AUBURN – The Child Health Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program has recognized Nicole LaBonte, who been a Big Sister in the Community-based Big Brother Big Sisters Program for more than four years.

LaBonte, a resident of Auburn, has been matched with her new Little Sister, Crystal Delisle, for four months in the Child Health Center’s community-based mentoring program. She volunteered because she hoped to make a difference in a young girl’s life and has found it to be a lot of fun and rewarding.

Besides attending Big Brother Big Sister events, they do craft projects, go out to eat, spend time at the park or go for a car ride to do errands.

Delisle stated, “I feel a lot happier now that I have some one-on-one time with a positive role model like Nicole.”

The community program matches adult mentors with youth. The relationship helps build a friendship that can positively influence self-esteem and academic performance.

There is a waiting list of youth in need of a Big Sister or Brother in Oxford and Androscoggin counties. There are new programs in Poland and Auburn middle schools and the center is looking for 20 Big Sisters.

In the community-based program, mentors are asked to commit six hours a month. In the site-based program, Bigs meet with their Little Brother or Sister for an hour a week during the school year at the Little’s school.

Those interested in becoming a mentor or for more information, call the center at 782-5437, ext. 79, and ask for Big Brothers Big Sisters or send an e-mail to [email protected].