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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. 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. 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.
Want to be part of a story like this? Be a Big → bbbssoutheastmi.org/mentor When Emily signed up to become a Big, her hope was simple: get to know her Little for who she is and meet her where she’s at. Ten months later, she and LaMya—who goes by Mya—have built something even deeper: a bond rooted in trust, shared dreams, and plenty of laughter.
“It’s been so rewarding getting to know her and watching her open up to be her most authentic self with me,” Emily shared. For Mya, the best part of the match is having a Big Sister who’s both supportive and easy to talk to. “We talk about anything and everything,” she said. Their Biggest Win? A Foundation of TrustFrom the outside, you might not see a checklist of traditional milestones—but that’s not what this match is about. Their biggest success so far? Building a strong, supportive friendship. That’s the kind of foundation that sets the stage for everything to come—including some new school-year goals they’re ready to tackle together as Mya heads into her sophomore year. From Red Wings to Vision Boards This match makes the most of every moment—whether they’re watching the Red Wings score a win at Mya’s first-ever hockey game, or spending a quiet afternoon crafting vision boards at a cozy coffee shop. They’ve explored art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, baked together, laughed together, and even joined forces with Mya’s younger brother and his Big for some sibling-style group outings. A Shared Spirit Part of what makes this match shine is how much Emily and Mya have in common. “We’re both naturally goofy but also thoughtful,” Emily said. “We’re both older siblings too, and I think that gives us some shared understanding.” That shared spirit has made it easier to build trust—and have fun doing it. When asked what she loves most about Mya, Emily didn’t hesitate: “Her heart, and how naturally funny she is. She cares so deeply about others—and she always makes me laugh.” And for Mya? “She always has the best ideas for things we can do together—and we like the same stuff!” Mentorship, Made Real In a world where young people often struggle to find safe spaces and strong support, this match is a reminder of what mentorship can truly be: fun, uplifting, and life-changing for everyone involved. Want to be the reason someone opens up, sets big goals, and starts believing in themselves? Become a Big today. Anthony & Steven— More Than a Mentor: How Career Guidance and a Winter Coat Built a Lasting Bond7/1/2025
When Anthony joined the BBBS Career Buddies program at Pershing High School, he brought curiosity, kindness, and a drive to succeed—he just needed someone to help channel that potential. His Big, Steven, is one of the many dedicated Ally employees who volunteer their time each week to guide students like Anthony through real-world conversations about work, money, and life.
Thanks to our incredible partnership with Ally, students are welcomed into Ally Detroit Center every Thursday for this career-focused mentoring program. It’s more than a feel-good moment—it's an investment in Southeast Michigan’s future, and a proven way to help youth thrive. Over the past eight months, Anthony and Steven have transformed their Thursday check-ins into a meaningful, productive, and unforgettable relationship. Here are a few little moments that made a BIG impact—and made these two our July Match of the Month: They built trust from day one. Both were a little quiet at first—but that quickly shifted when they began talking about finances, goals, and family. Steven’s expertise in money management gave Anthony a safe space to ask real questions. And Anthony’s honesty gave Steven a powerful glimpse into the challenges and hopes of today’s youth. They set goals—and achieved them. Anthony and Steven worked side-by-side on grade tracking, budgeting templates, and career readiness activities that explored future opportunities—from becoming a pilot to navigating the workplace. Their focus? Stay on track academically, learn how to manage money, and explore what’s possible after graduation. A coat changed everything. During one winter session, Steven noticed Anthony didn’t have a coat. He brought it to the BBBS team’s attention—and by the end of the day, Anthony had a coat of his own. Steven made him feel warm, cared for, and seen. “That’s when I knew I could trust him,” Anthony shared. They leave every session laughing. Whether they’re swapping stories during a worksheet or catching up during a special downtown lunch, joy and trust are central to their connection. “The conversations before we start—that’s my favorite part,” Anthony shared. From budgeting to debating the best lunch spots, this match blends real-life lessons with plenty of lighthearted fun. Mutual Impact Steven says it best: “It’s been an incredible experience mentoring with Anthony! He’s a bright kid with lots of ambition, and I’m happy to have played a part in his growth.” This is what mentorship looks like when career and community come together. Because of Ally’s commitment—not just financially, but through the time and talents of their employees—programs like Career Buddies are preparing youth for brighter futures and stronger communities. And we need more of them. Want to be part of something this impactful? Become a Big. Partner with BBBS. Help us launch the next great school-based program. When Amber and 9-year-old Aaliyah first met through our Erickson Lunch Buddies program, it was clear something special was beginning. In just under five months, their connection has blossomed into something joyful, healing, and meaningful for everyone involved — including Aaliyah’s mom.
Here are just a few snapshots from their growing relationship that show why mentorship matters: 1. From Soft Smiles to Full-On Giggling At their very first meeting, Aaliyah quietly told Amber she was "pretty" — and just like that, the ice was broken. Since then, they’ve bonded over nail painting, badminton, gaga ball, and card-making. Laughter is the soundtrack of their time together. 2. Advice From Someone Who Listens Aaliyah says the best part of having Amber as her Big is having someone to talk to who “gives advice.” Whether it’s about school, family, or fears (like those bears in Arkansas), Amber listens, asks thoughtful questions, and meets Aaliyah exactly where she is. 3. Showing Up at Just the Right Time When Aaliyah needed support navigating a conflict at school, her match support specialist stepped in for the day — but Aaliyah still drew strength from what Amber had taught her. She stayed calm, shared her feelings, and handled a tough moment with surprising maturity. 4. A Ripple Effect at Home Aaliyah’s mom shared that from the moment she got home after their first day together, she couldn’t stop smiling — or talking about Amber. “She talked about her for two days straight,” her mom said, adding how grateful she was to see Aaliyah excited, confident, and connected. 5. A Reminder of the Joy in Being a Kid Amber recently shared, “I forgot how easy it is to have fun as a kid.” Being a Big isn’t just about giving back — it’s about rediscovering your own joy, purpose, and playful side. As Amber said, “Time goes by too fast when we’re together.” This match proves that mentorship isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present. And when someone like Amber shows up, it changes everything. For Aaliyah. For her mom. And for Amber herself. 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. |
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