ST. GEORGE – Each year, child mentoring organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah selects a statewide “Big Brother of the Year” and “Big Sister of the Year,” choosing one man and one woman as outstanding volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters throughout Utah. These chosen volunteer mentors then represent Utah at the national “Big of the Year” competition. This year, a St. George woman has been chosen as Utah’s Big Sister of the Year.
Two-and-a-half years ago, Mylinda Barrick was matched with her “Little Sister,” Kaylene, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah-Southern Utah office in St. George. The youngest child in her family, Barrick had always wanted a younger sister. When she joined Big Brothers Big Sisters, she got her wish when she was introduced to Kaylene, a local child in need of a positive adult mentor.
Barrick has diligently devoted her time to guiding Kaylene’s development since their first day as “sisters,” according to a press release from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah. The two share a mutual love of arts and crafts, and Barrick has introduced her Little Sister to charitable service. The two have volunteered together at various charity organizations, and Kaylene recently told Barrick that she wants to be a social worker, just like her Big Sister.
“As a mentor, I learn from her humanity and nurture her beautiful outlook on life by validating and acknowledging all she brings to her relationships,” Barrick said.
In addition to serving as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, Barrick has participated in the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser Bowl for Kids’ Sake for several years and has served on the Bowl for Kids’ Sake committee. She has additionally worked as a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah-Southern Utah board.
Barrick and Big Brother of the Year Mark Ferne, of Salt Lake City, were honored Wednesday night at a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah graduation event at Westminster College in Salt Lake City.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network in the United States. The organization matches adult volunteers with children in need, and together these “Bigs” and “Littles” spend one-on-one time together doing positive activities and working toward outcomes-based goals.
Resources
- For information about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, contact the Southern Utah office at 435-986-9776 or visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah website.
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What an inspiring young women. Thank you for making a difference in our community and being a wonderful example to all.