Big Brothers Big Sisters...
November Match: Bertkes & Beck 
December 1, 2011 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County announce Big Brother and Sister Jeff and Jennie Bertke of Anna, and Little Brother Phillip Beck, of Sidney, have been selected as November Match of the Month.  Phillip is the son of Clarissa Smith.  Jeff, Jennie and Phillip have been matched since December, 2009. 

Jeff and Jennie entered the Core program as a couples match so they can share in the activities together, or independently.  Family and church are both the primary focus of the Bertkes.  They have two young children.  Their goal is for their Little to learn and grow with their family.  They want him to feel comfortable, taken care of, and a part of something. 

Phillip has been enrolled in the Buddies after-school program, and joined the Core program for positive role model and to learn additional social skills. 

Clarissa is pleased with the match and reports, “I definitely see positive changes from the match.  They are positive role models for Phillip.”  She appreciates that he receives one-on-one time, not readily available at home.  Phillip is now better at sharing and being more helpful.  His behavior and social skills have improved as a result of this match. 

The Bertkes and Phillip share a variety of fun and educational activities.  They have been to the Toledo Zoo, the Air Force Museum, a Cincinnati Reds baseball game, and fishing.  Most recently, they rode in the Winter Wonderland Parade.  Phillip’s favorites are the zoo trip and simply staying at the house to play with the children. 

Jeff says, “I like to see our Little get a chance to be a “big brother” to our younger children.  He is learning responsibility in that role.  Jeff likes to include Phillip in their trips to play at the park or tour a museum to learn about history.  “We are glad to have Phil in our lives, and hope we have a positive impact on his life like he has made in ours.” 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a non-profit United Way member, social service agency. Lisa Brown is Executive Director of the agency.  The program specializes in matching children facing adversity with adult volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters. These adults provide children with positive role modeling, as well as new educational and social activities. If you would like to make the difference in the life of a child but are unable to volunteer at this time, Big Brothers Big Sisters has many other opportunities throughout the year for others to become involved.  Learn more about our agency by logging onto www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org or calling 937-547-9622 or 937-492-7611.