Big changes can start with just a little help. At least, that’s the idea behind Big Brother Big Sisters of America, a national mentoring network that pairs adults with children facing adversity.
The organization matches adult mentor “Bigs” and children, known as “Littles,” to provide one-on-one support. In 1971, the local chapter of Big Brother Big Sisters (BBBS) started with 14 Laramie citizens as volunteers. Now there are 70 employees and about 500 volunteer Bigs working in seven Wyoming counties positively influencing over 1,300 youth per year.
BBBS helps these young individuals through after-school programs, juvenile justice programs, site-based mentoring programs and individual mentoring with a Big assigned to them.
“Our belief is that all children and teens can benefit from caring adult role models, and when they have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and achieve success,” said Steve Hamaker, CEO of the Wyoming BBBS. “We are always looking for people willing to make a long-term commitment to mentoring a young person and empowering them to achieve, regardless of gender, age, or marital status. There are hundreds of youth waiting to meet a Big and participate in fun activities, while helping them navigate life’s challenges and reach their potential.”
After a Big is matched with a Little, the Big communicates and grows the friendship with the Little. According to JD Richardson, who has been a Big for BBBS in Laramie for the past two years, this is the easiest part of being a Big.
Richardson will take his Little out for ice cream, bowling, laser tag, or simply hang out at home to watch movies and play video games. The only struggle for Richardson is finding the time as a University of Wyoming student to meet with his Little. However, it is always worth it to him to be a positive influence on the community and his Little.
“My role model is my mom,” Richardson said. “She is the most influential person I know. I try to model a lot of what I do on the behavior of my mom, so I imagine that behavior is radiated outward to those with whom I interact. I do not necessarily try to overtly incorporate any values or morals into the life of my Little because I think it is important for people to develop their own outlook on life. All I can do is try to set a good example worth following.”
One of his Littles’s challenges when they first met were his grades. As a Big, Richardson took the opportunity to be a positive role model and collaborated with his Little’s mother to come up with a plan in order to improve his Little’s schoolwork. His Little quickly showed improvement.
“My favorite part of being a Big is watching your Little take your advice and apply it to his life,” Richardson said. “Sometimes my Little will come to me with a problem that he wants help solving. His parents have also reached out. I gave my advice to him and his parents and I watched as slowly but surely, changes took place. I thought it was really incredible to witness.
“I continue to be a Big because it is rewarding for both my Little and I. Being able to effect positive change in someone’s life is remarkable, but it is the feedback loop that is created between you and your Little that makes the match worthwhile for everyone involved.”
