The Littles Got Big ...

From despair to hope ...

The Littles Got Big ...

Nick and Bob were matched nine years ago. Nick has decided to go on to college, mainly because Bob has helped him with his schoolwork and also helped him adjust to some of his learning disabilities. Nick's mom says she and Nick were very fortunate to have Bob in their lives

Nolan was a Little brother himself and Chris says when he is finished with the Air Force, he will become a Big Brother too. Nolan has decided to come back as a Big Brother again for another young person. The two keep in touch through letters and phone calls. Chris says Nolan was and is a positive force in his life and both describe themselves as life-long friends.

Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs responsible caring volunteers with children from primarily single parent families to form one-on-one mentoring relationships in which both the child and the volunteer can benefit. A Big Brother or Big Sister provides guidance, friendship, encouragement, and support which helps a child grow to become a confident, competent and caring adult.

Recently, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Nashua had 10 graduation parties. The agency serves children until they graduate from high school or turn 18 years old. The average length of the relationships being celebrated was 6 -10 years. Two Little Brothers went on to serve in a branch of the Armed Forces, five Little Brothers and Little Sisters went to college and the rest will be pursuing employment opportunities. These young adults are better prepared for the future because they had a caring adult mentor in their lives. During times of hardship and disappointment they had someone to turn to who would listen to them, give them hope and simply be a friend.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Nashua

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers both community-based and schoolbased mentoring programs. They also recentIy launched an after-school program for high school students to mentor elementary school students. For more information, call Big Brothers Big Sisters at: 603 883-4851

From despair to hope ...

Jim (alias used) was 28 years old, homeless, and addicted to alcohol when he entered the crisis intervention program at Greater Nashua Council on Alcohol's Keystone Hall. He stayed there for 32 days while his counselor arranged for free care at a local rehabilitation facility. While at Keystone Hall he received daily counseling, a thorough health exam and much-needed dental work. He came to Keystone in deep despair, and left with renewed hope for his future. When he completes his rehabilitation stay, he will be eligible to return to Keystone Hall's Transitional Living program where he will learn new life and occupational skills, obtain a job and return to our community as a productive person.

Here's a letter from Jim.

Dear Staff and Clients

I did not get a chance to say thank you to all of you before I left last Thursday. So, I figured I would send you a little note to express to all of you how much you came to mean to me.

Allowing me to stay at Keystone Hall for 32 days and offering me all the support, which I did not believe that I deserved, was more than I could ever have imagined. I now believe that I deserve to live a good life, and be a power of example to other sick and suffering alcoholics, one day at a time. The key for me is acceptance. I owe a great deal of my hope and gratitude to everyone who was a part of Keystone during my stay there.

My deepest thanks to the whole staff for letting me lean on you, and for the wisdom you offered me. Also, to my peers for talking and guiding me through my woes on a daily basis. I needed each and every one of you. I look forward to seeing you again soon

Sincerely,

JIM

P.S. The rehab center is a great place for people like us. Don't be afraid.