Many of us are familiar with the work of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization – the program is widely recognized and has been referenced, both obliquely and directly, in all kinds of popular media including literature, movies, and television. In real life, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire has had a huge and meaningful impact on the community. There is no better way to understand this impact than by hearing the stories of ‘Brothers’ and ‘Sisters’ both Big and Little.
Several such stories have been recently published in the Laconia Daily Sun, and on BBBSNH's website blog:
Big Brother Harris, Little Brother Micheal (Laconia Daily Sun, 2023)
Being paired with Michael is helping the young teen enhance his character and values. “One of the things I’ve seen in Michael is the spirit of doing your best,” Harris says. “We talk. He’s open. I’ve seen him grow academically. He talks about his future and careers he’s interested in. The fact that he’s thinking about that stuff is pretty special and pretty mature.”
Big Sister Kristen, Little Sister Nevaeh (Laconia Daily Sun, 2023)
When asked what she likes about having a Big Sister, Nevaeh says, “It’s good to talk with someone I don’t live with. My grandparents don’t do young people things.” Tammy [her grandmother] smiles as she agrees. “Kristen has taken Nevaeh to the beach and snow tubing at Gunstock, and they climbed a fire tower, among many other things. Dan and I can’t physically do all those things.” Nevaeh affirms, “Kristen is fun and active. We have fun no matter what we do.”
Big Sister Sandy, Little Sister Bri (Laconia Daily Sun, 2023)
“I fell in love with the idea of being a little sister,” says Bri, who’s now a senior at Winnisquam High School. “I see Sandy as a friend, and I have seen her as a mentor and a really strong role model to look up to.” … McLaughlin sees Bri as the most resilient of the hundreds of students she has worked with over the years. “Somehow, she has the inner strength to stay positive and hopeful and generous, caring and kind. She has surprised me with Mother’s Day gifts and frequent flowers, and I am awed by her compassion for anyone who is struggling. She is hard-working and pushes herself academically by taking honors and college classes and physically by working out and playing sports. She will finish her senior year and head to college, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Big Brother Steve, Little Brother Christian (BBBSNH blog Alumni Week - Steve and Christian)
Steve and Christian were paired 20 years ago, and their friendship has continued ever since. They both share their experience in this blog feature.
Big Brother Pete and Little Brother Matt (BBBSNH blog Mentorship Month - Pete and Matt)
With a 40-year age gap Pete and Matt may have seemed an unlikely pairing, but the resulting friendship lasted a lifetime. Read their touching story in this BBBSNH blog post.
We will continue to feature Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire throughout the month of February.