Match of the Month

Each month, one active Big Brother/Sister-Little Brother/Sister match is chosen as the "Cemeno's Match of the Month, based on criteria designed by the program staff. This match is entitled to one free dinner for the Big and Little to enjoy together at Cemeno’s Pizza in Joliet! The Cemeno’s Match of the Month will also have their photo and story displayed in the restaurant for everyone to see.

Special THANK YOU to Sue Cemeno Schultz!

Big Brother Mike
Little Brother Cody
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July 2007 - Big Brother Mike and Little Brother Cody

During the month of  July, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties are proud to feature Mike and Cody’s relationship and on-going friendship.  Mike and Cody have been matched for about a year.  In that time, they have had built a relationship of fun, learning, and togetherness.  Mike’s favorite outing with his Little Brother has been setting up the Halloween display at the Keene house and the opening game for the Jackhammer’s.  The Halloween display allowed Cody to enjoy himself as he made his own ghouls and gravestones and they had a lot of fun watching the Jackhammers and watching the closing fireworks.  While those two activities really stand out, it’s the everyday activities:  bowling, swimming, playing catch, going to see movies, and eating at different restaurants, that really keep these two connected.  It’s during these activities that you see the kid in both of these two.  A new hobby that has developed between Mike and Cody has been making homemade Christmas gifts in Mike’s basement workshop.  It’s during these activities that a mentoring relationship can define the teachable moments in a young person’s life.  Mike recently stated that the best thing about being a Big is that it is making a difference in another child’s life.  He has seen Cody’s self-esteem develop since they have been matched and he is developing a very positive outlook at life in general.  Mike was asked to describe Cody in one word and he selected the word friendly.  Cody has a personality that makes you enjoy hanging out with him; he is a very thoughtful person.

June 2007 - Big Sister Sue and Little Sister Destiny

This month we congratulate and celebrate the terrific mentoring relationship between Sue and Destiny.  Sue and Destiny have been matched for almost six months and enjoyed many outings such as Sox games, roller skating, going to the library, and completing homework.  Sue and Tink enjoy going to the Animal Shelter in Shorewood and visiting the animals as part of their weekly visits.  Sue and her family are teaching Tink to swim and will have her swimming by the end of the summer.  Sue was asked to describe Destiny in one word and she said “precious”  She said it was like caring for a precious magnolia seedling that with care can blossom into a strong breathtaking tree that can stand on its own.  Tink enjoys spending time with Sue and her family as well.  She looks forward to riding her new bike with P.J. and can’t wait to go on outings with Sue.  This is a mentoring relationship that is based on trust, friendship, and a deep sense of caring about one another.