MarkYou don’t have enough time – Nowadays, everyone’s schedules are so full and sometimes it’s almost a contest to see who’s “busier”. We’re not saying you’re not busy, but we’ve been hard pressed to find someone who can’t point to one hour a week that could be used instead to transform the life of a child.
When Mark became a Big Brother, he knew that he had a very busy schedule. He had a lot on his plate; he had a new wife and was a doctoral resident. Scheduling challenges may seem like a barrier, but this match has found ways to work around their busy schedules by remembering to be flexible! Mark and Kevin stay in contact by texting or calling each other and scheduling shorter outings that work for them! |
JimYou think you’re too old – We don’t believe there’s such a thing. Everyone, at every stage of their lives has something positive to offer a child. Some kids want their mentor to be super young and hip, and others need another wise figure in their life. Either way, kids can learn so much from you.
Jim was 66 when he was matched with Little Johnathan. And they always find fun things to do that they both can enjoy! |
KevinYou’re not good with kids or you have ZERO experience with them – Honestly, that’s okay. We provide training, your first meeting happens alongside one of our staff, and we provide a long list of cool and inexpensive things you and your Little you can do. You really don’t need any special talents to be a friend and mentor to a child; you just have to care about them. We bet if you’re reading this, you already care.
Kevin is matched with Matthew, who is 14 and attends Ypsilanti Public Schools and a bit shy. Yet, in the first few months that they were matched, he opened up significantly to Kevin. During their time together Matthew has experienced many great moments for the very first time. They have gone to the Henry Ford Museum, the Ann Arbor Zoological Society, and even a Detroit Red Wings Game! |
Greg
You have your own children – By no means do we expect volunteers to spend less time with their own families. We believe that a successful child starts with a caring and supportive family. But, maybe you have a teenager and want to spend a few hours every other week with a 7 year old, or vice versa. Once, your relationship with the Little is fully formed you can take your kids along on outings too. Think of it as setting a good example for your kids! Know that we mean it when we say “Big Brother or Big Sister”, we don’t expect you to parent your Little.
Greg has three boys of his own. But he knows that by spending two times per month with his Little, he can have a significant impact. |
Jeremiah
You’re worried the child won’t like you or that you won’t have anything in common – We’re also experts at matching volunteers and children. Both of you go through an initial in-depth interview so we can learn as much as we can about each of you – your likes, dislikes, hobbies, traits. We figure out what kind of Big the child wants and what kind of Little you want. Then we match you. Plus, we make sure you’re interested in at least some of the same activities. You like hockey or swimming or baking? Then we’ll find you a child who does too, or at the very least, who wants to learn.
Jeremiah and Josiah attend church together every Sunday. This has become an important part of their match and their faith. |
