Kathy Carroll,

BBBS founder and Big Sister now 20 years

I was appointed by Everett Mayor Bill Moore to a committee called "Everett Community Development Block Grant" (1987 perhaps?). This was a committee that made the decisions about who was to receive federal, state and local moneys for local organizations. I was the only woman on the committee, with five other men. (I don't remember the name of the lady who came and made the presentation for BBBS, but I was very impressed with her as well as her presentation.) The men did not see the value of this program, and wanted to give it to some boys clubs and football fields. I used every persuasive power I had to get this grant to BBBS, and finally they relented.

When the grant was given I went within a day or two and applied to be a "Big Sister". My interview and investigation was much simpler than it is today, I'm sure.

I went on to be matched with three different Little Sisters over a period of 17 years. I learned about the challenges and difficulties these kids faced every day. I had wonderful times together with each of those Littles. I am currently matched in teh School Based Program but am in the process of transferring to Communinty Based.

Kathy Carroll