The impact a Big Brothers Big Sisters relationship can have is real. We hope these Little stories inspire you to start something by becoming a donor, volunteer or enrolling a child.

	Match of the Month DECEMBER: Hondre and Kevin Hondre (Dre) and Kevin have been matched in the School-Based Mentoring Program for the past two years. Dre meets with Kevin weekly at school and they focus on reading. Kevin says that he likes Hondre coming in and reports that, “Hondre is cool and he helps me.” Once Kevin completes his academic work the two have fun working puzzles and hanging out. Recently, the two have chosen to extend their relationship to the Community-Based Program, so that they could spend time together outside of the school setting. Kevin is enjoying getting to know Dre’s family. When they are together they enjoy doing outdoor activities, especially swimming. Hondre feels blessed to be able to share these experiences with Kevin and believes that being a Big Brother gives him a feeling of satisfaction.
	Match of the Month NOVEMBER: Jaclynne and Alison Jaclynne and Allison have been matched since January 13, 2010, in the Pickerington School-Based Program. Jaclynne is a senior at Pickerington High School North and meets with Allison weekly at the KinderCare that she attends after school. The two girls spend time talking, drawing, playing cards, putting together puzzles, and jumping rope. Allison said her favorite thing that she has done with Jaclynne was when she painted her fingernails sparkling pink. Allison also said that the pair understand each other and get along as true sisters would. She even said, “Everyone should have a Big Sister who wants one!” Jaclynne has had a great time getting to know Allison as well! She said her favorite thing about having Allison as a Little Sister is the fact that she knows that she is there for her and supports her in everything she does. Jaclynne’s favorite thing about her Little Sister is that Allison is comfortable being herself around her, no matter how silly she might act. Lastly, Jaclynne said that being a Big Sister has helped her become a better listener and more open to connect with new people. Allison and Jaclynne have become great friends and only expect great experiences to come in the future! Congratulations Allison and Jaclynne!
	Match of the Month OCTOBER: Henrietta and Selena Henrietta and Selena have been matched since March 2010 in the Community-Based Program. When asked what Selena liked best about having a Big Sister, she said that Henrietta is really nice and fun to be with. Selena said her favorite activity was going bowling and making crafts with her Big Sister. Selena said that Henrietta has taught her how to be safe when riding in a vehicle with other people. Henrietta had lots of good things to say about her Little Sister as well! Henrietta likes having Selena as her Little Sister because Selena reminds her to relax a little and have fun. Her favorite activity with Selena was when the two of them were doing craft activities and they each designed their own flip flops to wear. Henrietta truly enjoys Selena and her outgoing personality. She said that having a Little Sister like Selena has helped her realize that she can make a difference in a child’s life no matter what age she is!
	Match of the Month SEPTEMBER: Desi and Breeze Breeze and Desi have been matched in the School-Based Mentoring Program for the past three years. Last year, the two chose to extend their relationship to the Community-Based Program so that they could occasionally do things together outside of school time. Breeze says she likes to hang out with Desi because she is “awesome,” and a lot of fun. “I like to go shopping for ingredients and bake cookies,” reported Breeze. “I like when we go for a drive and Desi teaches me about what things are and how they work.” Desi loves being a Big Sister to Breeze and especially enjoys having the opportunity tos hare her life experiences with Breeze, teaching her things that she may not normally be exposed to and is happy to be a positive influence on the young woman Breeze will become. Desi enjoys spending time with Breeze, and especially enjoys her sense of humor. Whether they are playing “slug bug”, walking around, shopping, or playing Scrabble Slam at the lunch table at school, Breeze always makes Desi laugh and smile. “Breeze helps remind me not to take life too seriously and to take time to enjoy and laugh at the little things.”
