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Five and a half years ago, Dakota (Cody) was matched with his Big Brother Greg through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County in Hamilton, Ohio. At the time, Cody was 9 years old. He is now a 15-year-old high school sophomore. Reflecting on their time together, Greg notes that as Cody’s Big Brother, he has enjoyed the opportunity to see how the time he gives really makes a positive difference. For his part, Cody appreciates the chance to build a relationship with a positive role model.

Cody and Greg recently spent some time trying to figure out how to communicate how much Big Brothers Big Sisters has personally meant to each of them, as a way of saying “thanks” to their match sponsor and to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

One of Cody and Greg’s shared interests is a love of sports. As an alumnus of Notre Dame, Greg is a close fan and follower of Notre Dame football. Knowing that Cody had a love of football, Greg recognized this as something the two of them could enjoy together, noting “over the years, I have helped to make Cody a Notre Dame football fan.”

They established a tradition of picking one time each year to go to Notre Dame to see a football game. Earlier this year, they attended Notre Dame versus the University of Michigan – a big rival. After the game, a few hours after Greg dropped Cody off at his home, they had a conversation via text in which Cody elaborated on his appreciation for Greg.

“I always enjoy hanging out with you,” Cody said to Greg. “You’re the best Big Brother anyone could have. And honestly, if it wasn’t for you, I probably wouldn’t be getting good grades and probably wouldn’t even be interested in going to college.”

As Greg explains, Cody is a typical teenager: focused on his image, into sports and music, etc. He views their text exchange as a touching indicator of just how strong and positive their relationship truly is. Children across the United States are waiting for someone like Greg to become a part of their life; to take them to a ballgame or help them with their homework. With your help and support as a donor or volunteer, you can help to end the wait. You can help make sure that all children achieve success in life

In November 2010, Little Brother E’saivon was in elementary school when he met his new Big Brother, Bob, in a school-based match through their local Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Pinellas County, Florida

Early in their match, Bob devoted much of his time to forging a strong friendship with E’saivon. The two would talk, work on homework and play sports outside during Bob’s visits at school.

Following two years in the program, the two decided to transition to the community based program with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The two are still matched today, and can often be found shooting hoops at the YMCA, playing baseball in the park or going to see Tampa Bay Rays games during the MLB season.

E’saivon loves learning new problem solving strategies and enjoys playing board games with his Big Brother. According to Bob, E’saivon is very intelligent, but still struggles with focusing on his school work and planning for the future. Bob has worked with him, encouraging him to finish high school and look toward the opportunities that college can present him.

E’saivon enjoys his time as a high school student. His Big Brother helped him to enroll in his high school’s ROTC program.

“I will get to go on exciting field trips and wear a uniform, and I am learning good work ethics and strong morals,” E’saivon says, regarding his ROTC opportunity.

Over the past four years, Bob has provided E’saivon with much support and encouragement. They have shared many special times together and have made many lasting memories.

Other children like E’saivon continue to wait, sometimes more than a year, for their Big Brother or Big Sister. With your help, we will be able to provide more children with a strong, professionally supported mentoring relationship. Consider how your donation or commitment to volunteer might positively impact the life of a child in your community.

In February 2012, Izabella’s school counselor and her fourth grade teacher referred her to the Lunch Buddy program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana. With a lot of inconsistency in her home-life, Izabella was struggling socially, academically and personally. Her father was in and out of her life, and she lacked a consistent maternal figure at home. Her teacher and counselor knew she needed someone to look up to; someone who could be there for her.

In October 2012, 9-year-old Izabella was matched with her Big Sister Jo. The pair quickly formed a sincere and genuine bond that blossomed into a true friendship. That following year, in August 2013, they opted to transition from the Lunch Buddy program to the Community program, because they wanted to spend more time together. Since then, they have been inseparable!

“I wouldn’t have believed a Lunch Buddy match could have turned into something like this,” Jo stated. “I didn’t think I would be someone’s Big Sister after the Lunch Buddy program. I felt I was too old to be someone’s Big Sister. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The two enjoy spending time together on a weekly basis, participating in a range of activities including going to church together, going to movies, and even going to rock concerts! But sometimes, they simply spend time together by going out to lunch. Izabella is comfortable enough that she confides in Jo, and often expresses how much she loves her Big Sister.

