Best Friends

Bob (Big) and his “Little,” Nate, a Community-Based Match

"My Big Brother is my best friend"

-Nate, who was matched with Bob in the Community-Based Mentoring Program last summer

Nate, a Little, from Bristol:

Last summer I was matched with Bob, a Big Brother, and we do something together every weekend. We go to the movies, fairs, hike, snowshoe, fish, kayak, volunteer at the animal shelter and lots of other neat stuff. It's terrific.

I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at my Big Brother's home and have become close to his whole family. Recently on my birthday he and his wife took me to a real nice restaurant. They have encouraged me to do well in school and answer lots of questions for me. They are like the family I never had. My Big Brother is my best friend. When I get older I want to be a Big Brother and help some boy through tough times just like I was helped by Bob and his family.

Bob, a Big, from South Bristol:

When I retired after 31 years of college teaching (and many years as a Boy Scout leader), I decided that I would like to continue to be involved with young people. I began as a volunteer math tutor at the local school. When I learned about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I thought that I would like to give it a try. I was matched with a fifteen year old boy, Nate, who was basically an orphan. I was somewhat wary at first as I didn't know what to expect. The relationship has developed in to something special for both of us. We are together every Saturday or Sunday and I take great pleasure in seeing how happy he is. One of the great joys was watching him catch his first fish- a 35" inch striped bass.

My wife and I have both become close to my 'little' and he is like one of the family. My son who is 23 also joins us for some of our activities. He and Nate have become good friends as well. I believe we have had a very positive effect on Nate's attitudes about life. He is more optimistic and open. He's now talking about college and a career in animal care. He's a fine young man who just needed some kindness and encouragement. Because of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program he's received both.