<![CDATA[BBBS SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN - Match of The Month]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:30:55 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Balloons, brave conversations, and someone in her corner:  Savannah & Cydney]]>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:51:39 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/balloons-brave-conversations-and-someone-in-her-corner-savannah-cydney
When Big Cydney and Little Savannah were first matched in October 2025, there was already plenty of spark between them. They clicked over fashion, TikTok, makeup, and all the fun, girlie details that make it easy to start talking. But over the past several months, their match has grown into something deeper: a relationship where Savannah feels seen, celebrated, and more confident in speaking up for herself as she grows into a rising sixth grader.


The first day they turned balloons into a band
Their first day together had all the ingredients of a new match: activities about school, future goals, and getting to know one another. But the moment that sticks is what happened after. Savannah and Cydney grabbed some balloons and started making music with the funny noises they made as the air rushed out, turning the room into their own little band. It was silly, creative, and completely kid-led, the kind of moment that says a lot without trying too hard. They were already building something real.


A Big who listens past the surface
As the year went on, Cydney kept doing something simple and powerful: she paid attention. When Savannah was having a hard time with a school adult, Cydney did not brush it off or rush past it. She listened, asked follow-up questions, and worked with BBBS staff on ways to help Savannah navigate those big feelings with more confidence. That matters. Sometimes the best support is not swooping in to solve everything, but helping a young person feel heard and giving them tools to handle the next hard moment a little differently.


The week they talked about vulnerability
One of the most meaningful shifts in this match came when Cydney asked for more than just icebreaker conversation. She wanted to talk about vulnerability. BBBS staff built an activity around that theme, and suddenly the two of them were talking about safe people, boundaries, and how to know when it is okay to open up. For a younger Little, those are big conversations. For a Big to help create that space on purpose says something important about the kind of relationship Cydney is building, one that makes room for both fun and trust.


Showing up for the spotlight
Savannah loves to share the things she is proud of, a dance move, a hairstyle she worked hard on, a role in a school assembly or play. Cydney notices those moments and celebrates them. She has watched Savannah proudly show off the parts she is practicing for school performances and has made time in her schedule to come see her perform. That kind of showing up leaves a mark. It teaches a young person that their joy matters, their effort matters, and somebody is cheering for them from the audience.


Find it here
Savannah says her Big is special to her, “like a sister.” Cydney says she is proud of Savannah’s growth, how much more open she has become, and how she is learning to handle more on her own. Maybe that is what they have found here together: spirit, trust, and a relationship sturdy enough to hold both laughter and growing up. For this match, their paper plate awards say a lot. A match that wins “Most Likely to Start a Dance” and “Best Spirit” has clearly found something worth celebrating. And that is why mentoring matters in 2026. It is the kind of connection that helps a young person feel supported, celebrated, and stronger in who they are becoming. You too can find joy and connection like Cydney and Savannah. Become a Big, and find it here.
]]><![CDATA[Ten years, one steady yes: Tara & Maclaren]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:07:44 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/ten-years-one-steady-yes-tara-maclaren
When Big Tara and Little Maclaren were first matched, Maclaren was still a kid. Now, nearly a decade later, she is graduating high school, finishing an associate degree, and heading toward college with a long list of acceptances and big plans for what comes next. Through every version of Maclaren, the busy student, the theater kid, the traveler, the young woman making major life decisions, Tara has stayed what she has always been: steady, curious, and there.

The kind of fun that sneaks up on you
One of Tara’s favorite memories is also one of the simplest. The two of them were out walking when they found some fallen trees and turned them into a game of hot lava, balancing from trunk to trunk and trying not to touch the ground. Tara said she wasn’t expecting Maclaren to have as much fun as she did, but they both ended up having a blast. It is such a perfect little snapshot of this match: joy that does not need to be expensive or elaborate, just shared.

A home away from home
As Maclaren’s schedule got fuller with school, jobs, extracurriculars, and college prep, the match changed shape without losing its closeness. Tara learned how to meet her where she was. Sometimes that looked like tea, new foods, local plays, yarn shops, or crafty adventures. Sometimes it looked like pizza, puzzles, and hanging out with the whole family at home. Kelle, Maclaren’s mom, says Tara became “the most perfect and welcome addition” to their lives, and Tara says their home has become her home away from home. That is more than a successful match. That is family.

