“I got my daughter, Alexi Atkins, involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters
program over 5 years ago,” said Debbie Armstrong of Naples.  “My original
reason for this was to give her another adult’s view on life and another
adult to talk to - her father had just left town.  She was always a very
bright and well adjusted child, but I knew that she needed to have another
outlet in order to grow.  Now that she is a teenager, I can see the benefits
by watching how independent she is becoming and seeing her experiencing new
things and meeting new people.  I also see how eager Alexi is to serve the
community and I believe that is a direct result of having a mentor.  This
program is one of the few things in life that has exceeded my expectations.”



“Karen Van Arsdale is Alexi's Big Sister,” said Debbie Armstrong.  “Karen is
a WONDERFUL person and has made a huge impact on our lives.  She gives Alexi
another perspective on life, which I value because Karen is a very kind,
honest and giving person. She has taught Alexi that giving back to make
someone else's life better is just as important as reaching your own goals.
Karen listens to Alexi and does not judge her.   Not only has Karen changed
Alexi's life, but she has become someone I trust completely.  God truly
blessed me and my daughter the day that Karen became Alexi's Big Sister.”



Alexi, 15, is a student at The Community School of Naples.  “I figured it
would be cool to have a ‘big sister’ to hang out with since I was an only
child of a single parent, but it has meant a lot more than that,” she said.
“Karen has given me great opportunities to do things and meet people that I
never would have been able to without her. Having her as a mentor has meant
that I have someone that I can talk to and that I can hang out with.  One of
Karen's great qualities is that she's a good listener.  I know that I could
come to her with anything and she would listen to me and offer advice.  But
Karen is also really cool because, when I talk to her, I feel like I'm
talking to someone my age, someone that I can relate to, but also someone
that I can trust. She lets me talk about teenage nonsense, but I can also
talk to her about serious stuff, like college and family.  I definitely
consider her one of my best friends and she is one of the most important
people in my life because of everything that she has given me.”