100 Youth Served in 2023

If you’ve ever seen or felt something “Perfect,” it’s probably a rare thing. How many times did our parents or teachers tell us “There’s no such thing as perfect?” In the power of mentorship, I believe that the imperfections of humans make the Perfect Match between a BIG and LITTLE at Big Brothers Big Sisters. As a Big of 7 years, I can confidently say that the times we found differences, frustrations amongst each other and awkwardness are my most valued experiences as a mentor. This is when I really was able to learn from my Little. When the relationships of Matches become more comfortable to have uncomfortable conversations; like being called out by a 9-year-old on a personal weakness I KNOW is true, that’s when it’s entered a stage of trust and authenticity. In this stage, the imperfections of us as humans can set the stage for personal growth- with inevitable ego’s dropped along the way. This is most difficult for us as adults and the first lesson our Littles can teach us. For my Little to say “you work too much” is the same thing my partner, family, professional coaches, friends and even co-workers have told me; but to hear it from my Little had just that much more power behind it. That’s as soon as I got over the processing-stage of “What do they know? They’re just a kid. They have NO idea.” Little did I know, I was signing up to not only mentor, not only serve my community, not only give a youth another resource in their life; but I was signing up to become a better human- to myself, my Little and everyone else in my life. Though I still have a long way to go to become Perfect, I am taking my mid-life on with a new perspective with great thanks to my Little and our friendship. 

If you know of someone that doesn’t think they’d be a Perfect Mentor; let them know that’s EXACTLY what our kids need. We’re always in need of mentors SHOWING UP for our Littles on the waitlist. From 6yr old to teenagers to adults; mentorship is a secret weapon for happiness or success.

Your dollars allow us to look for these secret weapons and recruit the IMPERFECT Big for our Littles. Thank you for investing in our Littles, the Bigs, their Families and the power of mentorship.