Little Sister Zoe was matched with her Big Sister Lisa in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ program more than 10 years ago when she was seven years old. Through their long-term mentoring match, Zoe and Lisa have developed a close bond. They enjoy being outside, participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ REACH events, and spending time with each other’s families. No matter what they do, they always have a good time together. “She’s been there for me since I was so little,” said Zoe. “We’ve been through it all together.”
Lisa says she gets as much out of their relationship as Zoe. “We have been through a lot. I push her and she pushes me. We are there for one another no matter what, no matter when,” said Lisa.
Now 17 and a high school senior, Zoe is a mature, confident, and independent young woman who is a very good student. She plans on going to college next year where she hopes to study psychology or social work.
With the support of her Big Sister Lisa, Zoe is well on her way to achieving her dreams.
Zoe and Lisa reflect on their long-term match in their own words:
Fourteen-year-old Little Brother Xavier was matched with his Big Brother Aaron 2018. Xavier was looking for a mentor to help him with homework and to have someone to talk to about life. He and Aaron had an immediate connection and developed a close relationship. "We are like minded, have a good connection, and we see each other as friends,” said Aaron. “We never have an awkward interaction.”
Xavier and Aaron like to play basketball, visit the library, have dinner together, attend REACH activities, and just spend time together. Xavier appreciates the time he spends with his Big Brother. “He’s cool and somebody I can talk to,” said Xavier. “Even when we are in the middle of something fun, out of nowhere he will start talking about life lessons and real-world things.”
Aaron is a supportive role model to Xavier. In their two years together, Xavier has started participating in many extracurricular activities and has greatly improved his grades in school. Xavier’s mother has seen a change in her son since being matched with Aaron. “I believe he came along at a time when Xavier really needed it most,” she shared.
Xavier and Aaron’s relationship is built on a strong foundation of consistency, communication, friendship, and mutual respect. With Aaron in his corner, Xavier will continue to build his confidence and become a well-rounded young man who is ready to take on his future.
Aaron and Xavier describe their match in their own words:
Little Sister Sofia enrolled in Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Metro Milwaukee’s mentoring program in 2014. Her mother Tracy
thought Sofia would benefit from having another caring adult role model in her
life as Tracy had been a Big Sister herself and saw firsthand the positive impact
a mentor can have in the life of a child.
Sofia was ten years old when she was matched with her
Big Sister Katie. Katie heard about the program from a friend and felt it would
be a rewarding experience.
“When I moved to Milwaukee I wanted to get more
involved in my community,” said Katie. “Paying
it forward is very important to me and I had a lot of experience with children
growing up as I’m the oldest child in my family. I realized through those
experiences that I loved spending time with kids and being a mentor.”
In their five years together, Sofia and Katie have
developed a very close bond. The two share similar interests and have connected
and grown their friendship through these interests. Not having a Big Sister
herself, Sofia was excited to have someone older than her to spend time with
and try new things.
“Katie is open, willing to try new things, and adventurous,” said Sofia. “I see these same qualities in myself. Our favorite things to do are hiking and cooking – both require a sense of adventure!”
Sofia’s and
Katie’s families have also become very close, and they spend a lot of time at
each other’s homes playing games, watching movies, and sharing family dinners. In 2018, Sofia was even a junior bridesmaid in Katie’s
wedding.
“Katie
and her family have made a positive impact on me and my family,” said Sofia. “We
have had a lot of fun dinners and conversations that are meaningful.”
For Sofia, Katie has been a source of strength and
guidance through some challenging times.
“I like that I can
talk to Katie about anything,” said Sofia.
Katie feels she gets as much out of their
relationship as Sofia.
“Sofia helps me take a step back and realize what
is important in life,” said Katie. “Not only have I become close with Sofia,
but her family has welcomed me with open arms and helped me make Milwaukee my
home. She has such a positive attitude and reminds me to be silly sometimes and
not take things too seriously.”
As their relationship has developed over the years, Katie has watched Sofia grow into a mature young woman – who is excelling academically.
Hear from Sofia and Katie in their own words:
Little
Brother Geremiah was 14 years old when Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro
Milwaukee matched him with his Big Brother Josh in 2017. Geremiah’s mother
Sarah enrolled him in the program because she wanted him to build a healthy
relationship with a positive male role model.
Sarah felt a Big Brother could provide Geremiah with new experiences,
help him with career exploration and college preparation, and support him
socially and emotionally.
Josh was in
graduate school in New Hampshire when he learned about Big Brothers Big Sisters
from a classmate who was a volunteer mentor in the program. Josh thought it was
great to see the positive impact that relationship had on both his friend and
his friend’s mentee, and he thought helping a young person in his development
would be something he would really enjoy.
“I think the
main draw for me to become a Big Brother was the example set for me by my
parents,” said Josh. “My step-father adopted me when I was seven, and going
through that experience of having someone take on responsibility for me and
provide mentorship because he truly cared has been exceedingly powerful in my
development as an adult. I have always wanted to pay that forward.”
