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At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan, we believe in the transformative power of connection. Few matches embody that power more clearly than our May Match of the Month: Meet Big Dan and Little Christopher.
Christopher was just ten years old when he met Dan in 2021. Since that day, their bond has grown from an initial connection over sports and video games to a meaningful, multi-layered friendship that will celebrate its fourth anniversary this July. Now 15 years old, Christopher is taller, stronger, and wiser—and a big part of that growth has come from the consistency, patience, and encouragement of his Big, Dan. Dan is the kind of mentor who doesn't just show up—he invests. Whether it's tutoring Christopher in algebra before a big exam or channeling his inner kid on roller coasters at Cedar Point, Dan approaches his role with both enthusiasm and intention. He knows that mentorship isn't just about showing up to the fun stuff. It's about being present during the quiet moments too—during a tough homework session, after a rough day at school, or simply to talk. Before I signed up for mentoring, Dan shares, I doubted my ability to make a meaningful impact. But my match with Christopher taught me that showing up week after week can change a life. "I promise you, showing up and demonstrating that you care comprises the foundational bedrock of a meaningful connection. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to be present!" Christopher has certainly felt that presence. "Dan has taught me to do everything 110% and push myself to be better," he says. "My favorite thing about Dan is his energy and will to do things—it's made me want to do more than I used to." They've created unforgettable memories together: attending Michigan football games, movie nights, karate classes, and even last-minute math study sessions. But beyond the outings and adventures, it's the emotional support that makes this match special. Christopher now has someone outside his immediate family to talk to, lean on, and learn from. Christopher’s mom, Lisa, captures the heart of their match perfectly: It’s so much more than just having a mentor. Dan is an integral part of our family now. He didn’t shy away when things got hard, and that means the world to us. "Thank you, Dan, for being such an impactful part of our village. You are a great mentor and friend and we will treasure you always.” From trips to the Big House to bonding over football stats and life advice, this match has become an inspiring example of what BBBS is all about: building meaningful connection, and lifelong impact. In a world that often feels divided, Dan and Christopher remind us that one strong, steady relationship can be the spark that that changes everything. Congratulations to Dan and Christopher on being our May Match of the Month. Thank you for showing us the true power of connection—and for reminding us of the transformative power of relationships.   From the moment they met, Ben and Moon (nicknamed "Moon") formed an instant bond, a connection that felt like family from the start.
Over the past year and a half, their time together has been nothing short of magical. As Moon gears up for middle school, Ben has been a steadfast guide, helping Moon navigate this new chapter by exploring potential sports teams and extracurricular activities. Their shared interests, particularly Moon’s passion for engineering, have led them to dream up and work on exciting projects together. One standout memory they created recently was attending a Detroit Tigers game, thanks to the generosity of a donor. Ben and Moon were thrilled by the experience, and their enthusiasm for the game was palpable. “We had a BLAST and were so appreciative of the tickets!” Ben shared with a smile. Ben frequently praises Moon, calling him a “good kid” and highlighting his creativity. Moon’s mom echoes these sentiments, noting how consistent and reliable Ben has been. Whether it’s attending Moon’s Capoeira performances or cheering him on at baseball practices and games, Ben has been a pillar of support for Moon. Their partnership also extends to giving back, as they have volunteered together in a park cleanup in Ann Arbor. Moon’s natural talent for creation shines through in everything he does. At their match meeting, he proudly displayed intricate Lego models and talked about his involvement in the Science Olympiad. Seeing both Moon’s growth and Ben’s evolving role as a mentor is deeply rewarding for Crystal Treatt-Johnson, who finds joy in witnessing the positive impact these relationships have. Ben and Moon’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting bonds that can be formed. As Ben puts it, “Working with Moon has been a rewarding experience. Watching him grow and supporting him through his interests has been truly fulfilling.” If you’re inspired by their story and want to make a difference in a young person’s life, consider becoming a Big. The connections you build could transform lives and create unforgettable memories. Want to create a similar connection? Become a Big and make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.  From their very first meeting, Big Sister April and Little Brother Oliver set out to make memories, and over the course of their 1 year and 4 months together, they exceeded every goal they had set. Now, as their match comes to a close due to April’s move, the impact of their bond remains unshakable.
