Success Stories
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MA: Rich and Joel
In response to 9/11, Rich applied to become a Big Brother and two years ago was matched to Joel. At the time Joel met Rich, Joel was living with his aunt and sister in Great Brook Valley. Before Rich came into his life, Joel did not have much direction in terms of where he wanted to attend high school, and his grades needed improvement.
Rich stepped in as an advocate for Joel regarding his education. Rich met with Joel’s guidance counselor and together they felt Joel would thrive at the local vocational school…and thrive he did! Now Joel is getting mostly A’s on his report card. He is taking up either health care or culinary arts at the school and has also joined the high school freshman basketball team.
Rich also got Joel involved in baseball, and now he plays for the Worcester Babe Ruth league. Rich says that, “all [Joel] needed was a little push in the right direction.” Joel has made big strides in the past 2 years having Rich as his Big Brother. It has been a great match. Joel is now 14 years old. The two have become close friends, and Rich has welcomed Joel as a part of his own family.
This past year Joel and Rich wanted to give back to BBBSCM so other children in the community could have mentors. Together they rode in the Rodman Ride for Kids and raised close to $1500 for the agency.
Rich said he and Joel are life long friends and will always be involved each other’s lives. Both Rich and Joel feel lucky to have each other.
Big Friends Little Friends: Rudy and Jay
In 2004, Big Friend Jay became aware that Rudy was falling into the common trap of peer pressure at school. Rudy was seeing young men his age become involved in illegal activities and was not far from following in their footsteps. That's when Jay stepped in. Jay knew that he needed to help focus Rudy's attention on more positive and exciting things for a boy his age. With support from Big Friends Little Friends and Rudy's mother, Jay enrolled Rudy in a summer Judo class and a basketball program at the Fall River Bank Street Armory. At a very pivotal point in Rudy's life, Jay was there to lend an ear and lead by example. Rudy has never met his father and therefore, never had a male role model in his life.
Now in 2006, Rudy is in his first year of high school. His grades are just shy of Honor Roll and he is a star player on his basketball team. Jay and Rudy have been matched for over 5 years and their relationship continues to grow. Jay and Rudy talk about Rudy going to college, and they've even volunteered together, cleaning up local tennis courts. Rudy's mom best describes Jay as "a God send" and we agree.
Big Sister Association of Boston: Anne and Lois
Anne and Lois have been matched through the Big Sister Association of Boston for more than six years. Since being matched with her mentor Anne, Lois’ grades have improved. She has also gained maturity and ventured to try new things such as sushi and ice skating! Lois says that without her friendship with Anne she would have nothing to brag about.
Through their friendship, they have learned about each other’s culture and way of life. Lois has had the chance to learn about Anne’s schooling and career in science, which Anne hopes will expand her expectations of what her future holds. The two enjoy all types of activities such as going out to eat and trying new foods, going to the mall, making arts and crafts, going to the movies and attending sporting events.
“The biggest benefit for us has been the loving friendship that has developed during our match. In addition, Lois’ grades have improved, she has gained maturity and she has ventured to try new things, from sushi to ice skating” said Anne about the benefits of their mentoring relationship. Lois says without having met Anne she would have nothing in her life to brag about; in her own words, “I hope that we are old lady friends”.