Izabella often talks about the future, setting plans to graduate high school and attend college. Izabella notes, with a smile, “And I know that Ms. Jo will be right there, cheering me on.”

With your help, more children like Izabella can have someone there, like Jo, cheering them on as they head through high school and on to college. Consider how you can help Start Something ™ either by volunteering, or by making a donation. Help us to ensure that all children achieve success in life.

Scotty, a disc jockey at a local radio station in Lehigh Valley, near Allentown, Penn., may not remember what caused him to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley, although he knows that the relationship he established with his Little Brother Armand is one that has been life-changing for both men.

“I don’t know exactly why I got involved [with Big Brothers Big Sisters], but I had a ton of free time, and I wanted to do something productive,” Scotty said. “I ran into a representative from the organization at a live radio broadcast I was hosting, and I thought it seemed right up my alley.” Armand’s father passed away approximately two years before he and Scotty were first matched, so his mother signed him up with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“He was pretty quiet and really nervous when we first met,” Scotty remembers. “His mom explained his situation to me and couldn’t have been more supportive when the match was starting out.” When their match first began, Armand was a relatively reserved 11-year-old boy. Scotty, on the other hand describes himself as a “complete extrovert.” The two, in time, would become the perfect match. Their initial meetings were often spent simply getting to know one another, going out to dinner and having a conversation. Scotty came to realize that Armand really needed a male role model to help guide him through some of the challenges of growing up.

Ensuring that he was a regular presence in Armand’s life, Scotty would often stop by to see Armand on the way home from work.  “We both had somewhat busy schedules, so lots of times we’d just go out, get pizza, play video games or talk about school,” Scotty said. “I wanted to lend a listening ear. We shared a lot of the same interests, we were both really into sports and martial arts, and it just clicked.”

Yet, the longer they were matched, and the more adventures both shared—Scotty took Armand to his first concert, the pair went whitewater rafting and they visited a ton of Pennsylvania’s major landmarks—the more Armand started confiding in Scotty.

“As we grew closer, he would call me to discuss his day to day issues,” Scotty said. “He was going through typical stuff growing up, and I helped him out. For instance, I taught him how to shave. When he got older, he’d give me a call and ask for career and college advice. I always told him to do exactly what he wanted to do, and to make sure to find something he was passionate about.”

Scotty was present at a lot of big moments in Armand’s life, including both his middle- and high school graduations, and supported him when he earned his Eagle Scout badge. Armand now attends the University of Scranton, where he studies nursing. For his part, Scotty recognizes the influence that Armand has had on his life.

“It was amazing to be there and see the excitement someone young like him felt during our activities,” Scotty said. “I really learned a lot from him, and for the years we were matched, I saw him even more than my own family.”

While their match has closed, the two are still very close, and try to see each other every couple of weeks. Their match is just one example. There are still tens of thousands of children waiting for a Big Brother like Scotty. With your support as a donor or volunteer,  you can help to end the wait.

Darryl and his brothers did not have an easy time growing up. His parents had fallen on hard times, and he and his brothers were forced to live on the beaches and streets of Oahu. Before long, Child Welfare Services intervened, sending the two oldest children to live with a grandparent. The other boys were scheduled to be sent to different foster homes, until their Aunty Nita stepped in to raise them, ensuring that Daryl and his brothers would not be separated. In time, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawaii would play a special role in all of their lives.

Before Aunty Nita got involved, the children were malnourished, educationally deprived and were not provided with life’s necessities. She had to abandon plans of moving from Hawaii in order to raise the four boys. She had little to no experience raising children, but recognized that the boys needed something she could not provide. She enrolled them in Big Brothers Big Sisters, so they could each have a strong male role model in their lives.

Darryl has been matched with his Big Brother Solomon “Kolo” for more than two years now. The special relationship they have built has truly had a positive impact on Darryl’s life. Darryl holds his Big Brother in high regard, and has great respect for him. Kolo has helped Darryl learn to manage his anger issues that he sometimes struggles with.

