PORT TOWNSEND — The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is growing, branching out from Jefferson County to Clallam County, and members want to tell more about it.
The program, which has paired about 200 adult mentors and children, will host a special showing of “Akeelah and the Bee” at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Rose Theatre in downtown Port Townsend to raise money for expansion.
The Jefferson County office — which started with just three matches between adults and children inherited from the Island County program in 2004 — wants everyone to know it is offering services in Clallam County.
“We have one match made already,” said Liesl Slabaugh, branch manager for the program.
“In the next few weeks, we expect to make at least five more.”
Volunteers are needed for the Clallam County operation, which is being run out of the Jefferson County office, Slabaugh said.
“They can call us, and we will set it up,” she said.
“Right now, we are operating out of two elementary schools in Port Angeles: Roosevelt and Dry Creek.”
The movie this weekend is both a fundraiser and a chance for participants to learn how the program has blossomed in Jefferson County over the past five years.
“The idea is to get the understanding of how being involved with someone makes dreams come true,” Slabaugh said.
‘Great stories’
“They get to watch a movie about a great story, but also listen to some great stories.”
Pairings of “bigs” and “littles” will share stories about their time together before the movie begins so that people interested in the program can learn more about how it affects the lives of those involved.
Two people who believe the program is working are Selden McKee, 64, and her “little sister” Ashley, 7.
The program is withholding Ashley’s last name for confidentiality purposes.
The two participants have been paired as a “big” and “little” since last August.
“I have to tell three things about Selden,” Ashley said as she jumped around Chetzemoka Park’s playground equipment. “She’s active, artsy and fun.
“Before I met Seldon, I barely had anything to do but play with my dog, Ruthie.”
New friend
After Ashley moved to Port Townsend from California last June, she didn’t have any friends, so she joined the program after she and her mother saw a booth at the county fair.
Now Ashley and McKee spend as much time as they can outdoors.
“I like the bike rides,” Ashley said. “And spending time at the park.”
McKee said the match was perfect.
“I’m surprised at how good of a job they did with matching us up,” she said.
“We both like to do outdoors activities, so it works really well.”
Ashley made a point to remind McKee of her promise this summer.
“Kayaking,” she yelled.
McKee laughed.
“That’s right,” she said, “I promised kayaking.”
McKee said she joined the program to stay connected with the youth in her community. She moved to Port Townsend eight years ago after retiring from her job as a certified public accountant in Reno, Nev.
“There are so many problems in the world, but this is something that feels doable for me,” she said. “Plus it allows the different generations to connect.
“When your kids grow up, you don’t have that connection in the community anymore.”
McKee also donates her time at Grant Street Elementary School, but she said the one-on-one activities with Ashley are the most fulfilling.
“It’s really nice to have a relationship that is just fun,” she said. “With family and older friends, you have buttons that can be pushed.
“This is just us being friends.”
For more information, contact Jefferson & Clallam Counties Big Brothers Big Sisters at 360-379-4984 or at 2021 E. Sims Way, Port Townsend.
Tickets for the movie are available for a $10 donation and will directly benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Tickets can be purchased at the Port Townsend office or online at www.bbbsps.org/netcommunity/rosetheatre2009.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
