Be a Champion | Big Brothers Big Sister

Written By: Danielle Hernandez-Juarez | Issue: Winter - 2023

One major point of feedback we receive from so many individuals who have a powerful desire to be a champion in a child’s life, and to be part of something Big, is that they are concerned they can’t be what is expected because they are a part-time resident. 

Might I say, On the contrary!

Let me tell you a little story about a part-time resident who is a Big Sister (mentor) and a full-time resident Little (mentee).

What were the chances of meeting Liz? Well, honestly, more likely slim than none, to be frankly honest with you. She lives in a community outside of our program market and it was on pure luck that our paths crossed that day. You see, I wasn’t supposed to be at this event, in a club community, running an informational table about Big Brothers Big Sisters on a Saturday. To this day, I am beyond thankful I was.

The moment I met Liz, I knew she was the perfect Big Sister for Little Viv who had been waiting for some time for the right person to be her mentor and to champion her and show her that she can be anything and everything she wants to be. Liz had one concern though – she is a part-time resident, and she couldn’t be here during winter months to support a prospective Little Sister. While this is a completely valid concern, this is where creativity and flexibility are our biggest allies!

You see, I’m a strong a believer in “where’s there’s a will, there’s a way” and my friends, there’s always a way to be involved in a child’s life!

During off-season months, Big Sister Liz and Little Sister Viv stay in contact regularly. While they are not necessarily getting together and having outings in the community in person, they are using technology and old-school communication to their advantage. This match has taken the challenge of part-time residency to the max and have consistent communication through FaceTime, video chats, phone calls, letters in the mail (which, might we add, works on literacy and social interaction), small gifts, and they even send care packages to one another. Liz is always supportive of Viv in her schoolwork and is there to encourage her every step of the way. A simple text, phone call, or video chat goes a long way!

Match Support is the method in which BBBS supports matches on a regular basis. Each participant is contacted for check ins, and we touch on extremely specific key areas to ensure the health and wellbeing of the match. Without fail, each conversation and meeting with this Big Sister, Little Sister, and parents, is filled with excitement about recent conversations and letters in the mail. The two seize these opportunities to both spend time with family, focus on schoolwork, celebrate holidays but consistently touch base with one another. Little Viv knows she can contact her Big any time.

Should I mention the part about when they reunite after winter months?!  They’re inseparable! The bond these two share is strong because of the will to keep it alive during time apart. They already have their entire summer planned out because they’ve worked on plans all winter long.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC is about building relationships and fostering the power and promise in youth. Here in Cashiers and Highlands, we have Littles who are waiting, some for over a year, for the Big Brother they need to be that powerful male role model; some for the Big Sister they need because they have lost a female dear to them. Each story is different, but in the end, all children need an extra champion by their side, to walk with them, to guide them, support them and encourage them to reach their fullest potential.

You can be that person. You can defend a child’s potential. You can ignite a child’s potential.

The time commitment is minimal and is flexible – a total of 4-8 hours of your time each month. Even that small amount of time can deeply impact the lives of children here on the Plateau.

Don’t wait! You can learn more by contacting me, Danielle Hernandez, local Senior Program Coordinator, at (828) 399-9133 by phone or text, or email at [email protected]. Please visit bbbswnc.org to begin your enrollment to make a Big impact and to ignite the potential and promise that is within each and every young person!

Where there’s a will, there’s most definitely always a way.