When she was 6, Macy Williams was introduced to Mindy Douglas for the first time.

“She was a shy, quiet girl when I met her,” Douglas said of Macy.

That first meeting took place Aug. 15, 2007. This year, Macy and Douglas are celebrating 10 years together as a match through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana program.

The organization works to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships with an adult mentor to change their lives for the better.

Such relationships can have a lifelong impact, and that is particularly true the longer the match lasts, said Kate Eder, the organization’s executive director.

Williams and Douglas were matched through the organization’s community-based mentoring program. There also are opportunities for adults to have lunch with a child through the Lunch Buddies program and for high school students to serve as mentors through the school-based program.

It was awkward at first for Douglas and Macy to get to know one another and find things to talk about and do together. But it wasn’t long before the pair became friends and Macy began relying on Douglas for advice and encouragement.

The pair have spent many hours together in the past decade, including regular outings to get ice cream and go to the movies.

They’ve also been to the zoo, concerts and dinner theater shows together, and Douglas said she enjoys watching Macy participate in school activities, including swimming and band.

Douglas first became a volunteer Big Sister while in college at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. After moving to Seymour, she made the decision to get involved with the program again.

“It has been a true blessing,” Douglas said. “Being a mentor is a humbling and rewarding experience. Just knowing that I’ve been there to encourage her, guide her and help her, it brings me a lot of joy.”

For Macy, having Douglas in her life has added a sense of stability and hope for her future.

“Mindy has provided me with a good model and path to follow,” Macy said. “She has helped me grow as an individual and has been a great example of what kind of person I should strive to be.”

It’s also good to have someone around who believes in and supports her, Macy added.

“She is always there for me and pushes me to reach my full potential,” Macy said of Douglas.

The relationship also has been beneficial to Douglas.

“I think it has helped me be more focused on others instead of my own problems,” she said.

Being matched for so long, Douglas said she is proud to see the young woman Macy is growing and developing into. That includes her plans to graduate from high school, go to college and work in the medical field.

“At times, when I’m talking to her, it takes me back 20 years ago,” Douglas said. “I remember being where she is right now, and I’m very proud of her for all that she has accomplished. She is more determined and focused than she has ever been.”

Much of that is due to having a Big Sister like Douglas.

“Bigs will always want the best for you,” Macy said.

Through their friendship, Douglas said she has witnessed Macy gain confidence and self-esteem, do better in school and make wise choices.

“In a day and age where there are so many social pressures for teenage girls especially, I believe it is so important for young ladies to see the beauty within themselves,” she said.

Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor doesn’t have to require a lot of time, but the return is immeasurable, Douglas said.

“There are a lot of kids on the waiting list that need a Big Brother or Big Sister, and just a little bit of time and effort can make a huge impact,” she said.

Douglas plans on staying connected with Macy even after she graduates from high school in a couple of years.

They both agree that when they were matched 10 years ago, they gained more than just a friend.

“She is family to me, and I think she always will be,” Douglas said.

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If you know of a child age 6 to 13 who could benefit from a mentor, an adult who would be interested in volunteering or would just like more information about how to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana, call 812-522-9699, email [email protected] or visit bbbssi.org.

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