Big Brothers Big Sisters
Recent BBBS Intern started as High School Volunteer then to Core volunteer. 

20 year old Rachael Ahrns is a busy college student at Rhode State College majoring in Human Service Technology.  As a requirement of her coursework, Rachael had to intern at a local agency specializing in her major.  A former high school volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters and current core program volunteer,  Rachael made the choice to gain her required internship experience at the local agency over the winter semester. 

Rachael is currently matched with 12 year old Brandon Stotler, son of Tammy Farris of Sidney.  Rachael and Brandon have been matched for nearly a year and have developed a wonderful relationship.  Rachael stated, “I decided to become a big because I enjoyed it during high school and heard an advertisement on the radio, which made me want to impact a child’s life”.  She further stated, “I feel I’m giving him opportunities that he probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience”. 

In addition to her match with Brandon, Rachael assisted the agency in many capacities during her assignment to the agency.  Outgoing Executive Director, Lisa Brown stated, “We were blessed to have Rachael working here during our busy season.  She was very instrumental in assisting with our daily operations”.   

Rachael stated, “I leaned that this field of work requires a great deal of patience and organization.  I feel it will be a very rewarding line of work as well.”   When asked if she would recommend being a big to anyone else she stated, “I would, anybody that believes they can make a difference in a child’s life in a positive way should volunteer. Children really enjoy getting out and having someone in their life that can make a difference. 

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.