When they first connected, Oliver’s main goal was simple: to gain a new friend who would help him get out of the house more often. Reflecting on their time together, Oliver beams, “That was DEFINITELY met. She took me EVERYWHERE!” Whether it was exploring new places, sharing new experiences, or simply spending time together, April made sure to fulfill Oliver’s wish for adventure and connection. The graduation meeting to close their match was bittersweet, but both Oliver and April know that the friendship they’ve built will last a lifetime. Their match represents more than just time spent together—it symbolizes the power of mentorship and how even after parting ways, the impact remains. For April, becoming an “Alumni Big” is a badge of honor, and Oliver, now an “Alumni Little,” proudly reflects on all they’ve accomplished together. Although they won’t be seeing each other as often, their connection runs deep, and the memories they’ve made will stay with them forever. The closing of their match is not the end, but rather a celebration of what mentorship can achieve. If you want to create a meaningful bond that will leave a lasting impression, consider becoming a Big. You could be the next chapter in a young person’s story, and the memories you create together will stay with them for a lifetime. Want to create a similar connection? Become a Big and make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.  Ten years. That’s how long Laura and Alexis have been an inseparable duo, thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters. As Alexis prepares to embark on her next chapter as a high school graduate, the pair reflect on a decade of shared laughter, growth, and unforgettable adventures. Laura, with a heartwarming smile, describes watching Alexis blossom into a remarkable young woman as the greatest gift of their match. For Alexis, having a constant, supportive figure outside of her family has been invaluable. “Laura has taught me so much and has always been someone I can talk to without judgment,” she shares. Their journey together has been a testament to resilience. Laura credits Alexis for inspiring her to overcome challenges, while Alexis found the confidence to conquer hurdles she once thought impossible. Together, they’ve cultivated a positive outlook on life, facing obstacles with courage and determination. From exploring art museums to rolling up their sleeves for community service, Laura and Alexis have expanded their horizons together. Cleaning up local parks with BBBS holds a special place in their hearts, a shared commitment to their community. Their adventures are as diverse as their personalities. From canoeing encounters with unexpected amphibian passengers to savoring homemade pesto pasta from Laura’s garden, their bond has deepened with every experience. Hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming – you name it, they’ve done it. A camping trip that included horseback riding and a drive-thru zoo remains a highlight, filled with laughter and shared wonder. Both women describe their friendship as the heart of their match. Laura cherishes their connection, while Alexis praises Laura for pushing her out of her comfort zone. Together, they’ve created a world of possibilities, experiencing things they never imagined. As Alexis prepares to spread her wings, the bittersweet reality of their match ending is palpable. Yet, their gratitude for Big Brothers Big Sisters is immense. They’ve found in each other a lifelong friend, a mentor, and a constant source of inspiration.  Their laughter is contagious, their bond undeniable. Miguel and Veronica are a school-based match whose friendship shines as brightly as their smiles. From the moment they met, there was an instant connection – a feeling of family, as they both describe it. Setting a goal to boost Miguel’s reading skills, Veronica transformed learning into fun. Now, books are his go-to activity, and he eagerly awaits their lunch and recess adventures. Each day, Miguel’s bright eyes scan the classroom, searching for Veronica. The moment they connect, their world lights up with shared stories and laughter. Both Miguel and Veronica rave about each other’s kindness and humor. From school-wide scavenger hunts that turned into silly adventures to friendly games with other matches, their days are filled with joy. Reading together, especially Minecraft books, is a favorite pastime. As the school year drew to a close, the thought of separation filled Miguel with worry. But when he learned they could continue their match, his face lit up. His excitement was infectious, and it was clear this partnership meant the world to him. Veronica and Miguel’s story is a perfect example of the positive impact our program has on both Bigs and Littles. Veronica found immense satisfaction in watching Miguel grow, while Miguel cherishes the bond they’ve built. As Veronica puts it, “It was rewarding to work on Miguel’s goals and see the growth in a short amount of time together.” And Miguel simply says, “I love spending time with my Big, she is so nice and reminds me of my mom.” Want to make a difference in a young person’s life? Become a site-based Big and create lasting memories.  From the moment they met, Melanie and Antoynette knew they had found a special connection. Their shared laughter and adventurous spirit have created a bond that transcends miles.
Melanie, a mom of two boys, relishes the opportunity to experience the world through a teenage girl’s eyes. She’s particularly enjoyed diving into Antoynette’s world as she explores potential career paths. Antoynette has embraced learning British English and dreams of visiting Melanie in England this summer. Their initial plan for a one-year match has blossomed into something extraordinary, with the possibility of international travel on the horizon. To make the most of their time together, they created a bucket list filled with fun, active, educational, and volunteer activities. Checking off each item has become a source of excitement and anticipation. From a thrilling cycle taxi ride through downtown Ann Arbor to conquering the waves at the water park, their adventures are as diverse as their personalities. Sharing a meal together recently, they discovered a shared love of food and culture. Their ability to laugh together and engage in meaningful conversations about their communities is a testament to their strong connection. Melanie and Antoynette have discovered a remarkable friendship built on shared humor, curiosity, and a desire to make the world a better place. As they say, they’re on the same wavelength! Want to create a similar connection? Become a Big and make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.  Meet Dereon and Kyle, our July Match of the Month! First connected in November of 2022, this match loves being active and playing games together, especially board games. They also have a secret handshake they do every time they see each other and quickly bonded over a shared love of Pokemon, with Kyle bringing in some of his old Pokemon’s for his Little, much to Dereon’s delight. This pair is so happily matched that Dereon is often seen racing down the hall in excitement when it’s his Lunch Buddies day with Kyle. This joyful connectivity they share is why they are this month’s Match of the Month!
 Meet our June Match of the Month, A’Nyla and Nika! This dynamic Disney loving duo are a part of our School Based Program and have been matched since December of last year.These two love all things Disney, especially the Princesses, and on the very first day they met, Nika brought A’Nyla a Princess Tiana wallet and the two have been the best of friends ever since. Nika is originally from California, which absolutely thrilled A’Nyla, and the two of them already have big dreams to visit both Disneyland and Disney World as well as all of the Disney parks around the world. We are so excited to see what comes next for this match-congratulations to you both!
 Meet our May match of the Month, Grace and Laurel! These two were first paired together in the Fall of 2020 and have spent the last two and a half years together exploring the area by trying new restaurants and coffee shops. Other favorite shared activities include going swimming and checking out all of the local museums. They did also experience some scheduling challenges early on in their match but were able to work through them and settle on a routine that works well for them both. This dedication to each other, communicating, and problem solving is just one of the many reasons why they are our May Match of the Month!
 Meet our March Match of the Month, Aiden and Ryan! While these two have not been matched for long, they have already become fast friends!From their very first outing at a U of M football game, they felt a camaraderie with each other that has continued to grow ever since. Ryan’s goal for the match is for Aiden to feel like he has an additional member in his support system and based on Aiden’s description of Ryan being “the best!” and a 5 on a scale of 1-5, it’s safe to say this goal has already been met! Congrats Aiden and Ryan!
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