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Amanda Brisson: Executive Director of BBBS
ated from college.” One look around 101, Third Street West reveals that the non-profit organization is well loved by the community. While climb- ing the steep stairs that lead to Brisson’s of- fice, laughter as well as an array of unrec- ognizable voices are heard downstairs. Big brothers, big sisters, as well as Littles meet at any time of day in the welcoming build- ing. “I first started working at Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2006 as a case worker,” explained the well-known Cornwall citizen. “Then I heard there was a spot for an executive di- rector and I thought it could be interesting. So I applied.” Brisson is known throughout the commu-
nity not only because of the constant work she does protecting the welfare of children across the city, but also because she’s a Cornwall girl. “I was born and raised here,” she says with a smile. “I love this place, it’s my home.” Upon completing her studies at the St- Lawrence College in education assistant, the then newgraduate decided to approach BBBS in order to become a case worker. “At first, when I was still a student, I want- ed to work in a school,” she explains. “But after volunteering with all these non-profit organizations, I knew this was where I be-
longed.” The Cornwall native also stresses that al- though she’s graduated from college, she still undergoes several different courses in management. “Everything is always chang- ing,” she expressed. “So I always try to stay on top of things. I never stop.” Although she displays great love towards her choice of employment, Brisson high- lights that working at BBBS isn’t always easy. “Over the years, I’ve developed thick skin to cope with all the hardships we have to face every day,” she explains. “But the newly hired case workers we have are still quite sensitive to some things we see.” As tears start building in her eyes, Brisson explains what really affects her. “I just can’t believe it when kids walk up to me and tell me that their one and only wish is to go to Dairy Queen and then to the movie the- ater,” she says emotionally. “Kids these days should be able to do those kinds of things. It really touches me to see that.” The executive director also claims that some kids who end up utilizing BBBS have sometimes never been in a car. “We’re here to give hope to the children who need us most,”she explains.“We’re there to tell them that going to college or University isn’t nearly as hard as they think.” What the influential woman feels is the most rewarding aspect of her employment is to observe past kids who were mentored by a Big Brother or a Big Sister and who have now become mentors themselves. “I can’t stress enough how I love it,” she says with a smile. “All these kids you saw running in the halls or playing outside with their Bigs in the seventies or eighties are now doing the same with their Littles.” Sitting in Brisson’s office, several different individuals walk in to talk to the important woman. One of them happens to be a Big Brother to two young boys. As he approach- es her, she hands him four tickets for an Ot- tawa Senators game. “These were donated to us,” she explains. “Someone won them and decided that he didn’t want to go, so he donated them to us.” The Big Brother holds them in his hand, knowing full well that with these small piec- es of paper, the dreams of two young boys are about to become a reality. “I’ve brought them to go see some River Kings games,” she expresses. “But they’ve never been to a real NHL matchup. We’ve seen the Canadian Tire Centre before and I’ve told them that I’d bring them there one day.” The executive director then looks up, her face filled with her smile. “So many people ask me if I have kids,” she says, still with a smile. “Surprisingly I don’t have any of my own, but I do have 400 of them here. And that’s truly what they are to me, my kids.”
FRANCIS RACINE inforeflet.news@eap.on.ca
CORNWALL | As the Chinese philosopher Confucius once stated, choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. Amanda Brisson, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, has done just that. Upon entering the colorful building, long ago converted into the BBBS’s headquarters in Cornwall, one can sense a strong feeling of joy and happiness and with good rea- sons. The team employed under Brisson is young, energetic and have Cornwall’s youths at heart. “The girls that work here, both part-time and full-time, love children,” explained Brisson with her trademark heartwarming smile. “My two full-time girls are just start- ing their career. They just recently gradu- communautaire Le lien community link The Singles 55 Starting onThursday, February 6, 2014, the meeting night of the Singles 55 Plus of Cornwall and surrounding area will be the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at The Navy Club, located at 30, Sixth Street East, at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call 613 935-5211 or send an e-mail to singles55plusgroup@ yahoo.ca Mental Health Association The Canadian Mental Health Associa- tion is focusing on fitness. Every Mon- day, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, a club walk is organized followed by a healthy snack. For more information, contact Kristyn at 613 933-5845 ext 238 La Croix-Rouge canadienne Le programme de transportation de la Croix-Rouge est à la recherche de bé- névoles. Pour de plus amples informa- tions, veuillez contacter Sarah Wallace au 613-932-0231 poste 2240 Association The Canadian Mental Health Associa- tion is focusing on fitness. Every Monday from 10:30 am to noon, a bluc walk is organized, followed by a healthy snack. For more information, contact Kristyn at 613 933-5845 extension 238 The Canadian Mental Health
Photo Francis Racine
The Big Brother Big Sister house sits at the corner of 101 Third Street West and dominates the surroundings with its bright and inviting colours. Children from all over Cornwall, SD&G and even sometimes Casselman and Akwesasne are welcomed within its walls.
Submitted picture
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