	Match of the Month AUGUST: Tony and Anthony Tony and Anthony have been matched since April of 2009. Tony mentors Anthony not only in the Community-Based program, but also in the School-Based program. Anthony said he likes having Tony as a Big Brother because he teaches him a lot of different things. Tony has taught him karate and helps Anthony become more assertive when dealing with his peers and family. Anthony said that having a Big Brother has helped him, by Tony acting as a positive male role model for him. Tony enjoys having Anthony as his Little Brother. Tony said that Anthony is very smart and responsible. He enjoys Anthony’s competitive side while training him in martial arts and bowling. Tony explained how he loves to watch Anthony grow into a young man and has full confidence that Anthony will be successful with anything he has to tackle in the future. These two have become like family to each other, with only more good times ahead of them. Congratulations Anthony and Tony!
	Match of the Month JULY: Shelbie and Linda Shelbie and Linda have been matched since June 2008 in the Community- Based program. When asked what she likes best about having Linda as a Big Sister, Shelbie explained that Linda is very nice and is always there to listen when she needs to talk. Shelbie said her favorite activity was going to the Egg Hunt with Linda, and spending time together afterwards. Shelbie said that Linda has taught her to ignore what other people say and just be herself. Linda had lots of good things to say about Shelbie as well! Linda likes having Shelbie as her Little Sister because it gives her satisfaction with getting to watch Shelbie accomplish different things in her life. It also gives her companionship. Linda said that what she likes best about having Shelbie as her Little Sister is that she has a good heart and is a lot of fun to be with. Her favorite activity with Shelbie is when they go bowling and out to eat together. They have also worked the Kiwanis concession stand during the Little League games. Linda has truly enjoyed watching Shelbie grow into an amazing young lady.
	Match of the Month JUNE: Charles and Jacob Jacob and Charles have been matched since June 2010 in BBBS Community-Based program. When asked what he likes best about having Charles as a Big Brother, Jacob explained that Charles takes him to do things that he would not usually get to do. Jacob said his favorite activity was going the Valley View Swim Club to go swimming, while Charles enjoys shooting hoops and just talking. Jacob described his Big Brother as easy to talk to and very fun. When asked how Charles has helped him, Jacob said he has a hard time talking to his parents, but knows he is able to talk to Charles about anything. Charles had lots of good things to say about Jacob as well! Charles likes having Jacob as his Little Brother because Jacob is constantly discovering new things and it completely unpredictable. Charles stated that Jacob helps him “step out of the box of my adult life”. Charles also said that having Jacob as a Little has been challenging in a positive way and enjoys connecting with someone other than his family and friends. Congratulations Jacob and Charles!
	Match of the Month MAY: Belinda and Savannah Savannah and Belinda have been matched since July 2010 in the Community-Based program. Since then, the two have become the best of friends! When asked what she likes best about Belinda, Savannah simply replied, “I love her!” Needless to say, Savannah has a blast when she is with Belinda. Together, the match spends their time going to the mall, playing at the park, and participating in agency activities. Belinda even took Savannah to get her ears pierced for the first time as a present on the last day of school. Savannah proudly said how pretty they looked and that she did not even cry! Belinda adores Savannah just as much. When asked what she likes best about Savannah, Belinda stated, “Her love.” Belinda explained how rewarding it is just to see her Little Sister smile. She also stated how mentoring Savannah gives her something to look forward to and how much she likes just spending quality time at the park with her. These two have become close friends with only more good times to come in the future! Congratulations Savannah and Belinda!
	Match of the Month APRIL: Jamie and Ryan Ryan and Jamie have been matched since May 2010 in the Community-Based Program. This match is a perfect example of how Bigs and Littles can influence one another. Jamie believes the best thing about having a Little is being able to offer Ryan experiences that he may have otherwise missed out on. Jamie likes spending time with Ryan and just smiling and laughing together. When asked what he likes best about Jamie, Ryan stated, “He takes me fishing, swimming, and bowling.” Ryan was very proud of the fact that Jamie had taught him how to bowl and he got a strike! Although he likes to bowl, Ryan’s all time favorite outing was to Coco Key Water Resort. Jamie’s favorite activities to do with his Little Brother are watching him play basketball, riding his motorcycle, going fishing, and just seeing the excitement on Ryan’s face. Jamie stated that he appreciates Ryan’s willingness to listen and learn and how much he cares for his family. In the end, Jamie and Ryan share a genuine bond and know they can depend on one another. Congratulations Ryan and Jamie!