Julie Edson

I am a Big Sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and have been for 33 years. I am on my third sister, and stay with them for life.

I originally became a Big Sister in my mid-twenties because I had overcome a difficult childhood and wanted to be there for someone, as I had wanted/needed and didn’t have. I think it was a way to not only give back, but to also help me heal by giving a child something I had craved.

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95% of youth in Big Brother Big Sister programs report improvement in school.

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My first little sister was 14 when we met, and is now in her mid-40’s. She will be the first to tell you of the positive influence I had (and continue to have) in her life. It took us a long time to develop a rapport because we were both so shy when we were first matched. When she told me I was her third Big Sister, I knew I would never leave her (like the previous two had.)

Since then, I have learned to be assertive and have taught her the same. I continue to strive to be a positive role model for her, and I think she will tell you I’ve succeeded.

In addition, I became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in Sonoma County, California because I used to work as a juvenile probation officer and saw the need. I tutor with Schools of Hope because I love children, helping struggling first graders to read. I have been a hospice volunteer for about 9 years after watching them do a bang-up job with my father as he was dying. I became a Senior Peer Support at the Council on Aging because I will be elderly soon, and wanted to get to know that population better.

I was fortunate enough to retire at an early age (in my 50’s), so I have the energy to do these things.

For all I do for others, I get back ten-fold.