Jaszmine and Ms. Delores
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire
South Dakota
Delores and Jaszmine have been matched through the Mentoring Children of Prisoners: Caregiver’s Choice grant since January of 2009. Jaszmine’s history is similar to other children with an incarcerated parent. She lives with her grandmother and three other siblings. Her mother died three years ago, and her father and stepfather have been serving time in a state prison for domestic assault and other crimes. She has little to no contact with her extended family except for her grandmother, an uncle and an aunt. Jaszmine relocated to South Dakota after the incarceration of her stepfather and the death of her mother. Finding a mentor for Jaszmine was crucial. She had many adjustment and abandonment issues. In addition, her grandmother was overwhelmed with taking care of four children.
Through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire, Jaszmine was matched with her Big Sister Delores. Delores has been a great mentor for Jaszmine. She usually plans several outings each month, offering them the opportunity to spend many hours together in their local community. Delores and Jaszmine enjoy laughing, playing and eating together, as well as many other activities. Some of the activities Delores and Jasmine have participated in include: watching the Globetrotters play; making a pillow together at the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Make It, Take It” night; finding eggs at the Easter egg hunt; taking a cooking class; racing go-carts at the local amusement park; and spending hot evenings at Dairy Queen eating ice cream. Delores and Jaszmine would describe themselves as friends. They love spending time together. Jaszmine’s grandmother has commented on how happy and relaxed Jaszmine has become since being matched with Delores.
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