Local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter gets national award INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is celebrating two of its own for getting national recognition this summer. Little Sister JaIme and Big Sister Jaleesa Jones were named the National Big and Little of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. They traveled to Atlanta in June to receive their award. They were nominated by the Central Indiana Chapter and chosen from hundreds of matches nationwide. They joined one other match from California. The award honors matches that best represent the impact that a mentoring relationship can have on people. “To be recognized nationally as Little of the Year is amazing,” Jaime said. “I love telling my story to people.” Jaime’s mom signed her up for the program shortly after her dad died. She says her Big helped her navigate the grief of losing her dad, prepping for college, and every challenge in between. “We both came from similar situations growing up,” Jaime said. “I feel like having that type of connection that you can really go to a person and talk to, and they always have your back, is amazing.” Jaime and Jaleesa have been meeting for seven years now. Jaime just graduated from high school in the spring. As time has passed, they’ve developed a shared love of food. The two have tried countless eateries across central Indiana — Fat Dan’s sticks out as a favorite. “Food has kind of become a ritual of our time together,” Jaleesa said. “(It) just allowed us space to unwind and connect and talk through what she’s struggling with. Tell her about what’s coming up for me.” Jalessa grew up with a single mother. She became a mentor to be there for other girls like her. It’s helped her through her own grief and career changes. She says her relationship with Jaime has taught her to slow down and be present. “I knew how much it meant to me to have those support people in my life, those trusted adults that I could turn to,” Jalessa said. “I wanted to be that safe person for another child.” With college now on the horizon for Jaime, the two say they are grateful that the program brought them together. They hope to continue growing — as sisters. “I wouldn’t be the person that I am today if it wasn’t for her,” Jaime said. “I wouldn’t have done things; I probably wouldn’t be in the programs if it wasn’t for her or Big Brothers Big Sisters. She really expanded my view of the world.” Jaime is pursuing a double major in accounting and astronomy this fall at Indiana University Bloomington. To find out how to volunteer or how to enroll as a mentee, visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website. ...read more read less