One day, Darryl became extremely frustrated and upset when one of his brothers was “pushing his buttons.” Big Brother Kolo was scheduled to pick up Darryl for an outing, but when Aunty Nita saw how Darryl was acting, she told him he would not be going anywhere if he did not change his attitude. She knew he would not want his Big Brother to see him behave that way. Darryl brightened up right away, and he and Kolo had a fun day out!

Through spending time with Kolo, Darryl has learned many things that he can do to improve his behavior including not letting things get to him, thinking before he acts and verbalizing when he is angry, rather than becoming emotionally upset. In Darryl’s case, much of this simply stems from his respect for his Big Brother, while also following his lead.

Both Darryl and Kolo have a special relationship that the two of them cherish. With thousands of children waiting to be matched with their own Big Brother or Big Sister, more support, either as a volunteer or donor, is needed. With your help, Big Brothers Big Sisters can continue to match more children who face adversity with mentors.

In October 2006, Kevin met his Big Sister, Julie, for the first time through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. At the time, Kevin was a 4^th grade elementary school student and English Language Learner (ELE), as he and his family were from Vietnam. Julie was a working to support a young family. While both very different people, Julie and Kevin’s relationship would grow very strong, very quickly and would have a fantastic impact on their lives.

As an English Language Student, Kevin struggled to keep up with his school work, as well as his English and Vietnamese. At home, he shouldered the responsibility of both acting as translator for his parents, and helping to care for his younger brothers.

Early on, Julie worked with Kevin, helping him with his school work. In time, Kevin began to open up to Julie as he grew more comfortable with her. He confided in her that he dealt with bullying at school. With Julie’s help and guidance, Kevin was able to work through and face many tough situations.

Over  the years, their bond continued to grow stronger and more powerful. When Kevin reached high school, he set a goal to graduate and attend college. Kevin excelled academically, while also becoming involved in several athletic activities at school, including football, soccer and wrestling. And at every game and match, his Big Sister Julie was there in the stands, cheering him on.

In support of Kevin’s college aspirations, Julie helped him to plan for his future, meeting with school counselors, going to college fairs and offering to support him by offering to pay for his ACT test.

This past May, Kevin graduated with honors, and he now attends the University of Minnesota where he studies psychology. Shortly before graduating high school, he learned that he was to be awarded the Annexstad Family Scholarship, a four-year renewable scholarship for young men and women who have matured as Littles in their Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He will be able to graduate college debt-free!

While their match is officially closed, Kevin and Julie’s time together has definitely made an impact. A big impact can come from simple things, like offering guidance through a tough personal issue or helping someone with their homework. Across the country, children like Kevin are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister who can make a similar impact in their lives. Your support as a donor or volunteer can help to ensure that all children get a chance to achieve success in life.

After his step-father passed away, Hunter’s mother realized that her son had a need she could not fulfill – he needed a strong male role model in his life. Hunter excelled in school, working on sixth grade material while only a third-grader. However, outside of school, he needed more. She enrolled him in their local Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Pinellas County, Florida, where, after nearly two years of waiting, he was matched with Big Brother Stephen in 2011.

Stephen, whose own children are grown, has enjoyed spending the last three years with Hunter, teaching him to fish, while taking the time to introduce him to many other outdoor activities. Their favorite activities and outings include deep sea fishing, going to the movies, bowling, attending Big Brothers Big Sisters events and simply hanging out.

A few years ago, Nigel’s mother, looking for ways to help provide him with a strong male role-model, enrolled him in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Child & Family Services Big Brothers Big Sisters of Child & Family Services in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Before long, Nigel was matched with a local retired college professor, Jack. In the time they have been matched, Nigel and Jack have had phenomenal success as a Big Brother and Little Brother.

Jack and Nigel enjoy engaging in a variety of activities. Jack has introduced Nigel to cooking, skiing and sailing. Nigel spends time helping out, learning and working on Jack’s boat. Jack has learned a couple of new things as well—Nigel has even introduced Jack to airborne snow sledding, much to Jack’s enjoyment!

