Jordan & Brandy

Meet Jordan and Brandy! This school-based Lunch Buddies match was first brought together at the beginning of 2022 and hit it off immediately. Both have big, outgoing personalities, and share a love of sports, games, going outside and staying active. Having a Big excited to share these loves with him has really made a positive impact on this Little. According to Jordan’s mom, there has already been a great difference in him since being matched with Brandy and he now comes home after school in an improved mood and less angst. Jordan himself says he gives his Big a 10 out of 10, and that’s what makes them our Match of the Month! 
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​Jordan and Brandy bonded quickly over their mutual love and dedication to staying physically active and fit. Over the last six months, they have spent their weekly, 45 minute lunch sessions going outside and playing hands-on games such as tag and duck duck goose, climbing the rock wall at Jordan's school, and just running around being silly. They also attended two outdoor Big Brothers Big Sisters events this summer, enjoying time at a local water park and playing outdoor games with other matches. Sharing these active moments together helps them build trust and communication, and helps them create some amazing memories! 

One of the ways Bigs empower their Littles is by making them feel safe and comfortable in sharing their thoughts and feelings. The first several times that they met, Brandy asked Jordan lots of questions, trying to get to know him better. He was always happy to answer, but rarely offered up information about himself and how school was going without being asked. As the match has progressed, Brandy has seen a definite change in how Jordan communicates with her. He is far more open with her now, offering up anecdotes about his inner and outer life without being asked. He also lights up and gives her a great big hug every time he sees her, showing just how much she empowers him to express himself openly. 

Brandy loves how Jordan is always himself, no matter what, and is right there ready to encourage and support him in any way she can. When she learned that Jordan was having difficulties with another student in his school, she talked him through it, encouraging him to open up to her about what was going on. Brandy also reached out to other adults in Jordan’s life to find out how best she could help him and her efforts went a long way in helping him work through a potentially tough situation. Knowing that their Big is always on their team and ready to help them work through the challenges of growing up helps the Little increase their confidence and achieve their full potential. Congrats to you both for being such a great team and for being our Match of the Month!