Lifelong Bonds Form When the Family Volunteers Together

Torey may have gotten more than he bargained for when he signed up to be a Little Brother in 2012. Not only was he matched to Big Brother Rosendo, but he got a Big Sister in Rosendo’s wife Rebekah, and friends in their two kids Katherine and Nathaniel.

Because Big Brothers Big Sisters knows how important it is for families to spend time together, we offer a “family match” option in which adult volunteers and their children can be matched with a child in their community. Family match opportunities enable volunteers to include a child in their own family’s activities, board games, discussions or fun outings. It is a perfect way to spend time together, as well as a rewarding and educational experience for everyone involved. And, the Family Match is a wonderful chance to introduce children to volunteerism. Think of it as family fun plus one!

As part of a family match for the past five years, Rosendo says, “We have grown close to our Little as well as his family. We are truly thankful for the opportunity and look forward to a lifelong relationship with our Little.”

Boys who are ready to be matched to a mentor may often wait a few months longer, sometimes up to a year, because only 25% of the volunteer inquiries come from men. Family matches are a great way for a boy to enjoy family time and get the benefit of a positive male role model. This can be an especially rich experience for a boy who is living with a non-parent guardian or who may not have siblings or cousins close to his age.

If you’d like more information about how you and your family can mentor a boy in our community, and give your family a meaningful volunteer experience, please click on the “volunteer” tab and complete an application. One of our staff members will contact you to get you started on a journey that will change your life, your family members’ lives, and give a boy a chance to develop self esteem, make lifelong friends, and realize his potential.

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