From the Volunteers:
"I loved seeing my buddys' excitement when we would try something new or go to a Rec Event.
All my buddies have made me feel wanted and needed and it's great to know that someone looks forward to seeing you every
week. The YAY staff are great too! I've always felt as though I had someone to turn to if there was ever a problem."
"I most enjoy the conversations we had. After a couple of months
Emily began opening up to me and speaking about school and things that were bugging her."
"The thing that I love most about being a buddy is the connection that her and I have. I'm always
there when she needs a friend and she is there whenever I need one as well. It took awhile for us to get to this state, but
now that we are here it's awesome. I love when you can truly see that you have made a difference, even if it is the small
amount, it is still rewarding. One of the most rewarding things that has happened... when I met my buddy, she was not that
into people. Now that I have been with her for over a year now, she herself volunteers at an old age home and helps take care
of the residents there. I am so proud of her!"
"I joined
the program because I thought it would be beneficial for both my buddy and myself. For her, it was about having a buddy she
could count on and have fun with. For me, it was about gaining responsibility and having a good time."
"My buddy and I are huge goofs, so we always do funny things. We play tricks on Mom and do all that
stilly stuff. There are just too many stories to tell."
From
the Parents:
"Jenna's social skills have imrpoved
tremendously over the past 2 years (the normal period in YAY was extended) thanks to the positive relationship established
between her and her volunteer. As a result, Jenna now has generally positive relationships with her school mates and others
she has made friends with outside the school context."
"The volunteer was extremely responsible and very involved in our child’s life. Our
child learned to converse better over the phone since meeting her buddy. The volunteer was very committed
and became a good friend. We believe that this is an excellent program and we wish you continued success
in this endeavor."
"The volunteer really understood what our son was going through.
We wish to stay connected with our volunteer. This is a great program!"
From
the Kids:
"I love visiting Canada's Wonderland,
go-karting, and spending time at my buddy's home with her family."
"It
felt like having a great friend to hang out with and kid around with."
"I
feel happy and good when I am with my buddy because I talk to her."
"It
made me feel good because it made me more confident."
"I
felt happy because we had fun together and she made me laugh."
