It costs Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBSCR) $1200 to start and sustain a match for just one year.

Starting a match – as compelling as it is in theory – was intimidating. I knew I wanted to be part of something meaningful to gain a broader and brighter perspective, but it was easy to jump to the what ifs: What if my Little doesn't like me? What if we have nothing in common? What if I’m not qualified to be a mentor?

Only once I met the folks at BBBSCR did I gain some clarity – these feelings were normal and speak volumes to how important it was to put my trust in this process. Trust in the vision and values of the organization, trust in methodical and thoughtful matching, and trust in the power of making a difference.
 

Sustaining a match – this was the easy part. Standing taller than me, my 14-year-old Little is respectful, full of gratitude, super sweet and insanely smart. Just over a year ago, we were complete strangers and now – we’re friends. She’s quickly become one of my favorite people to shop around with at our local markets, expand my food palette with, and be reminded of what those early teenage years were like during our Friday phone calls. The commonalities we share have cultivated the platform for a lasting friendship.  

Unwittingly, she’s taught me that trust is earned, that there is a bigger world outside of just who you surround yourself with, and that – at its very core – giving back can end up being a mutually beneficial experience.

All of this because we put our trust in the process.
I hope you can, too.

Please consider donating!

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Grow Something Big is all about celebrating the life-changing impact of mentoring and bringing that opportunity to more kids throughout the Capital Region. We can all think of mentors who've helped us grow into the people we are today. Where would you be without that person? Some communities don't have acces to an information network of mentors. That's where you come in. You can bring caring mentors into children's lives. Mentors help them think about their futures, making healthy choices, and having positive relationships. When you make a donation of any size, it changes lives. 

$15 - pays to bring a child to and from the Site-Based Program to see their college-aged mentors

$25 - interview of one child and their parent

$50 - state and federal backgrouned check for one volunteer

$100 - volunteer recruitment efforts

$250 - full enrollment of one volunteer