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.