Growing through hard things
Their bond was not only built in easy seasons. Both Tara and Maclaren experienced major loss around the same time, Tara losing her dad, Maclaren losing the great-uncle who was a central figure in her life. Neither one had a magic fix for grief. What they did have was each other. That quiet understanding mattered. So did the way Tara kept showing up with care, whether that meant checking in, making space, or simply staying close when life felt especially heavy.

The girl Maclaren has become
Over the years, Tara has watched Maclaren become more and more herself. She admires her self-esteem, her boundaries, her opinions, and the way she has learned to navigate hard situations with confidence. Kelle says Tara has helped reinforce that growth by encouraging Maclaren to speak up, trust her voice, and keep stretching into new things. Maclaren says having a Big means having “a supportive friend and mentor all in one.” That line says a lot. So does this one: when Tara encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and make some new friends during an admitted students day, Maclaren did. It is a small moment, but it reflects something bigger this match has built over time, the confidence to walk into new spaces, trust her own voice, and keep choosing what comes next for herself.

Find it here
Maybe what Tara and Maclaren found here is something bigger than mentorship alone. Maybe they found the kind of connection that grows roots. The kind that survives busy schedules, grief, growing up, and all the change that comes with nearly ten years of life. That’s why mentoring matters in 2026. It is social infrastructure, the human connection that helps young people build confidence, navigate transitions, and imagine bigger futures for themselves. Tara puts it beautifully: being a Big is “more about listening than teaching.” And Maclaren is living proof that the right steady presence can echo for years.

​​Find it here. Become a Big.Bi.
]]><![CDATA[FINDING THEIR RHYTHM: TERRY & WILL]]>Tue, 05 May 2026 12:48:11 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/finding-their-rhythm-terry-will
Over the past few years, Big Will and Little Terry have built the kind of match that does not need a lot of spectacle to matter. Their relationship has grown through regular time together, shared interests, and the simple trust that comes from showing up again and again. Basketball, gaming, food, music, anime, and long conversations have become the language of a friendship that feels easy, steady, and real.

The kind of consistency you can feel
Terry’s mom, Tiffany, has seen the difference from the start. She has called Will “the best big brother ever,” said he feels like a second son, and shared that Terry always looks forward to seeing him. Sometimes that excitement shows up in a funny little burst of responsibility. In one recent check-in, Tiffany said she can always tell Terry is about to see Will because he suddenly starts caring about chores and getting ready. That kind of anticipation says a lot. This is not just an outing on the calendar. It is someone he counts on.

More than basketball
Basketball has always been one of their constants. They have spent hours playing together, walking to the park, finding ways to stay active, and using the game as both an outlet and a meeting ground. But the match has never been only about what they do. It is also about what those outings make room for. Terry once said mental health is about “his emotions and feelings,” and when he needs a break, he plays basketball or goes for a walk. Will has met him there, in motion, in conversation, in the ordinary places where trust can grow without too much pressure.

A friend for four years
When asked what award he would give his Big, Terry answered with something beautifully direct: he would give Will an award for being his friend consistently for “3 to 4 years now.” That line gets at the heart of this story. Terry has said he enjoys having someone to get out of the house with. He has also said what he likes about Will is simple: “He is a cool friend to hang out with.” In a world that pushes young men to stay guarded, there is something powerful about a friendship that feels this dependable.

Learning how to show care
Will has been honest in match support about what he hopes to model. He wants Terry to know it matters for men to be emotionally vocal, to ask questions, to care out loud. He knows Terry does not always show that in the same way yet, but he also knows how much Terry’s excitement reveals. A shared meal, a new band, a plan to see a concert, a video to show him, a little more openness than before. Over time, those things have added up. This match has helped both of them better understand the kind of people they want to be.

Maybe that is what Will and Terry have found here: not just shared interests, but a steady friendship built on care, curiosity, and time. Terry gets one more safe adult in his corner as he prepares to graduate this spring. Will gets the ongoing gift of learning the power of showing up for someone consistently. That is why mentoring matters in 2026. It is social infrastructure. It is connection strong enough to shape who a young person believes they can become. 

​Find it here. Become a Big.
]]><![CDATA[FIND YOUR TRIBE HERE: MEKAIA & JULIA]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:24:54 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/find-your-tribe-here-mekaia-julia
When Julia and MeKaia were first matched a year ago, MeKaia’s mom, LaShawn, hoped the relationship would help MeKaia strengthen her decision-making and speak up for herself. Julia responded with something that sounds simple, but changes everything when a kid can count on it: a consistent routine. Over time, that steady showing up became a place where MeKaia could practice confidence, self-advocacy, and even being more outspoken as she makes new friends.

