Samantha Battle

At BBBSCI, our Bigs are nothing short of heroes. They show up for the young people in our community day after day, making the future brighter with every connection they build. The youth of Central Indiana are asking for mentors, and our Bigs continue to share their light.

For me, becoming a Big has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Earlier this year, my Little, Alyvia, graduated from the program, closing a chapter that changed both of our lives. When we were first matched, I hoped I could make a positive impact in her life. I never expected the countless ways she would change mine.

One of my favorite memories, and one that taught me what mentorship really means, was the day I brought her to a BRG event at the Republic Airways training center. We got to explore the cabin trainer and even try the evacuation slide. We were excited… right up until we reached the open exit door and looked over the edge. It was higher, steeper, and a lot more intimidating from the top.

We froze.

Then Alyvia glanced at me, gave a nervous little smile, and said, “I’ll go if you go.”

In that moment, everything clicked. I realized that if I wanted her to believe in her own courage, she had to see mine first. I had to go, for us. That leap off the slide wasn’t just a fun moment; it was a promise. To stand beside her. To face fear with her. To choose courage over comfort, together.

So we jumped.

And mentoring suddenly made perfect sense. It wasn’t about having all the answers. It was about showing up, side by side, taking brave steps — sometimes literal leaps — and growing together. Alyvia taught me about resilience, hope, and the quiet bravery it takes to show up for someone else. Watching her grow into the strong, compassionate, driven young woman she is today will forever be one of the greatest gifts of my life.

And now, I’m beginning a new chapter with my new Little, Ja’Kiah. I am so excited to support her, cheer her on, and watch her learn, grow, and discover her own courage. Alyvia showed me how mentorship can shape two lives at once, and I can’t wait to continue paying that forward with Ja’Kiah.

But right now, 1,000 youth in Central Indiana are waiting for a mentor. 1,000 young people filled with potential, hoping for someone who will believe in them, champion them, and walk beside them.

That’s why I’ve committed to raising $10,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.

These funds directly support the programs that make life-changing matches possible, including:

Match Support Services
Professional staff who provide ongoing coaching, resources, and problem-solving to ensure Bigs, Littles, and families feel supported at every step.

Youth Protection & Safety Training
Comprehensive training that ensures every child is safe, supported, and placed in a healthy, positive environment.

Family & Community Engagement Programs
Events, workshops, and community-building opportunities that help Littles and their families feel connected and empowered.

Recruitment & Training of New Bigs
Efforts that bring in more committed volunteers, like you and me, so we can meet the urgent need for mentors.

College, Career, & Life Skills Programming
Workshops and opportunities that help Littles prepare for higher education, career exploration, and a successful future.

Every dollar moves us one step closer to matching a child who is waiting for someone to say, “I’ll go if you go.”

To all of our Ambassador Bigs: thank you for your leadership, your heart, and your belief in the limitless potential of Central Indiana’s youth. You are shaping lives, creating brighter futures, and proving every day that mentorship matters.

Together, we are changing the game for young people — one brave step, one match, and one leap at a time.