Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Greater Cincinnati Announces Big Sister Of The Year

Press release by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati Kristi Eberhart (left) with her Little Sister of nine years, Hope. Photo provided. (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - When Kristi Eberhart was matched with her Little Sister Hope nearly nine years ago, Hope was shy and quiet and not at all sure about whether to trust this “Big Sister,” this mentor, who wanted to be her friend. Kristi, however, comes complete with an enthusiasm for life and a big, friendly, infectious personality that slowly won over Hope, who gradually began to open up. Still, Kristi says it took a long time for Hope to fully trust her, and knew consistency was one of the keys to making their friendship work. Hope’s life at home could be unstable and dysfunctional, but Kristi did all she could to see Hope regularly and encourage her to work hard in school and get involved in extra-curricular activities. Kristi says, “No matter what was going on in her life, Hope always did her best in school, volunteered at the food pantry in Bright, Indiana, and participated in sports. “ After early academic struggles, Hope began to re-focus on her grades with help and encouragement from her Big Sister. The result, says Kristi: better grades, more friends, increased self-confidence, a member of the high school swim and track teams, the desire to pursue a college education. Little Sister Hope just graduated from Indiana's East Central High School and is going to purse an Art Degree at Vincennes University. Kristi’s understanding of the importance and impact of mentoring goes beyond her role as Hope’s Big Sister. Kristi is a program coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati and works with other Bigs and Littles every day. She credits her own Match Support Specialist with helping her navigate challenges she and Hope ran into through the years. Now, nearly nine years into her match with Hope, Kristi says, “That shy and introverted girl now talks with me from the minute I pick her up until I drop her off. She’s a successful, caring, amazing young adult. It is an amazing opportunity to support another person on their life journey and I will be Hope’s cheerleader for the rest of our lives!” Congratulations to Kristi Eberhart of Lawrenceburg on being named Big Sister Of The Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati serves children in 11 counties in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. 400 children are on the waiting list, with parents and guardians calling the agency every day hoping to have their child paired with a mentor. 99% of the children served are in school and are not involved with the juvenile justice system. You can help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati create more life-changing friendships. For more information about getting involved, go to www.bigsforkids.org or call (513) 421-4120.