Big Brothers Big Sisters duo celebrates 12 years of friendship

Judy Jensen and Anna Romine have maintained a close bond through the youth mentoring program.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Judy Jensen and Anna Romine, a pair matched through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, are celebrating 12 years of friendship. The two have developed a close bond, with Jensen becoming a permanent fixture in Romine's life and Romine referring to her as "Grandma Judy." Over the years, they have maintained a tradition of sharing McDonald's strawberry milkshakes during their outings.

Why it matters

The long-term dedication shown by both Jensen and Romine highlights the importance of mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, which provide crucial support and guidance to children and young adults. Their story demonstrates the lasting impact such relationships can have.

The details

Jensen and Romine were initially matched through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program 12 years ago. Since then, they have established a consistent tradition of sharing McDonald's strawberry milkshakes during their outings, even if they eat elsewhere first. Romine, who describes herself as an introverted person, has gradually learned to step outside of her comfort zone thanks to Jensen's encouragement.

  • Judy Jensen and Anna Romine were matched through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program 12 years ago.

The players

Judy Jensen

Judy Jensen has become a permanent fixture in Anna Romine's life and is referred to as "Grandma Judy" by Romine.

Anna Romine

Anna Romine is an introverted person who has learned to step outside of her comfort zone thanks to her friendship with Judy Jensen.

Heather Heard

Heather Heard is a program generalist for Big Brothers Big Sisters who has observed the relationship between Judy Jensen and Anna Romine develop for more than a decade.

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What they’re saying

“She's part of our family. Everybody in the family knows she is one of our grandchildren.”

— Judy Jensen (texomashomepage.com)

“Even if we eat someplace else, we have to stop and get a strawberry milkshake.”

— Anna Romine (texomashomepage.com)

“It's kind of like how you automatically know you're happy or you're sad. It's just clicked.”

— Anna Romine (texomashomepage.com)

“They choose to be dedicated and committed to one another and I don't I think children need the most support that they can get.”

— Heather Heard, program generalist for Big Brothers Big Sisters (texomashomepage.com)

What’s next

Judy Jensen and Anna Romine plan to maintain their close relationship indefinitely, stating that they "will stay in touch" and that their bond is expected to last a lifetime.

The takeaway

The long-term dedication and close bond between Judy Jensen and Anna Romine demonstrate the lasting impact that mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters can have on the lives of children and young adults. Their story highlights the importance of providing crucial support and guidance to those in need.