Amanda knows what far-reaching influence the efforts of a single volunteer can have on a life.

Today, Amanda is a successful nurse working in a pediatric clinic. But 12 years ago, she was a teenager in crisis.

At age 14, Amanda had a son, a special needs child. She became angry and rebellious. Her mother, unable to communicate with Amanda, found a mother mentor for her through Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

"I still feel like my mother mentor was a guardian angel," Amanda says. "If it wasn't for her, I think I would have dropped out of high school like I wanted to. I don't think I would have pursued any further education. I don't think I would have a relationship with my mom or my family."

Eventually, Amanda felt her son, Keelan, needed the friendship and influence of a male role model. Through the Big Brother program, she found Kevin. Since then, Kevin and Keelan have developed a special friendship that has enriched all their lives. "I think Kevin and Keelan were meant to be together," Amanda says. "They're best buddies."

"The mother mentor program did so much for me; the Big Brother program is doing so much for my son. I really hope these programs continue and continue helping other people the way they've changed me and my son's lives."

How to help

The United Way's Living United campaign is raising funds for nonprofit community outreach programs like Big Brothers/Big Sisters. To contribute or for information, call 343-5872.

Fundraising goals

- Total goal: $2,100,000

- Total collected: $766,519

37 percent of goal

Rapid City

- Goal: $1,820,000

- Collected: $733,337

40 percent of goal

Sturgis

- Goal: $95,000

- Collected: $23,790

25 percent of goal

Northern Hills

- Goal: $185,000

- Collected: $9,392

5 percent of goal