She’s the ‘Big Sister’ of 2016: Essex, Hudson and Union

She’s a model “big sister.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties recently named Amanda Ballate as the recipient of the New Jersey Big Sister of the Year Award.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Year Awards is a national competition which recognizes outstanding volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the BBBS organization and mission, according to a news release.

Each year at the national level, BBBS honors two volunteers: a National Big Brother of the Year and a National Big Sister of the Year. These mentors are nominated by their local agencies for their “dedicated commitment to changing the lives of children facing adversity.”

For 2016, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties nominated 13 volunteers, of which Big Brother Ian Plotkin and Big Sister Amanda Ballate, were selected to advance to the state competition.

As a state winner, Amanda Ballate will now advance to the national competition, a release stated.

The following statement comes courtesy of BBBS:

“Amanda has been a constant presence in her little sister Nia's life for the past 5 years. She has been with her every step of the way from foster home to foster home, providing stable support. Amanda sums up her recognition as ‘wow, I am so honored, I have to go tell my Little Nia.’ According to Amanda's Mentor Manager, ‘She has been an anchor in the unsettled life of one child, a constant, positive presence and I'm delighted to share this inspiring story as I truly believe she is a prime example of an incredible Big Sister.’”

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Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties