In a song by Tracy Chapman she sings, “I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives.” Being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Park County (BBBS) gives one the opportunity to meet people about which this statement is true. The mentors and volunteers that give of themselves without any thought of recognition or reward are abundant in this community.
There are countless examples of such individuals, but the story of one volunteer in particular stands out. Last month BBBS agencies across the nation were asked to nominate a Big Brother and Big Sister of the year. They were asked to choose someone who exemplifies what it means to be a mentor and who demonstrates the profound impact one person can make in a child’s life. Stella Halasa, of Livingston, was chosen as the “Big Sister of the Year” from Montana. As Charney Gonnerman, Executive Director of BBBS said, “Stella represents the character and competence that we see displayed by all of our mentors as they empower children to reach their highest potential.”
After moving to Livingston three years ago, Stella Halasa came to the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency to meet new people and get involved in the community. She was told about a 12-year-old boy named Galen with Down Syndrome who really needed a Big. All Stella heard was “someone needed a friend.” Stella and Galen became matched and a beautiful friendship developed between two strangers. They spend their time together walking along the river, making dinners, bowling, and playing games.
Over the past two years Galen has gained many valuable skills and self confidence from his friendship with Stella. As his mother shared, “Stella’s continuing enjoyment of Galen as just a kid has been a wonderful Godsend to his life and mine.” In Stella’s eyes, she has gained equally as much as her Little has from their friendship. “BBBS has given me a license to be young and an opportunity to spend time with a very special young man who will someday provide society with a most valuable and humanizing influence.” She goes on, “I am very grateful to the wonderful staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Park County because they sprinkle stardust on the children of Livingston everyday and for a few hours a week, I get to feel like a million dollars.” The staff at BBBS is equally grateful for all that Stella has done in Galen’s life as well as the greater community. As staff member Nancy McIlhattan said of Stella, “She is a role model of what is possible through positive interactions with a child. Stella knows how to give back to her community by going above and beyond what is asked of her no matter what the personal cost.”
In the spirit of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Park County would like to thank all of our volunteers for the incredible ways they give back to this community. They are an inspiration to us all. If you would like to get involved please call 222-1930 or stop by our office at 120 E. Park St. There are many ways to give back to our community. In the word’s of our “Big Sister of the Year” Stella Halasa, volunteering “is all about having fun, sharing some of your time, and getting a whole lot more in return.”
—Lauren Dalzell
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