My own personal journey with BBBSCI started in September of 2022 when I was matched with my Little, who was then 9 years old. I remember being notified that the match was made, and bursting at the seams as I read every detail about my potential future Little. I was nervous and excited as I met my Mentoring Relationship Specialist at my future Little's home, where I met her and her family for the first time. That is an evening I will remember forever, and hold close to my heart, as my life forever changed in that moment.
The past two years have been filled with so much fun, many journeys, and lots of learning. While we enjoy many of the same things, we have helped each other to grow in ways I think we both didn't know we were able to grow. I've enjoyed events with her family, as she has with mine, and we're always so excited to see each other at every opportunity. One thing that I think we both appreciated about each other from day one was the abiity for us to be authentically ourselves. In a world where we have many rules to follow and, it can be hard to fit in, being yourself is the most powerful thing you can be. I am so grateful that we are in each other's lives, and growing together on this journey.
In addition to the time spent with my Little, and the many sponsored events and activities they've provided, BBBSCI has given so many training opportunities that I've taken advantage of and I am forever grateful for every single one. While you invest in your Little, BBBSCI will invest in you. I am someone who is always learning and wanting to grow, and this is an organiziation that truly knows how to help facilitate that growth. Every individual that you interact with is on the same path - to promote kindness, growth, and to give back to the most important population of humans, the littles! Investing your time in a young person's life is the most valuable experience. They are literally the future of our nation, and we need to support them in every way possible.
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At BBBSCI, our Bigs are nothing short of heroes. They show up for the young people in our community day in and day out, making the future brighter with every connection they build. The youth of Central Indiana are asking for mentors, and our Bigs step up—without hesitation.
But being a Big is more than just mentoring. It’s about being a cheerleader, a listener, a teacher, and most importantly, a friend. It’s about standing beside our Littles and cheering them on through every milestone, challenge, and success.
Right now, we have 1,000 youth eagerly waiting for mentors like our Bigs. That’s 1,000 lives ready to be changed, 1,000 opportunities to build connections that last a lifetime. These young people are full of potential, and they’re looking for someone who will believe in them, support them, and help guide them toward a brighter future. Our Bigs are stepping up—but we need even more people like them to meet this urgent need!