Big Brothers Big Sisters-Community-Based Program (One-to-One Mentoring)
Six years ago, the stability of Liam’s family was shattered when his father disappeared from his life. He was profoundly hurt and asked his mother, “Does my dad even love me?” Alongside the emotional pain, Liam struggled both academically and socially and made little progress in reading and math. He practiced at home and attended extra help sessions at school, but his improvement was minimal. Being pulled from class for additional support left him feeling isolated and different from his peers. Liam couldn’t fully understand why he felt this way, but the constant reminders of his struggles—papers marked “U” for unsatisfactory—took a toll on his self-esteem. He began calling himself “dumb” and “stupid.” And when he reached second grade, he had given up. He stopped trying, refused to complete his work, and began arguing with his teacher. He was increasingly withdrawn, shy, and argumentative. His smile disappeared, and he refused to have his picture taken. Panic attacks became frequent, and he lived in a constant state of fear. The lowest point came when Liam told his mother he “just wanted to die” and that “nobody could love him because his dad doesn’t love him.” Mom was devastated and realized she couldn’t give him everything he needed. So, she enrolled Liam in counseling, sought answers for his academic challenges, and decided to find him a Big Brother. Liam and his Big Brother instantly connected, bonding over Pokémon and animals, both their favorites. Liam’s mother described this bond as unique—something no one else could replicate. It was a connection that only his Big Brother could provide, and she saw it as essential to Liam’s success. He immediately had a willingness to open up to his Big. He became talkative, went swimming without criticizing himself as “fat,” and began to rediscover trust in a male figure. His Big was consistent, reliable, and true to his word. He showed up every time he promised and spent meaningful time with Liam. The difference in Liam was undeniable, he’d always come home in a great mood. When Liam struggled, he turned to his Big Brother for advice, encouragement, or reassurance that someone was there for him. Liam has since been diagnosed with dyslexia and anxiety, and his father remains absent. Despite these challenges, Liam has transformed. He smiles openly—teeth and all—and asks to have his picture taken. His self-confidence has been restored, and he values himself. His outlook on life, hope for the future, and ability to cope with challenges have improved dramatically. He has developed a newfound love for reading and completes his homework. His teacher was astonished at the change, saying, “I can’t believe this is the same boy as last year. He is one of my best students—eager to learn, helpful, and incredibly kind.” Liam was so excited about school that he didn’t want the year to end. Together, Liam and his Big Brother share unforgettable moments, like making Mentos-and-Coke bottle explosions in a mall parking lot. They also enjoy shopping at Sam’s Club and grabbing pizza and soda afterward. On Friday nights, they relax with movies and snacks, and they stay active by swimming and hiking. Liam’s mother believes a significant part of his happiness is due to his Big Brother. Their unique connection has taught him to love himself and life again. Liam reflected on their match: “I felt awful before my Big Brother came into my life, but now I feel awesome.”