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Community Corner

Meet Nick: Our Little Brother in the Spotlight

Little Brother Nick shares his experience in five-year relationship with Big Brother.

Nicholas, an eighth-grader in St. Louis Public Schools, smiles with his whole face as he describes his relationship with his Big Brother, Ben. Nick and Ben have been matched for more than five years now, and it is not hard to see the impact that their friendship has had. 

Nick remembers meeting Ben when he was just a third-grader. “I wasn’t nervous,” Nick said. “No, I felt like I knew him right away.”

Since that moment, Nick and Ben have gotten to know each another over homework assignments, video games and lots and lots of basketball. Now, five years later, Nick has a friend he knows he can count on to brighten his day.

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“I always look forward to Thursdays because I know I get to hang out with Ben,” Nick said. “It’s so fun to know he’s coming. If I’m feeling bored or upset, Ben listens to me and always knows how to make me laugh.”

As Nick talks about his friendship with Ben, he mentions that many of his friends are still waiting to get into the program. They want to share in the fun of a friendship like Nick and Ben have, but they have not yet been matched with a Big. In fact, there are approximately 1,000 Littles on the waiting list, and there are an estimated 100,000 children in Eastern Missouri who are in serious need of a Big Brother or Big Sister. These are children who often face multiple challenges. Many live in poverty, come from single-parent households, struggle with their academic performance or have a parent behind bars. They are in need of extra support and encouragement. That’s where a Big comes in!

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Mentoring impacts our community, one child at a time. When you become a Big Brother or Big Sister, first and foremost, you are a friend. Whether it’s going out to eat, playing sports, going to the movies or just hanging out, it’s not the activity that matters—it’s the fact that they have a caring adult in their life. The power of that trusting relationship is transformative! 

If you are interested in information on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to get your company or organization involved, call Vivian Gibson or Jeremy Lieb at 314-361-5900 today. Also, be sure to visit Big Brothers Big Sisters on the Web at www.BBBSEMO.org.

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