KLAUDIA & MARLENE: From Big Hugs to Big Voice

​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.


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