"I've always wanted a little sister... and now I have one," said Emily Marshall, of Big Brothers Big Sisters of south central Kentucky.

"The reason we met was because my dad was in Iraq and my mom and mama had to work until 5:30 at night, so my sisters and I didn't have anyone to hangout with so we got big sisters," said Emily's little sister Lacey Young.

"People have actually asked if Lacey and I are actually sisters," added Emily.

They're not actually sisters, but for at least once a week for the past two years, Emily Marshall and 10-year-old Lacey Young have become BFF's thanks to the BBBS.

"We've went ice skating, we've went bowling and we've went to the mall and hung out," said Lacey.

And just recently they took a trip to Tennessee.

"We just took a trip to Nashville to go to Opry Mills and we took a boat tour inside," said Emily.

But the mentoring program is about more than just hanging out-- It's about making positive changes for a child.

"I've seen her have a lot more friends, she wants
to do her homework now and she's very generous," said Emily.

Lacey's felt the change to.

"She's actually helped keep my grades up, she's helped me with my homework and stuff like that," added Lacey.

Stuff that Emily hopes Lacey will continue to do after the program.

"I just hope the best for her, that she goes to college, spends time with her family and makes great relationships for the rest of her life," stated Emily.

Whether it's playing a board game or watching their favorite TV show Jon &Kate Plus Eight, these two have a bond no one can break.

"I trust her just like I trust all of my best friends," said Lacey.

To observe Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating all who contribute to our movement to help our children grow up in America.

They are asking Americans to take time this month to recognize individuals who are doing their part to change how our children grow up in America.

If you know anyone who is helping children break negative cycles, please tell them why they should be America’s Big Citizen of the Year 2009.

Click here for more information on how to nominate a special someone.