Memorable matches

Matches of the month

July

Meet Skyler and Cheryl. They have been matched in the Community Based program since April 2024. When Cheryl learned about Skyler's interests, she knew it was going to be a perfect match! Skyler and her family felt the same.

Cheryl and Skyler have a ton of fun together and Cheryl lets Skyler choose what she wants to do by giving her a few choices for activities. Cheryl is kind and patient with Skyler and gives her the time she needs to decide what they are going to do together. Skyler is also very kind and considerate and chooses activities that she knows Cheryl will enjoy. They ALWAYS have a blast!

Cheryl says they have a ton in common and being a Big has been everything she has expected and more. Skyler says Cheryl is the best big sister ever and gives her a "20 out of 10" during her monthly match support calls! Skyler says she looks forward to seeing Cheryl, trusts her and likes talking to her. Cheryl says that Skyler checks in weekly via text, and will sometimes just say “Hey!” to see how she is doing. Skyler is so grateful to have Cheryl in her life, and Cheryl feels absolutely the same about Skyler!

They have started a scrapbook to give them something to lookback on as they plan to be connected for a very long time. We look forward to seeing their friendship continue to blossom as they grow together and continue to build their connection.

June: Waitlist Kiddo Spotlight!

Quentarius is eight years old. He is a vibrant, smart, kind, active, and loving child with a great sense of humor and interest in learning and exploring new things. He is very curious and loves to learn new things.

Quen lives with his family in St. Joseph County, IN and likes to play football and basketball, cook, play games, watch movies, play music, and go for bike rides. He believes a good friend is someone who is kind and likes to play games with him.

Quen wants "to be the best at all sports" and when he grows up he would like to be a Police Officer.

May

Little Sister Ave’ah and Big Sister Officer Holly, with Michigan State Police have been matched since October 2023 through the BBBS Bigs with Badges Site-Based Program. Ave’ah and Officer Holly have explored interests together such as playing board and card games and arts and crafts. They enjoy having lunch together and playing at recess, as Ave’ah likes having Officer Holly hang out with her and her friends on occasion, as well.

Ave’ah and Officer Holly both share a passion for learning and recognize the importance of reading; they made reading improvement a match goal and consistently read together when they visit.

When Ave’ah was asked, on a scale from 1-10 what would you give the relationship with your Big Sister and why? Ave’ah replied, “1000!!... cause she’s super fun!!”

Ave’ah’s mom has expressed that since Ave’ah has been in the program her behaviors have improved; adding that she was getting calls from the school 1-2 times per week and has not received any calls since her relationship with Officer Holly. It was learned that many of Ave’ah’s behaviors were reactive due to peer bullying.

Officer Holly has emphasized the growth she has seen in Ave’ah, noting observing her “letting it roll off her shoulders” when other children are mean; she added that Ave’ah is more confident and proud of herself for responding differently.

April

Meet Autumn and Layla. They have been matched since September of 2023 and they enjoy going to the mall and going out to eat together.

Autumn shared in the time she has known Layla she has seen her blossom. Autumn looks forward to being there for Layla through all life's celebrations and hardships. Autumn shared that she wants to be the type mentor she wishes she had when she was younger.

Layla's Grandma is so grateful for Autumn and her ability to spend one on one time with Layla. It is difficult for Layla to get undivided attention at home because Grandma is working and raising all of her grandchildren.

Layla loves her Big and says that Autumn is the best! She gives the match 10/10 every time and says Autumn is so nice and a ton of fun!

Bigs of the year 2023
Southern lake michigan region

Big Couple Rebecca & Cody and Littles Jaron & Jarel

Rebecca and Cody have been matched with twins, Jeron and Jarel, since May of 2022. Since then, they have had a lot of fun together! They get together frequently and are consistent with their match meetings, at least twice a month! The boys have moved into a new home and were able to get a dog of their own this past year, which they have really enjoyed. They also started a new school at Corpus Christi Parish School, which has been a new and positive experience for them both. The boys love to go over to The Ward’s house- and play with their dogs! They said that is one of their favorite things to do. They have come to all of the match outings, including the South Bend Cubs Match outing and the Ice Cream Social this summer. They also have attended Notre Dame football games and went hiking at Potato Creek and went to the movies to see Jurassic World. They love being out and trying new things with their Bigs. They said it is a lot of fun and they really enjoy their time spent with them! Both boys always give their match outings a 10 out of 10!They said they have so much fun with Rebecca and Cody and really appreciate all of the things that they do together! Their mother has also stated she really enjoys their Big Couple, and feels like they are having a lot of fun, and working toward their goals to be successful with communication and in their relationships outside of BBBS.

‍Big Jason & Little Jacob

Jason and Jacob have been matched since December of 2022.Since then, Jacob has gone through the adoption process and has welcomed a new baby sister into his home! He also has a new middle and last name. Jacob was worried about having a mentor at first, and thought it was another “court ordered” type activity through DCS, however he signed up and was ready to meet Jason, and he is so glad he did! Mom says Jacob looks forward to seeing Jason, he has a lot of fun with him, and he does not always show when he is excited or happy to do something, so when Jason comes and he is happy, he is ready to go! He does not ask questions or fight it at all. Mom says he has a good connection with him, and they always have something fun planned. Jason got Jacob a model car for his birthday, of one of his favorite cars, and they worked together to complete it. Mom says next up, is working in the kitchen and experimenting with some peanut butter brownies, which Jacob is very excited about! Jacob is very grateful to have Jason in his life, and he has a lot of fun with him and enjoys spending time with him. When asked on a scale from 1 to 10, what Jacob would give his match at this time, Jacob stated “ I would give it a 10.5 because he is so much fun!” What a perfect match!

Bigs of the year 2024 -
Elkhart county

‍Big Couple Rodney & Karen ‍
‍ and Little Brayden

Meet our Bigs of the Year! Rodney and Karen and Brayden have been matched for 6 years. Brayden has become very close with his Bigs, and he says he feels he can talk to them about anything! During their time together, usually twice a month, they like to just “hang out” and watch movies, eat food and have great conversations. Rodney and Karen have been able to broaden his food pallet by learning new cooking techniques and trying new foods. Another one of their favorite things to do together is play games, their current favorite is 5 Crowns. Brayden has never rated his match anything less than a 10! He just loves spending time with them and being a big brother himself to Rodney & Karen’s two pugs!

Big Sister Lisa & Little Sister Aubrey

Lisa and Aubrey have been matched since May of 2022. They love spending time together. Aubrey has stated that on a scale from 1 to 10 she gives her Big “one-hundred”, and when asked why, she stated, “She is just wonderful.” Pat, Aubrey’s Grandma and Guardian, has said many times what a perfect match they are and she is so grateful to have her in their lives. Pat says that she can see the relationship that Lisa and Aubrey are forming to be a “lifelong” one. Lisa also loves spending time with Aubrey, and as a fellow social worker sees the importance of the impact she is making on her life. They really are a great match!