It was the duck act that made Lacy laugh the most.
Renee waddled, she quacked, she waddled again. Lacy’s infectious giggles told her what she already knew, and it wasn’t that the sixth grader had finally guessed her charade. Renee decided right there she’d keep her day job at TOC Management Services and burst out in a chuckle herself.
Laughter is common between 12-year-old Lacy Rule and TOC Management Services manager Renee Huseby, a lyrical testament to their growing friendship forged through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program of the YMCA of Snohomish County. Renee volunteered two years ago and is thrilled the United Way-supported program connected her with Lacy.
“I was nervous coming to our first visit and wasn’t sure to expect,” Renee said, “but when Lacy came in, so talkative and friendly, I was impressed and knew the match was right.”
It’s a match that allows Lacy opportunities and relationships she may not have fostered otherwise—the building blocks for a better life.
“Renee is remarkable, and so committed to Lacy,” said Pam Lavergne, the school-based mentoring coordinator for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. “Lacy was falling through the cracks – having trouble with friends, bullying and focusing at school. Having Renee there for her, someone consistently offering time and positive attention, relieves her stress and strengthens her esteem and focus.”
Renee is firm with Lacy and helps her think about how her actions affect her life. She helps Lacy learn to solve her own problems and see how choices she makes now may impact her future.
Whatever the future holds, both Renee and Lacy talk about their friendship as long-term, through high school and perhaps even into college.
“No offense though Renee,” Lacy said seriously, “I’m going to draw the line at taking you to the prom.”