Congratulations to Virginia Big Sister of the Year, our very own Erin Overstreet!
Erin was matched with her Little Sister Grace in July 2008. Over the past eight years, Erin has served as a dedicated mentor to Grace and a tremendous advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County.
“Erin has been and continues to be a wonderful friend, mentor, and role model for our daughter Grace,” explains Grace’s mother Jane. “Grace has had an incredible friend in Erin who calls forth her gifts and supports her in all she does.”
In elementary school, Grace struggled to catch up to grade-level reading. Erin was there to provide academic support to Grace in a way that only a Big Sister could. Erin’s help and positive reinforcement motivated Grace as she worked through middle school and into high school.
“We have seen Grace bloom,” says Jane. “She has grown from a struggling, below average student, to making the A/B honor roll.”
Beyond academics, there isn’t an area of Grace’s life that Erin hasn’t helped shape. Erin encourages a healthy self-image and lifestyle, introducing Grace to activities like yoga, Pilates, and Barre. In the past year, Erin has helped Grace study for her driver’s exam, learn to drive, and shop for prom dresses. She has recently begun helping Grace look at college applications and scholarships.
Erin encourages Grace to give back to her community. Together, they have supported local causes such as Toy Convoy, Stuff the Bus, Day of Caring, Meals on Wheels, Adopt-A-Senior, Harrisonburg High School’s 4T program, and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser.
“My sister Erin has been an amazing supporter, friend, mentor and role model to me,” says Grace. “I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for me throughout the years.”
In addition to being an amazing Big Sister, Erin has served as a strong advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County. She has been a long-time participant in our annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser and has attended our annual fundraising breakfast. For the past several years, Erin has led our partnership with her employer, WHSV – TV3. She has offered her time and expertise to our marketing efforts. Erin also joined our board of directors in June 2016.
Erin is a wonderful example of our mission to change young lives for the better, forever. Through her dedication, Erin has made an incredible impact, not only for Grace, but for many children in our community.
As our state winner, Erin is in the running for National Big Sister of the Year, to be named at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Conference in June.
Erin, we thank you and congratulate you on this incredible achievement!