Through their more than two years together, Geremiah and Josh have built a strong friendship. “I like spending time with Josh because we have a lot in common and no matter what we do it is always fun,” said Geremiah. “Josh is someone I can talk to about anything and he always gives me great advice when I’m having trouble figuring life out.”
Hear from Geremiah and Josh in their own words:
Matches of the Year
Each year we celebrate the positive impact of mentoring relationships
by selecting an outstanding Big Brother/Little Brother match and Big
Sister/Little Sister match. Our Matches of the Year represent hundreds
of wonderful Bigs and Littles involved in our programs, and help us by
being ambassadors for mentoring throughout the year.
Matches are selected based on the following criteria:
• the length of the match • the strength of the relationship between the Big and Little • demonstrated success in achieving positive outcomes • connection and affiliation to our BBBS agency
Meet Bertha, a Veritas High School student, and her mentor Treanna, a volunteer from GE Healthcare. They have been matched in our mentor2.0 program for the past 4 years – this is our college readiness program that helps first generation students go to college.
When Bertha was matched with Treanna she “thought I would just try to get a decent job.” Formal education “just wasn’t a big tradition in my family.” After receiving tremendous support from Treanna, and weekly classes and college-focused curriculum from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bertha graduated from high school on time. She is now enrolled at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she plans to study psychology.
Hear from Bertha and Treanna in their own words:
Matches of the Year
Each year we celebrate the positive impact of mentoring relationships by selecting an outstanding Big Brother/Little Brother match and Big Sister/Little Sister match. Our Matches of the Year represent hundreds of wonderful Bigs and Littles involved in our programs, and help us by being ambassadors for mentoring throughout the year.
Matches are selected based on the following criteria:
• the length of the match • the strength of the relationship between the Big and Little • demonstrated success in achieving positive outcomes • connection and affiliation to our BBBS agency
Little Brother James and Big Brother AJ have been matched since 2011. James was just ten years old when he was matched with AJ. His mom wanted him to have a positive male role model in his life. AJ became that consistent presence, “somebody showing up” week after week through James’ childhood and into high school…and they’re still going strong!
AJ played a BIG role in James’ education—motivating him through challenging times. “Academics are the first thing we talk about,” James said. AJ proudly highlights James’ “amazing test scores,” including an ACT that impressed his mother, his teachers, and even James himself. James is now looking at colleges and planning to further his education. He is thankful to his Big Brother for keeping him motivated. “You never know your truest potential until you try,” AJ said.
Congratulations James and AJ, our 2018-19 Brother Match of the Year!
Hear from AJ and James in their own words:
Matches of the Year
Each year we celebrate the positive impact of mentoring relationships by selecting an outstanding Big Brother/Little Brother match and Big Sister/Little Sister match. Our Matches of the Year represent hundreds of wonderful Bigs and Littles involved in our programs, and help us by being ambassadors for mentoring throughout the year.
Matches are selected based on the following criteria:
• the length of the match • the strength of the relationship between the Big and Little • demonstrated success in achieving positive outcomes • connection and affiliation to our BBBS agency
Little Brother Kamerin and Big Brother Drew were matched four years ago when Kamerin was nine years old. This fall, Kamerin began the eighth grade at Butler Middle School. Kamerin is intelligent, well-spoken, and thoughtful. His mother Sara enrolled him in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program because she felt he would benefit from an additional male role model in his life who could encourage Kamerin try new things and expand his horizons.
Drew is friendly, outgoing, and down to earth. He had been a mentor in the past and understands the impact a positive role model.
Kamerin and Drew are an active match who enjoy sports and being outdoors. They maintain a focus on Kamerin’s education. Over the past four years, Kamerin has become more confident and is much more open to new experiences and trying new things.
Bethany and Margaret were matched in 2010 when Bethany was eight years old. Bethany is now a sophomore in High School.
Margaret is professional, down to earth, and kind. She decided to become a Big Sister because she enjoys working with youth and felt our program was a great fit.
Bethany is polite, mature, and very well spoken. She relies on Margaret as a role model and friend. They have a very open and honest relationship that is built on mutual trust and respect. With Margaret’s consistent support, guidance, and friendship, Bethany has grown into a very confident, mature, and responsible young woman and is a very strong student.
Hear from our latest Matches of the Year in their own words:
Matches of the Year
Each year we celebrate the positive impact of mentoring relationships by selecting an outstanding Big Brother/Little Brother match and Big Sister/Little Sister match. Our Matches of the Year represent hundreds of wonderful Bigs and Littles involved in our programs, and help us by being ambassadors for mentoring throughout the year.
