Date:

Friday, January 27, 2017

They're not related by blood, but 2 Staten Islanders are being honored for their "sisterly bond."  

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City honored volunteer Rose Govens and client Juliana as its "Staten Island Match of the Year." 

Officials with the youth mentoring organization celebrated the occasion Tuesday at the Staten Island Zoo. 

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The group pairs role models like Govens with at-risk youth across the city.  

Govens has been mentoring Juliana for about a year now. 

She says she's committed to helping her "little sister" reach her full potential.  

"She wants to be a marine biologist when she gets older so we're reading books on coral reefs and underwater sea life, things like that. Whatever she needs - that's my purpose," said Govens. 

The organization is looking for more volunteers like Govens. 

To learn how you can help, go to BigsNYC.org