‘I could never not be her Big Sister’
Big of the Year is dedicated to friendship for the long-term In November 2011, Beth Hendrickson was introduced to 6-year-old Akasha. The quiet first grader and Hendrickson began a Bigs...
‘Being a Big grows your heart’
Mentors age 50+ share their motivations for volunteering Big Sister Sandy Conroy Matched with Hailey since November 2009 Why did you become a Big? In my mid-40s, I was an empty...
You’re never ‘too old’ to be a Big
The Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is: Provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The word “enduring”...
Friendship with Big Brother offered ‘a slice of normal’
“A slice of normal” is what former Little Brother Steve Ramus got from his Big Brother. Raised by his grandmother with no other children in the home, Steve says his...
Donors, volunteers make our 60th anniversary possible
How can we best guide the next generation to make the most of their lives? In 1958 a group of Kalamazoo residents asked just this question. Concerned about the community’s...
BBBS donors + match support = long, life-changing friendships
My Little Sister Chloe and I recently celebrated a milestone: five years of friendship. I’m not sharing this to boast but rather to thank and recognize those who’ve made our...
Big Brother helps Little turn his life around
Ryan DeNooyer’s face lights up with pride when he talks about his Little Brother Shaquille. He is very proud of the progress his Little Brother has made in the three...
Battle Creek organizations think ‘out of the box’
New Bigs in Business program set One of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fastest growing programs is Bigs in Business where students are transported to a business near their school for...
Your generosity, support helps local children achieve success
Thanks to your generosity and support, we are proud to report that 2013 was a tremendous year for kids in the five counties we serve. More than 1,200 children were...
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2015 STAR Award winner ‘He’s always exceeding expectations.’
‘He’s always exceeding expectations.’ Zack Isaacs wins 2015 STAR Award youth category As a high school freshman, Zack Isaacs became interested in becoming a Big Brother. However, he was too...
Getting fit, together
Getting fit, together These Bigs and Littles put physical fitness into their matches Who: Big Sister Shannon Kelly and Little Sister Calise (above) Goal: Finish the 2.2-mile Tutu Run; make...