The schedule that built trust
They’ve made a habit of seeing each other regularly, and MeKaia talks about it like it’s just part of life now. Some weeks it’s trying a new experience together, other weeks it’s something low-key, but the rhythm matters. MeKaia doesn’t need a “big moment” every time, she needs a Big who keeps coming back. And when she’s asked what she’s grateful for in the match, MeKaia’s answer is as simple and down-to-earth as the relationship itself: “she is so fun and cool and nice!”

When the house felt quieter
There was a season when MeKaia was really sad about her sister moving out. Julia didn’t rush past the feeling or try to fix it with a speech. She stepped in with time, attention, and the kind of fun that gave MeKaia room to breathe a little easier. Instead of sitting alone with the hurt, MeKaia got to laugh, get out, and feel connected. It was a simple kind of support, but that’s often how mentoring works best - not by erasing the hard thing, but by making sure a young person doesn’t have to carry it by themselves.

The recovery-day “pick-me-up”
When LaShawn had surgery, MeKaia couldn’t get out of the house as much, and the sadness showed up again. Julia adjusted without making it a big deal. MeKaia came over, learned how to make enchiladas, met Julia’s dog, and watched one of her favorite comfort shows, Victorious. LaShawn shared she was “so appreciative” of Julia’s flexibility around surgery, and grateful Julia was still willing to spend time with MeKaia while she was in the hospital, because she knew it was weighing on MeKaia. Sometimes support looks like meals and movies. Sometimes it looks like making sure a kid doesn’t sit alone with a heavy feeling.

Report cards, math, and learning to ask
MeKaia has had moments at school where she didn’t want to ask for help, and her mom has seen grades that didn’t reflect what she’s capable of. But in one recent check-in, MeKaia shared that while math was still hard, she was excited to have an A in science. Asking for help isn’t always easy for a kid. That’s part of what makes this match matter: over time, Julia has become one more trusted person MeKaia can turn to, and her most recent report card shows real improvement.


Find it here
This is the kind of match where closeness showed up quickly and stayed. Julia has become someone both MeKaia and LaShawn trust, someone who feels less like a volunteer and more like part of the family. Maybe that’s what they’ve found here together: not just support, but a tribe. Someone to laugh with, lean on, and count on. That’s why mentoring matters in 2026, not because every problem disappears, but because steady, caring relationships help young people build confidence, feel supported, and keep growing through whatever comes next. Julia’s advice to new Bigs says it best: go in open minded and open hearted. MeKaia is already showing what can happen when a young person knows she has one more safe adult in her corner. Find it here.
​
Find it here. Become a Big.
]]><![CDATA[Slushees, skate ramps, and the biggest smile: Madyn & Lydia]]>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:55:34 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/slushees-skate-ramps-and-the-biggest-smile-madyn-lydiaFIND BIG DREAMS, AND A PLAYMATE HERE.
Matched on March, 2025, Big Madyn and Little Lydia have spent nearly a year collecting moments that stick: a first outing that ended with the biggest smile, a “REAL” skate park, and laughter that makes mistakes feel safe. It’s mentoring the way it’s meant to be, fun, consistent, and full of possibility.

The first outing that said, “You’re safe here”
Their very first outing was McDonald’s, exactly what you’d pick when you want a kid to feel comfortable fast: familiar, simple, no pressure. Lydia was shy at first, then opened up more as they kept talking. And when she got home, her parent shared she came back with the biggest smile on her face.

Later, when asked what she’d “never forget,” Lydia picked another small-but-perfect beginning: “When we first met, we colored with chalk.”

A REAL skate park (plus slushees on the way home)
Skateboarding became one of their signature adventures. Lydia jumped in mid-conversation to explain that Madyn took her to a “REAL skateboard park, not just outside on road,” eyes wide, whispering “yes” when asked if it was cool.

Madyn shares they got a “little treat on the way back,” and a stopped for slushees and smoothies. She called Lydia “so brave,” and said Lydia encourages her to try new things too. Their mantra is mutual hype: “We’re always hyping each other up that we can do the ramps lol :).”

And from home, Lydia’s parent shared the match is “amazing,” that Madyn is already starting to feel like part of the family, and that Lydia is always excited to go on outings with her.

