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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. 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. |
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BBBS SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
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Contact UsPHONEDetroit - 313-309-0500
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