The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

White Salmon girl's "Big" honored

At mentor breakfast

January 29, 2013

Karen Ostrye, an attorney in Hood River and "Big Sister" to a 12-year-old White Salmon girl was named "Big of the Year" at a mentor appreciation breakfast on Jan. 26.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge (BBBS) hosted the breakfast to recognize the contributions its volunteers make to improve the lives of children in the Gorge.

Ostrye and her "Little Sister" Leti usually spend a few hours together every week. One of their favorite activities is geocaching, an outdoor treasure-hunting game using GPS devices to find containers hidden by other players. Karen introduced Leti to the game, and Leti "lights up" when telling family members about their adventures, according to Justine Ziegler, BBBS match coordinator for Klickitat County.

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the difference that an adult can make in the life of a child facing adversity. Celeste Janssen, executive director of Oregon Mentors and a guest speaker at the BBBS breakfast, described how good mentors can give children the tools they need to manage difficulties and avoid risks such as substance abuse and teenage pregnancy. Studies show that kids in BBBS programs perform better in school, have healthier relationships, and are better able to cope with emotional and self-esteem issues.

BBBS currently serves 72 matches in the region including western Klickitat County in Washington, and Wasco and Hood River counties in Oregon. The program is seeking funds to expand its work in Klickitat County. The group's biggest fundraising event of the year, Bowl for Kids' Sake, is coming up on March 9. For more information about donating or getting involved, contact Kristin Reese at 541-436-0305 or bbbs@nextdoorinc.org or visit www.nextdoorinc.org.