The roller rink lesson: laughing counts as winning
Lydia tells her friends her Big is “pretty, kind, and funny,” and nowhere does that show up more than the skating rink. After roller skating, Madyn said they were together about three hours and “Neither of us were ready to leave!” Lydia’s version is even better: Madyn “is so funny when she tries to skate”… “yeah and she falls alot but she doesnt get hurt, she just laughs too.”

That’s not just a cute story. It’s a real skill: learning that mistakes don’t have to be scary, they can be something you laugh at, learn from, and try again. No wonder Madyn summed up what matters most to Lydia right now as “Laughing, friends & family.”

One game, two new dreams
Lydia also went to a basketball game with Madyn, something she’d never been to before, and it lit a spark, “now she wants to play basketball herself!”

And that’s the fun of this match: one “first” doesn’t stay just one day. Between the “REAL skateboard park” that has Lydia dreaming about skateboarding, and moments like meeting a guinea pig for the first time (a first Lydia was especially excited about, and her mom specifically asked us not to forget), Lydia keeps collecting new experiences that turn into big possibilities. Now she’s even joked she’s not sure if she’ll be a professional skateboarder or a professional basketball player when she grows up, and honestly, why not both?

In 2026, Lydia’s goals include doing well in school, starting speech therapy (a little nervous, mostly excited), and skateboarding more. Madyn’s goals for their match are to become “more open and patient” as their bond continues to grow. And what she hopes Lydia knows is the heart of it all: “I hope my Little knows that they have challenged me to be more creative and kind. I hope they know that I am always happy to see them!”

This is why mentoring matters: consistent connection is social infrastructure, it strengthens kids, families, and communities from the inside out. Find it here. Become a Big.
]]><![CDATA[Quiet sparks, big plans: Camari & Carali]]>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:50:30 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/quiet-sparks-big-plans-camari-caraliFind curiosity here. Find calm here.
Matched in 2021, Camari and her Big, Carali, started quietly and built trust step by step. Their rhythm is simple and steady: nature trails, museum wanders, craft days, and movie nights that make space for real conversation. What began as two reserved people finding their footing has become a soft place in a busy world.

A soft place in a busy world
On an unhurried afternoon together, a long walk and a good movie did the quiet heavy lifting. The silence wasn’t awkward; it was permission. Week by week, planning outings together became second nature, and the match turned into the kind of calm every teen deserves. 

Sister-squad courage
Many favorite memories are double-match adventures with Camari’s younger sister and her Big: cracking clues in an escape room, linking arms through a haunted house, and celebrating bravery at Cedar Point. Those shared wins grew confidence and tightened family ties.

Curiosity you can hear
A summer concert from Carali’s music-loving world became a doorway to wonder. Camari heard a live fiddle and mandolin for the first time; the immediacy of the sound turned “learning” into delight. “Even when we’re doing educational things, it just feels like fun!” says Carali. That’s what makes them grin: discovering something new together and feeling the joy of it in real time.

Checking grades, choosing futures
School updates often ride shotgun. Camari opens her grading app as soon as she gets in the car, and biology is a favorite. With Carali, there are no “silly questions” — just honest talk about friendships, bullies, boys, and how to turn ideas about the future into steps they can actually take. That steady, judgment-free space lets a young person practice their voice, ask hard questions, make small mistakes safely, and be fully heard — then try again. Built on trust, their connection turns big dreams into plans and gives Camari the confidence to achieve.

Why it matters (Find it Here)
Mentoring builds the human connection everything else depends on. When young people have consistent, caring adults, engagement rises and possibilities expand — for them, their families, and their communities. That’s the social infrastructure we’re inviting people to join. 

Find it here. Become a Big. #BBBSSEM #FindItHere #MentorshipMatters
]]><![CDATA[KLAUDIA & MARLENE: From Big Hugs to Big Voice]]>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:05:14 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/klaudia-marlene-from-big-hugs-to-big-voice
​When Klaudia first met Marlene through Lunch Buddies, her face lit up. After that match meeting, Klaudia said Marlene “seems amazing,” and the two settled into an easy rhythm that’s followed them from elementary school into 7th grade.

The First Connection
In those early sessions, they painted, played icebreakers, and even joined a quick game of tag—simple time that felt special. The next year, when Marlene had to miss a couple of weeks for her daughter’s out-of-state wedding, Klaudia squealed, ran, and leapt into her arms the moment she was back. That welcome-back hug became a hallmark of their match.

