Love, hard work and support creates a brighter future and a lasting friendship for Julie Mullenbach and Kayanna Jones. The pair met in 2009 when they were matched as Big Sisters/Little Sisters through bbbsamerica. "The first couple years were mostly about building a relationship. I wanted her to know that she could always count on me, that I’d be there when I said I’d be there and that she could trust me," Julie said. Julie encouraged Kayanna to shoot for the stars when it came to her career, and she would help her achieve it. Kayanna was a great student, so grades were never a concern. She excelled at volleyball and Julie helped Kayanna raise enough money to attend a prestigious volleyball club. It paid off – Kayanna was recruited by the University of Illinois-Chicago on a full scholarship. “Kayanna and Julie’s story is really remarkable and inspiring,” said Corey Burrows, Chief Operating Officer of the Central Illinois chapter of BBBS. “Their relationship really personifies wha...