In 2012, Jack encouraged Nigel’s mother to apply for her son’s entrance to the Nativity Preparatory School. The school provides a challenging and supportive learning environment, and boasts a 99 percent high school graduation rate since its opening in 2000. Jack worked with both Nigel and his mother, coaching them on the application and acceptance process.

Nigel was accepted; however he was quickly presented with another problem: the school did not offer transportation for students and he lived beyond walking-distance to the school. Not wanting this to impede on an excellent opportunity for Nigel, Jack arranged for monthly bus passes, ensuring that Nigel would be able to get to school each day.

Since his acceptance in the prep school, Nigel has excelled and continues to thrive in the challenging academic environment. This past year, he has won multiple awards, including a prize at the Social Studies Fair and first place in the school Science Fair!

Nigel looks forward to his seventh grade year, and both he and Jack plan to continue their match through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Jack’s commitment to helping Nigel further himself through his education underscores the important level of impact that a Big can have on his or her Little. Choosing to support Big Brothers Big Sisters can help to deliver similar impacts to children facing adversity all across the country.

Raised in a single-parent household, Raymond has faced various challenges. Concerned about the neighborhood in which they live and the potential negative influences it might have on her son, Raymond’s mother rarely let him play outside, so he was often left to play alone. She approached Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii with the hope that she could help find her son an adult male role model—a friend—to be in his life.

Raymond’s mother remembers the day she found him alone in his room, crying. He did not have many friends, he was shy and bashful at school, and had fallen victim to bullying. When she asked why he was upset, he replied: “You’re doing a good job loving me and taking care of me as a mom, but I need a guy to teach me guy things.”

After enrolling in Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii on Oahu, Raymond was eventually matched with his Big Brother, Craig. In the four years they have been matched, Craig and Raymond have gotten plenty of time to do the “guy things” that Raymond was missing out on, including fishing, hiking, archery, getting to go to the NFL Pro Bowl and following University of Hawaii sports.

Spending time with Craig has helped Raymond to break out of his shell, improve in self-confidence and increase his self-esteem. As a result, Raymond has been able to overcome the bullying he faced at school. Through Craig’s positive mentoring and friendship, Raymond has become more confident, well-rounded and happy.

“Before I was a Little, I wasn’t really taught how to be a man because I didn’t have a father to teach me how to be a man,” Raymond says. “I only had a mother—you know what that is. When you have girl problems, you want a father to talk to you, not a mother. When I talk to Uncle Craig, he is easy to talk to. He is always there for me.”

There are many children across the country who could benefit from having a mentor like Craig in their lives. Sometimes they need a role model or someone to guide them, and sometimes they just need a friend or someone to talk to. Your support as a volunteer or donor can help make a difference in the lives of children in your community. You can help to ensure that all children have a fair chance at achieving success in life.

In September of 2012, Little Brother Luke first met Steve McLaughlin, his soon-to-be Big Brother, after enrolling in their local Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Pinellas County, Florida. Looking for an opportunity to engage in new experiences and activities, Luke’s matching with Steve would prove ideal.

Luke and Steve like to spend some of their time together working on all sorts of projects, so it should come as no surprise that when they discovered a beat-up old go-kart, the two knew that would be a worthy project for them to take on. While it was no doubt a challenge, requiring a new carburetor, spark plugs and brakes, they enjoyed the experience, and through their dedication to their project, ended up with a fully-functioning go-kart.

Luke and Steve also enjoy going out to eat, watching movies, attending church together and playing cards. They also went fishing where Luke learned how to properly cast a reel. By the end of the day, he had caught his first fish!

For all the new experiences and fun times Luke has with his Big Brother, they both agree that the best times together are those spent simply laughing and joking. Steve laughs when remembering Luke’s attempts at teaching him to use chopsticks, noting that while he has not had much success, he is still practicing!

Steve has enjoyed watching Luke’s growth in confidence, and has also noticed an improvement in Luke’s academic performance during their match. Steve realizes the impact that they are both having on each other, selflessly exclaiming: “I think the world would be a better place if there were more Bigs in it!”

With the support of volunteers, like Steve, and donors, Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to strive to provide professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships to children like Luke across the country.