Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE MOMENTS THAT BUILD MENTORSHIP

Every week, our team at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities tunes into an internal channel called "Mission Chat". It’s our favorite real-time news feed where staff share the small, unfiltered moments that make this work so special. 

This year for Give to the Max Day, we’re giving you a special peek behind the scenes and sharing just a small handful of the amazing stories of impact we hear about every week.

A Special Friendship, Built Over Time

Britta (Big) Zara (Little) were matched 4.5 years ago. Their most recent time spent hanging out was at Little's dad's wedding (Little is very excited about this). They're learning to cross-stitch together this fall since it's an interest Little has recently taken up. When Big was asked how the experience has compared to what she expected when she first signed up, she shared 

"It's definitely evolved from something that felt like volunteering at first into a really special friendship". 

From Hangouts to Move Ins

The foundation of support that is built around our youth through mentorship isn't defined by a set timeline or program enrollment, but by the lasting bond that is formed between Bigs & Littles. From everyday hangs to major life transitions, our Bigs continue to be a steady presence in their Little's lives. Hans, an alumni Big and his Little Luis who have recently "graduated" from BBBS shared a big life moment they experienced together:

"Proud BIG moment!! We may have graduated from the program but we still see each other every week and we got him moved into this dorm!"

Shared Wisdom: Advice & Lessons from Our Bigs

Beyond the fun outings, shared hobbies, and big life moments, being part of a mentoring relationship is a journey filled with growth, learning, and meaningful perspective for everyone involved. To capture what that journey feels like from the inside, we asked some of our current Bigs to share the advice they wish they had on day one:

• “I would go back and tell myself to be prepared to try things that kind of scare me! Safe things like jumping into the foam pit at the trampoline park.” 
  
• “I would give advice to myself to be positive and that building [a] connection takes time.”    
  
• “I would go back and tell myself not to be afraid to be vulnerable and to share more of what my own path was.”
  

We know that the impact of a match goes both ways. From finding new joy in everyday moments to gaining fresh perspectives, our Bigs also shared the meaningful lessons they’ve learned from their Littles: 

• “He brings a really fun, youthful, positive, and chaotic energy (in a good way) to everything we do, which has encouraged me to try a bunch of new things that I wouldn't normally do on my own.”
  
• “She has taught me to be playful and always has room for laughter and to be silly. It has made my life feel lighter.”
  
• “She's taught me a lot about resilience and showing up. Even when she gets anxious or is nervous about something, she consistently challenges herself to try it if it's important to her.” 

OUR IMPACT

When you support Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re helping create moments like these. Moments, big and small, that build a real, lifelong foundation for our youth. 

This Give to the Max Day, we’re inviting you to step inside our mission. Your gift puts you right at the heart of every match we create, nurture, and celebrate. Help us match youth on our waiting list and welcome new matches into the BBBS community.

Mentored youth thrive in countless ways. Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities creates one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth and help all children achieve their full potential.

When you give this Give to the Max Day, you directly impact the growing potential of Twin Cities youth and help create a future Built on Mentorship!

MORE INFORMATION

Learn how Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities is responding to the needs of our community and ways you can get involved at www.BigsTwinCities.org.

VOLUNTEER TODAY 

We’re seeking caring adults like you who recognize the promise of Twin Cities youth. People who see the best in them, who support their dreams, who are there to listen and care. Find the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you and get started on doing something big today! www.bigstwincities.org/volunteer