MANCHESTER, NH (Aug. 25) –– A local woman today received the national "Heroes In Our Midst" award for her lifelong efforts in reaching out to young people and helping them reach their full potential.
Heidi Blais, a retired special education teacher, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion during an on-field pre-game presentation at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game. Blais began her "second career" as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the New Hampshire Partners in Education, Junior Achievement, and others after sending her own children off to college.
Heroes In Our Midst honors everyday heroes who give of themselves to connect with others to show they care and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
Joining Blais at today's ceremony was another "Heidi," the 14-year-old Little Sister that Blais has been mentoring for the past eight years through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. To commemorate their time together, Blais and her Little compiled a scrapbook, which they presented to the Manchester mayor. "I never realized my Little would have such an impact on my life," said Blais.
While on the field, Blais received several greeting cards from well-wishers expressing gratitude for her longstanding commitment to connecting with young people in the community. Blais was touched by the gesture. "I like giving cards myself because it's a good way to show someone you're thinking of them," said Blais. "I guess this means I'm doing a good job."
The two Heidis have been "adventuring" since little Heidi was six years old. Together, they explore museums, sail, and volunteer. "She even took me skateboarding once," recalled Blais. "Big Heidi has taken Little Heidi to do things that she might never have gotten to do or see," said the teen's mother. "They're like two peas in a pod. I know that even when Heidi reaches 18, these two will still be in touch with each other."
In addition to introducing little Heidi to new experiences, Blais's presence has also been a stabilizing force for the teen. "When life became hectic and at times unpredictable, Heidi was someone little Heidi could trust and count on," noted Erin Laviolette, program manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester.
Laviotte, little Heidi, and Heroes In Our Midst officials are asking members of the Manchester community to send cards or notes expressing their thanks to Blais, as well as cards to the heroes in their own lives. Cards for Blais should be addressed to:
Heidi Blais
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester
25 Lowell Street, Suite 201
Manchester, NH 03101
The Heroes In Our Midst program said a $1,000 check would be donated in Blais' name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester to support similar mentoring matches in the community.
"Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties," said Chris Bouchard, national spokesman for the program "Greeting cards are a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card."
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
