PRES. OBAMA ADVOCATES MENTORING PROGRAMS - BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

I inquired about the enrollment process, it was explained to me that it involved a rigorous application and interview process (which involves the parent(s), child, the social worker and the match candidate). We were successfully approved and the matching process began. The agency selected Ana, she was the perfect match based on all the qualifications, compatibility and factors involved.

"A" has been a godsend to my daugher and I. She is an absolutely wonderful, caring, compassionate, intelligent and trustworthy woman. She is the perfect role model and I couldn't have asked for a better match. She has a great head on her shoulders and her values and morals were similar to mine particularly on the topic of education. Eduction is very important to me and I am impressed and proud of her honorable achievements. She has a college background and a history of stable employment.

"A" tutored "M" in various subjects and helped her prepare for the entrance exams to college, which she successfully passed.

As a volunteer, you are given a lot of responsibility and must devote a tremendous amount of time and commitment. I have to give her a lot of credit in fulfilling her obligations.

"A" is a true blessing from Heaven and I am truly grateful that God has brought her to us at a time of need. She is indeed an asset to our family. She is a part of our family. She is my honorary "daughter".

"A" to this day is still Michelle's mentor and will always be forever.

THE PROGRAM AND ALL ITS STAFF IS JUST OUTSTANDING! I COULDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER PROGRAM TO SUIT MY PERSONAL NEEDS!

"Spending time with my Little Brother is easy. Stuff I'd do anyway is more fun with him."

In our lives, each of us shared an important connection with someone who broadened our horizons and brought a little magic into our lives.

It was the person who taught you to throw that perfect spiral, or sat in the front row to cheer you on, even when it was embarrassing. These are the little moments that Big Brothers and Big Sisters experience every day.

These real life stories are just a few of the ways Big Brothers Big Sisters is changing lives and communities forever.

Paul and Victor Join the Club

Paul Castillo was a very lucky boy growing up. He was surrounded by great male role models and mentors starting with his father who did things like schedule his work during baseball season so he could be home early to coach Paul's little league team. And as Paul grew older he found other great men to help and guide him as he turned into the wonderful man he is today.

One day there he was, all grown up and ready to share what he knew with some young fellow needing help and guidance. And you know what he did. That's right, he came to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Next thing you know he was walking into a local McDonald's to meet nine year old Victor for the very first time.

Victor's mother Maria had experienced difficulties. Seeing this affected Victor deeply and led to him become depressed. He had many challenges and temptations to go astray. Maria was worried about Victor. Being a clever lady and a great mother she realized Victor needed a successful male role model he could trust and learn from. So off she marched to talk to us, Big Brothers Big Sisters.

And that's how Paul and Victor came to meet in that McDonald's and leave as Big Brother Paul and Little Brother Victor. Although Victor was shy at that first meeting he knew right away that Paul was going to be his long time friend and mentor. As Maria says of that first meeting, "%u2026he could not stop smiling, and it brought tears to my eyes because I had not seen him smile so much in a very long time."

And that smile has continued, and, if it's even possible, gotten bigger as time has gone on. The bond between them continues to strengthen every day. Big Paul and Little Victor have done all kinds of things together. Perhaps most importantly Paul encouraged Victor to join the Homework Club at school. At first Victor didn't want to do this but as time has gone on he discovered an amazing thing: "The more I started to go and get help from the tutors the better I got on my homework." And not just homework improved, so did his grades and attitude about school and being successful.

Victor has become an outspoken, outgoing, and confident twelve year old who now enjoys trying new things and going new places. And Little Brother Victor has taught Paul much about patience and understanding. Being with Victor takes Paul back to that time in his life when everything was new and every day was an adventure.

The Big Brother Big Sister experience has been so fulfilling for Paul that he has gone far beyond just being a Big. He knows that there is large need for Latino Bigs so has made it a personal goal to recruit more. Paul is always spreading the word, participating in media and recruitment events, helping us set up strategic partnerships, serving on our Latino Advisory Council, and even giving us large financial donations. (He truly is a wonderful person and a great Big)

In Big Brother Paul's own words, "I know that I am a better person and father for having had him in my life and for that I am truly grateful." And we end with Little Brother Victor telling us "when I grow up I want to be successful like my Big Brother." And he adds those words we love to hear: "I want to be a Big Brother just like him." Big Paul and Little Victor, truly a team on the journey to growth and success.

Want to bring a little magic into someone's life? Volunteer now »