early events was apple picking, then bringing them to my house to makes some yummy apple crisp.

Is there something in particular that stands out as a memorable time with our big?

LB: Picking apples, then we made this amazing apple dessert. It was so good. Yummy! Also, her famous grilled cheese is so good!

What have you learned from your Big?

LB: Sewing!

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

M: Most recently, the escape room event at the library! We were a good team! LiliBeth was pretty impressive finding the clues

Then one time at a restaurant when we were just talking, playing games and reading her magazine together; two different people came up to us and shared how wonderful it was to see us just interacting and talking – and enjoying each other. One of them even paid for our meal. It made us realize that others can see how much we love to be together and enjoy each other’s company. LiliBeth is a joy to be with.

How has being matched with a Big made a difference to you?

LB: She helps me with my reading every Tuesday and Thursday.

If you had a crystal ball and could see five years into the future, what do you see for yourself and your match?

LB: Going on more adventures and spending more time together.

Is there something in the future that you would like to do together, or that you look forward to experiencing together?

M: Some of the events we missed – snowshoeing, maple syrup making and the escape room! We would love to kayak together! Also a cooking or baking class. Maybe a comedy show at the Cup O’ Joy. The library is going to have a murder mystery night. Sounds so fun!