Hanna and her Big Sister Rosemary Parsons

By TRINA HOY
Community Development Director Kosciusko County

When it comes to skydiving, motorcycle riding, world travel, or winning national dance competitions, former Dancing Granny, Rosemary Parsons has done it all and is fearless when it comes to adventure. She is always active and can be spotted meandering though crowds at public gatherings, festivals and anywhere there is action going on, even in the middle of winter.

At age 92, Rosemary is an inspiration to those many years younger than her. With so much energy, zest for life, and love of people, it is no wonder she is a Big Sister to a child in need through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program in Kosciusko County.

When she was asked if she would have interest in becoming a school buddy and have lunch with a child one hour a week, she immediately responded, “Well, yes, I could do that.”

She was told there was a little girl at the school just down from her house that was waiting on a Big Sister and would be perfect for her. She was excited that she could walk to the school.

When Hanna was told about Rosemary and that she might become her Big Sister, Hanna couldn’t wait to learn some of Rosemary’s dance moves. Rosemary jokingly remarked that she finally found someone shorter than herself. Hanna and Rosemary hit it off right away and at their first meeting, Hanna even wrote Rosemary a note that said “I love you.” They have been meeting for lunch and hanging out once a week at the school ever since.

There are School Buddy programs in schools throughout Kosciusko County including: Pierceton, Lincoln, Harrison, Washington, Madison, Milford and Syracuse. Kids are waiting for a School Buddy in each one of the schools listed, so if you’re over 18, and have an hour to hang out with a child once a week at the school, you can make a difference in a child’s life.

For more flexibility in your schedule, you could become a community-based Big and take the child to the park, for ice cream, or just go for a walk. This program only takes three to four hours a month. Please start today thinking about how you can help a child reach their full potential through one of these programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships with measurable impact.

For more information, to donate, or to learn how you can help support the mission, contact Trina Hoy, Community Development Director for Kosciusko County at (574) 551-6386, [email protected] or visit our website at www.bbbsnei.org.