Laughing More This Year
At school programming this fall, Klaudia told staff the match “is going good”—and that Lunch Buddies feels “more fun this year.” Why? “I’m laughing and smiling more.” Their time together often looks like catching up while they build with Legos, play Jenga or Uno, and jump into the day’s activity side-by-side.

Tiny Traditions, Real Goals
Early on they set easy, meaningful goals: attend more of Klaudia’s performances, take more walks, read together, try “femoplay,” even hit the monkey bars. Over three years, they’ve stacked little moments—writing holiday cards for nursing-home residents, joining BBBS events, and pitching in on light community service at school. Each plan is simple; the pattern—show up, do it together—is powerful.

Finding Her Voice
Marlene keeps the focus on Klaudia’s lead: ask good questions, listen with intent, follow her choices. She’s also nudged self-advocacy when it mattered—like the day Klaudia was on crutches and needed help navigating school. Klaudia, for her part, says she’s comfortable expressing herself with Marlene, their “energies match,” and she’s not shy about saying it: “I love my Big.”

A Parent’s View
From home, Mom sees what we see at school: a steady, caring presence. She says the match is going well—and calls Marlene “awesome.” She’s grateful that Marlene can take Klaudia to BBBS-related events in the summer, too. Those extra touchpoints keep the connection strong.

What’s Next
This match may be older and wiser than when they first met —but the heart of it remains the same: big hugs, bigger smiles, and a growing voice. On deck: more performances to cheer, more walks to take, more pages to read—and if winter cooperates, maybe a snowman by the school doors.


Want to help write the next story? Become a Big.
]]><![CDATA[WYATT & KEVIN—  From First Casts to Inside Jokes]]>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:59:54 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/wyatt-kevin-from-first-casts-to-inside-jokes
When Kevin met Wyatt, they clicked fast over three things: sports, laughing, and being outside. Since then, their easy rhythm —weekend meetups, playful trash talk, and “what should we try next?”— has turned little moments into real growth for them both.


The First Connection
Their first fishing trip set the tone. Wyatt tried something new and absolutely owned it: reeling in five fish before Kevin landed one. They still laugh about that day, and it launched a pattern for their match: try new things, celebrate the wins, keep it fun.


Game-Day Glue
From watching football to hitting Dave & Buster’s and the basketball court, they’ve built a routine around movement and conversation. Sports give them a shared language, the car rides and post-game chats give them space to talk about school (going well) and what’s next. They don’t compete so much as push each other to grow.


Try-Something-New Days
One weekend it’s karting and VR; another it’s bowling and lunch; when the weather’s good, they head to the park. The plan is rarely complicated — just enough structure to get going, just enough openness to let a little memory find them.


Planned Together
Wyatt often suggests the day’s plan, and when they’re in a groove, he’s the first to ask for “a little more time.” Kevin listens, adjusts, and keeps showing up. That back-and-forth has become its own tradition—and a quiet confidence boost for Wyatt.


Impact That Lasts
For Kevin, mentoring has reopened doors to joy: “it’s been fun to spend time with someone who has similar interests to what I did when I was younger.” He adds, “I get to experience a lot of the fun activities I enjoyed as a youth but haven’t been able to as an adult.” Most of all, “It reminds me what it’s like to be young and carefree!” Those small, shared moments keep shaping them both — and strengthening the community around them.


What’s Next
More firsts, more sideline cheers, more inside jokes. Ziplining is on deck—and so is the next little moment that becomes a big, unforgettable one for Kevin (Big) and Wyatt (Little).


Want to help write the next story? Become a Big.
]]><![CDATA[ADAM & COREY— From Littles Steps to Lifelong Brotherhood]]>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:26:05 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/adam-corey-from-littles-steps-to-lifelong-brotherhood
When Corey met Adam at age 11, neither expected their match would grow into a bond that would last well beyond high school. Seven years later, the two now consider each other true brothers, still in regular touch as Corey begins his first year at Michigan State University.


The First Connection
From the start, Adam and Corey clicked over shared interests like sports, art, and being outdoors. But what set their match apart wasn’t just common ground—it was intention. Adam remembers entering the program determined to show up with consistency. “It took time,” he admitted. “But the truth is, like any real relationship, trust builds slowly. Corey has simply been a joy to be around.”


