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 Jennifer Jornas and her little sister Eve’— our Door County Match of the Month for December.

Where did you hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Jennifer: I’ve known of BBBS for years, but more recently I have heard their fundraising efforts on our local radio station.

Why did you want to become involved?
J: With our daughter off at college, I realized I had more flexibility and available time with my daily schedule. I feel I have an abundance of love, patience and energy to offer, and thought I would make a good fit in a Big Sister role.

Why did you want to have a Big?
Eve’: So that I could have another companion outside of mom to do fun things with.

What do you do when you spend time together?
J: My little is such an adventurer; she is always up for any activity. We spent this summer swimming at different Door County beaches (without a doubt, Eve’ is a mermaid), going to the humane society, a visit to the Children’s Museum, fishing in the bay, hiking on Washington Island, painting rocks on Anderson Dock and hiding them around the county, trying new eateries and lots of ice cream and a movie. There was never a dull moment spent together.

E: My favorite thing I have done with my big sister is go to Washington Island on the ferry. I also like going to have dinner with both my mom and big sister and seeing Circus Italia.

Is there something in particular that stands out as a memorable time with your little?
J: We both love music, so our adventures together always included a lot of singing! Eve’ and I have some pretty awesome shared moments, but I mostly love her zest for trying new things. Getting the worm ready for the hook, enjoying her first ever kiddie cocktail, painting rocks, driving the Washington Island Ferry, deep-fried green beans, touching the slimy seaweed and swimming at Pebble beach. These are just a few of the most memorable times with my little, so far.

Is there something in the future that you would like to do together, or that you look forward to experiencing together?
J: Honestly, our list is pretty long, but we have recently talked about baking cookies, going to a Packer game and definitely visiting the humane societies. I know for sure a lot of conversation, giggling and singing are in store for our future together.

E: Something I would like to do with Jennie in the future is have a girl’s sleepover.

What have you enjoyed about being a Big?
J: It’s always great to be part of something positive in this world. We are too often caught up in the craziness of life’s expectations, it’s been so rejuvenating for me to have those ‘stop and smell the roses’ moments with Eve’. Her smile is so contagious and her energy is nonstop fun. The time we spend together is a constant reminder of what’s truly important in this hustle and bustle world.

In what way has being matched with your Little affected you and your life?
J: Being matched with Eve’ has brought out a lot of new creativity. We are constantly learning from each other, comparing the world as I know it to the world that she knows, it’s always refreshing and eye-opening. This new friendship brings many reasons for me to always remain young at heart.

What have you learned from your Big?
E: Something that I learned from Jennie is how to be kind and have lots of fun.

What would you say to others about Big Brothers Big Sisters and to others who are thinking about becoming a Big?
What an amazing organization BBBS is, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this mentoring program under a belief system, that in every child is incredible potential. The time commitment for being a Big is very minimal, but those moments spent with your Little are paramount and everlasting for you both. I would encourage people of all ages to participant in something bigger than yourself and you’ll be amazed at the effects it will have on your spirit.