A Shout Out to Our Big Sister!

Today’s all access, hyper-paced world brings upon us a barrage of work, emails, social obligations and time commitments each and every day.  With so much information coming at us, along with personal and family responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook a message, a daily chore or even an appointment.  Families are juggling so much at one time, the “ball” will inevitably be dropped every now and then. 

But what happens when we are so overwhelmed, that we overlook a child?  In tough times like these, when it becomes challenging to meet our children’s needs on a consistent basis, many families look for help.  That’s when organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters come to the rescue.  BBBS recognizes that none of us are prefect; some of us need extra support; and we all have the capacity to help one another, and especially, to help our children. 

United Performance Metals has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County, OH for many years; sponsoring events, designating resources, and encouraging financial and personal involvement among our staff.  Our own Sherri Davis, HR and Training Lead, has been involved with BBBS for several years, both as a board member and as a faithful supporter.  Over time, Sherri progressed her commitment even further and became a volunteer mentor, or “Big Sister” to a child in need.  

Sherri and her “Little Sister,” Amara, have been matched for over two years.  Amara is ten years old, and has already dealt with more stressful, life-altering issues than many of us have yet to face as adults.  The match came to pass at a critical time in Amara’s life.  Her family faced personal struggles, and Amara needed the steady support of an adult mentor.

Since their match was made, Amara and Sherri have spent one or two days each week together for over 100 weeks so far.  They spend their time together swimming, reading, playing, watching movies, volunteering, and just hanging out. They laugh, they talk, they learn from one another, and they have built a relationship that is dependable and loving.  That is the kind of support Amara’s family was looking for when they reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and that is what was delivered. 

For her commitment to the organization, and most especially for the positive impact she has brought to Amara’s life, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County gladly named Sherri Davis their “Big Sister” of the Year, for 2016. We’re so proud of Sherri!  UPM is immeasurably grateful for open heart, her dedication to a truly worthy organization like BBBS, and especially for her special connection with her “Little Sister”.  Our most sincere congratulations goes out to the best of the “Big Sisters”!