Consistency Through the Years
That consistency carried them through every stage—middle school band concerts, high school baseball and track, and even college tours. Corey’s mom often said that Adam became “part of the family.” Whether it was picking up a Christmas tree together or cheering from the stands, Adam kept showing up. “Those moments of cheering him on in his own world stand out to me as some of the most meaningful,” Adam shared.


Finding Fun in the Small Stuff
Like any Big and Little, they didn’t share every interest—but they stretched for each other. Adam sat through scary movies he would have skipped on his own, while Corey humored endless trips to the golf range. They made space for fishing trips, biking adventures, and winter movie marathons. What mattered most was being together.


Impact That Lasts
Corey says what he values most is “how easily we get along and are able to have conversations. He feels like a real big brother.” His mom has seen the impact too: the match helped Corey grow in confidence and communication, giving him another steady role model outside of family.

For Adam, the impact runs just as deep. “This relationship has truly changed my life. Corey pushes me to grow as much as I’ve encouraged him. I love him dearly. Corey isn’t just my Little—he’s my family. He’ll be at my wedding someday, and I’ll be at his.”


Beyond the Match
Though their official match has now closed, Adam and Corey continue to text and talk often. As Corey steps into college life, Adam sees his role shifting into mentor and lifelong friend. “I’m grateful to keep walking alongside him,” Adam said.


Their story is a powerful reminder: one relationship can change two lives—and build stronger, more connected communities in the process.
]]><![CDATA[MIKE & NICK—Little Moments, Big Confidence]]>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:41:27 GMThttps://www.bbbssoutheastmi.org/mom/mike-nick-little-moments-big-confidence
When Mike signed up to be a Big, his plan was simple: show up, listen, have fun. A year in, easygoing hangouts have become steady wins—more confidence, more curiosity, and a trusted adult in Nick’s corner.


Three Hours of Lights & Laughter
Arcade glow, the thump of hoops, the whir of racing games—this is their reset button after a long week. Nick nails a prize from the claw machine and they split a pizza while replaying the funniest moments on the drive home. “We went to the arcade and played games for a couple hours… We also grabbed some pizza afterward,” Mike says. Nick’s mom, Andrea, adds: “Nick came home all excited about the games and prizes.”


One Big Leap (with a Taco Bell Victory Lap)
The leap isn’t a stunt—it’s confidence. After a few wobbly starts, Nick chooses to keep trying until the ride feels steadier and he can tell he’s improving. Mike jogs alongside, coaching and cheering; they mark the progress with a crunchy-taco celebration. “We practiced riding my bike and went to the park and played catch,” Nick says—and back home, his mom Andrea simply summed it up: “Nikolaus came home saying they had a great time.”


Where Invention Sparks Big Dreams
At Greenfield Village, Nick lingers by the Model T and the Edison workshop, learning how ideas become real. You can see him connecting the dots between curiosity and career. “He really liked the Model T Ford and the Edison Workshop… He was asking a lot of questions about how everything worked,” Mike says. And on the ride home, Nick declares: “I wanna be an engineer and build cool stuff. I like putting things together.”


Kindness at the Kitchen Table
Right before Thanksgiving, the kitchen table becomes a card-making station—markers, stickers, big-hearted ideas. Nick chooses the colors and words to brighten a stranger’s day at Beaumont Cancer Center. Nick recalls, “It felt really good to do something nice for people who might need some extra kindness.”


Moments like this do more than warm hearts; they build habits. Acts of service give young people practice in empathy, agency, and purpose—and in BBBS, those small “civic reps” stack into long-term outcomes like stronger emotional wellness, deeper family connection, and, over time, more connected communities.


The Quiet Miles That Build Trust
On the ride home, the energy settles. They replay the funniest moments, trade inside jokes, and talk through what’s coming up next week—tests, practice, what they might try next time. Before Nick hops out, there’s always a quick check-in in the driveway; the predictability makes space for honesty. “I do my best to show Nick that he has tons of support and that he can do anything when he applies himself,” Mike says. That’s where trust grows—between seatbelt clicks and see-you-soons.


Nick’s mom, Andrea, sees it too: “Yes, Mike’s been great. They click really well, and Nick looks forward to their hangouts.”

​Mentorship, made real—and built for real life. 


  • A couple hours a month.
  • Flexible.
  • Backed by Match Support Specialists.


Want to be part of a story like this?

Be a Big → bbbssoutheastmi.org/mentor

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