WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1989, PAGE 17 Big Sisters organization offers several programs By Debbie Luchuk Big Sisters of Newcastle-Osh- awa-Whitby is celebrating its 17th year of encouragement and friendship for area young women. There are 60 "matches" cur- rently between women and girls through the program. "The program is basically for any young girl who needs encouragement and friendship (from a 'big" sister), Beth Lake, a caseworker with the program said. Little sisters range in age from 7 to 18, and are matched with women of compatible interests from many different walks of life, single or married. A big sister must be willing to spend three to four hours a week, for at least a year with her little sister. She must undergo an intensive screening process interviews in the Big Sisters' of'fice and in her own home, police checks, and an orientation in order to set up a lasting match with a little sister. There is also an "unmatched program" for unmatched little sisters. Currently there is a need for 30 big sisters, and more involvement from Whitby. Whitby has only five matches. Another interesting program for area women to become invol- ved with is the "Little Buddy Program." The program is for young boys from 7 to 10 who could benefit from the friendship of a caring female volunteer. "Friends" is another program for older women to befriend young or teen mothers or moth- ers to be who may or may not I 7th year for local organization have other support from parents, friends or a husband. The pro- gram provides emotional sup- port, friendship and a positive role model for the young woman, while being non-judgmental. Through the "Shelters for Youth in Durham Region Com- mittee," Big Sisters offers the students' shared cooperative liv- ing residence in Oshawa. The residence accommodates four Durham Region students who are in receipt of social assis- tance, attending an educational institution on a full-time basis, are 16 to 21 years of age, single and in need of appropriate accommodation. The "Integration Project" matches disabled (physically, emotionally or developmentally) girls with a big sister as well as disabled big sisters with a little sister. The Big Sisters Association first started in Canada, in Toronto in 1914. The Big Sisters Association of Oshawa-Newcastle-Whitby is located at 387 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa. etwcer11-ri >-,às Big Sisters week from New recruiting poster BETH LAKE (left) and Debbie Hemphill, Big Sisters caseworkers, show a new recruiting poster. Anyone wanting to be a big sister can call 436-0951. Free Press photo Feb.13to 19 Big Sisters Week is from Feb. 13 to 19. To generate awareness of the programs the association offers and to generate big and little sisters, as well as volun- teers to help manage the pro- grams, there are several events planned. On Friday, Feb. 18, there will be a flag-raising at Oshawa city hall, and an open house at the Big Sisters'residence. On Sunday, Feb. 19, at "The Club," an Oshawa fitness club on Simcoe St. N., there will be another open house. Displays are out in the Osh- awa Public Library (McLaughlin branch), and new posters for Big Sisters will be seen in prominent public places. For more information or to become a big, little sister or volunteer, caîl Big Sisters at 436-0951. "The matches last and this is no accident." Two of the many matenes tnar have been set. up by the Big Sisters' Association are quite unique. The matches are bet- ween twins from Oshawa and a Whitby and an Oshawa woman. Sabrina and Patricia Demoor of Oshawa are both 9 years old, and in Grade 4. They were mat- ched within two weeks of each other with Diane Van Hoof of Whitby and Margaret Mountain of Oshawa. Diane works at Scarborough Centenary Hospital and Mar- garet work s at General Motors. Van Hoof "just heard about it (the program) and decided to check into-it." Mountain said, "I heard about it for quite a wile, and when it was time for United Way contri- butions, it jogged my memo," and she got involved with t e program. Neither one of the women have children of their own. Mountain and Patricia enjoy exercise classes and movies together. Sabrina and Van Hoof enjoy bike riding and going to movies. Van Hoof and Mountain have nothing but praise for the selec- tion process and programs set up by Big Sisters. ,It's a well run program, the way the activities are set up," Van Hoof said. "The matchinprocess is not at all haphazar Te match-ups last and this is no accident," Mountain said. "All we have to do is phone. I think its great!" Sabrina said, and Patricia said, "It's really, really fun. We can go places, even if mom's not around." Benefîts for the big sisters include a chance to relive their childhood and relax,. to take a break from the adult world. Sabrina and Patricia are but two of the girls who have benefi- ted from.a pairing with women of similar interests and personali- ties. There are 30 more girls waiting for big sisters. For more information on becoming a big sister, call Big Sisters at 436-0951. CALL A PROFESSIONAL RRIF'S -ANNUITIES FOR FREE QUOTATION CALL HERBTRAN 725-6564 t BRIAN DEEGAN DENTURE TH ERAPY CLINIC HARWOOD AVE. S. AJAX, ONTARIO 683-6074 PATRICKS GENERAL SERVICES Reno vations and impro vements from your basement to your roof Outside work always available Phone 430-1422 Sewing Machine Repairs AIll Makes COMPLETE TUNE.UP $34.95 RECONDITIONEDSEwING MACHINES FROM $49.00 571.1385 Top Line Sewing Centre 400 King St. W.. 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