Meet Loretta and Megan

Loretta Rotondo became involved with school-based mentoring through Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership; she enjoyed the time so much with Megan her mentee and wanted to spend more time with her so she contacted Big Sisters of Rhode Island.

“It was more fun and rewarding when we joined Big Sisters community-based program because we got to spend more time together,” Rotondo said.

Loretta and Megan get together a couple of times a month and they like to participate in different things that Megan doesn’t do through school or at home. Loretta who resides in Foster took Megan on one of her first and different excursions—a trip to the agricultural fair in Foster.
“It was a different and exciting experience because it was all animals; it’s not just about rides and games and it was a new setting—very different for Megan who lives in the city.”

When they went out to eat, Loretta said that Megan was very shy at first and she didn’t like to talk to the waiters and place her order. “But allowing her to see the ‘real world,’ she’s starting to come out of her shyness.” Besides eating out, we love to cook together, read and visit the library, create different crafts and artwork and attend plays.

“I have an excellent relationship with Megan’s mother and I talk with her on a regular basis, but it is important for a child to recognize that there’s interest in them from an adult that’s not in their family.”

Both Megan’s mom and her teachers have told Loretta that she’s had an impact on Megan. “That’s given me validation. I get such satisfaction from knowing that I have to give up so little to have such a large impact on her.”