Matches are selected based on the following criteria: • the length of the match • the strength of the relationship between the Big and Little • demonstrated success in achieving positive outcomes
Fourteen-year-old Vejea was matched with her Big Sister Claudia six years ago. Since that time, Vejea has blossomed from a shy girl into a graceful, thoughtful, and ambitious young woman. The positive, encouraging relationship she has with her Big Sister has made her confidence soar. Claudia admires Vejea greatly and says she most enjoys “her spirit, energy, and positive attitude. No matter what is going on in her life, Vejea is always put together and looking forward.”
Vejea says that Claudia has taught her to be positive about herself and to “not let others get me down.”
Together they have developed a strong and wonderful bond.
Vejea came into Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring program at the recommendation of her mother Shirley. Shirley wanted another positive influence in her daughter’s life. Vejea was looking for someone to do fun things with. She also wanted someone who would “care about her.” Shirley and Vejea found just that in Claudia.
Vejea and Claudia complement each other beautifully and have a wonderful rapport. While Vejea is contemplative and thoughtful, Claudia is exuberant and passionate. Claudia has said her match with Vejea is one of the bright spots in her life. Her professional background is in education, so she has helped instill in Vejea the value of educational success. Their match has a strong emphasis on learning, and they often talk about skills that are important in the classroom - self-advocacy and communication. They share a journal and pass it back and forth, writing stories and sharing special moments. Claudia also used her educational expertise to help Vejea’s family navigate the difficult Open Enrollment process, and Vejea was accepted into one of her top high school choices.
Claudia has shown Vejea the delights of Milwaukee, the road to higher education, the path of self-discovery and growth, and so much more. They continue to work on areas of self-improvement and strive to achieve success in all areas of life. Congratulations Vejea and Claudia on being our 2016-17 Sister Match of the Year!
Hear from Claudia and Vejea in their own words:
Matches of the Year
Each year we celebrate the positive impact of mentoring relationships by selecting an outstanding Big Brother/Little Brother match and Big Sister/Little Sister match. Our Matches of the Year represent hundreds of wonderful Bigs and Littles involved in our programs, and help us by being ambassadors for mentoring throughout the year.
Matches are selected based on the following criteria: • the length of the match • the strength of the relationship between the Big and Little • demonstrated success in achieving positive outcomes
Little Brother Edson and Big Brother Paul have been matched since 2012. When Edson came to the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, he was a soft-spoken nine year old. His mother wanted another positive role model for Edson who would help him become more confident and develop socially and emotionally.
Paul learned about Big Brothers Big Sisters through a recruitment event. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering and studied abroad in Spain, volunteered with the student group Engineers without Borders, and traveled to El Salvador to work on a project there. Paul enjoys volunteer work and children so he thought Big Brothers Big Sisters would be a great opportunity for him. Edson continues to improve his reading skills and English language proficiency. He and Paul meet weekly, and Paul consistently incorporates new, fun, and educational experiences into their outings.
With the help of his Big Brother, Edson has grown tremendously in his self-confidence and ability to build positive relationships.
Congratulations Edson and Paul for being our 2016-17 Brother Match of the Year!
Hear from Paul and Edson in their own words:
Matches of the Year
Each year we celebrate the positive impact of mentoring relationships by selecting an outstanding Big Brother/Little Brother match and Big Sister/Little Sister match. Our Matches of the Year represent hundreds of wonderful Bigs and Littles involved in our programs, and help us by being ambassadors for mentoring throughout the year.
Matches are selected based on the following criteria:
• the length of the match • the strength of the relationship between the Big and Little • demonstrated success in achieving positive outcomes • connection and affiliation to our BBBS agency
Pictured: Little Sister Anna, Little Brother Londan, Big Brothers Big Sisters Board Member Darrell Thomas
Anna and Tracy were matched in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program in 2011. Tracy has been a consistent presence in Anna’s life, and Anna appreciates that she was there for her – every step of the way.
Anna attended Waukesha South High School, where she was a good student who loved knowledge, learning, and the sharing of ideas. While in high school, she acted, directed, and wrote plays with her school’s theater program; taught swimming classes; and had the opportunity to serve in Haiti with her church. It was in Haiti where Anna decided she wanted to dedicate her life to service.
Anna is the first person in her family to go to college. She sought out a college with a strong missionary program. With her father’s encouragement, Anna decided on Spring Arbor University in Michigan, where she is now a freshman and beginning the next stage of her life.
Londan was matched with his Big Brother Daniel eight years ago. He credits Daniel for being a positive role model as he was thinking of college and for just being a good friend.
Londan graduated from Whitefish Bay High School last Spring. When he looks back, he appreciates how hard his mother worked to give him and his siblings the best. It is this love and dedication that motivated Londan to take on two jobs to help his family while balancing his schoolwork. Through his hard work, he developed a strong ambition to go to and complete college, which he knows will allow him to support his own family in the future. Londan is now a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is ready to take on life’s next challenge.
We are proud of both of you, Anna and Londan, and we are grateful to your mentors Tracy and Daniel for their commitment to your success. Congratulations to all of you.
