Rick and Shirley have introduced me to new things. I didn’t even know I liked classical music before Shirley and Rick took me to the Palladium in Carmel. We have gone to different restaurants and tried new foods together. They offer me academic advice. I was struggling in Biology and with Shirley and Rick’s help, I was able to raise my grade by an entire letter! They are both very dependable and I know I can ask them anything or call on them if I need to.
Allen, Shirley and Rick’s Little Brother
Shirley and Rick Altstadt are a Big Couple to Allen, a freshman, who plays football, basketball and runs track. Shirley and Rick attend most of his sporting events.
Mentoring as a Big Couple: Twice as Nice Shirley and Rick Altstadt: Big Couple to Allen
Go to www.bebigforkids.org to volunteer or to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. If you are unable to mentor, then you can give a gift that helps connect a mentor with a child.
Shirley and Rick Altstadt, of Carmel, are a” Big Couple” to 16 yr. old Allen—meaning that together, they mentor him as a team. Actually, Shirley began mentoring Allen (solely) when he was in third grade as part of the school program. She would have lunch with him weekly. Eventually, this progressed into a “Big Couple relationship” (Shirley and Rick), just before Allen started sixth grade. “Allen lives with both his parents and his mom used to be a little.” says Rick. “Her experience was so positive that she wanted to extend this opportunity to Allen. Shirley and Rick, whose two daughters are grown, have enjoyed their time with Allen. They have taken him to the Carmel Palladium, and to Chicago (as part of an organized trip and one of many, by Big Brothers Big Sisters.) They have also frequented various sports-themed places like the bowling alley and the Colts game. Allen, a freshman, plays football, basketball and runs track. Shirley and Rick attend most of his sporting events. “It doesn’t matter what age you are as a mentor,” says Shirley. “Each generation gives a child a different perspective of life.” Let’s face it. Every child can benefit from more adults who believe in them, inspire them, and help them discover their possibilities.
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( 317 ) 353 -9161 www.GeorgeThomas.com march 2012 |
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