In a Mentoring Relationship, Everyone Benefits
You might know Amy Kuchta as our CEO, but did you also know she’s been matched since 2012 with her mentee, Little Sister Chloe? They were first matched as a part of our former Big Families program, where families (in this case, Amy and her daughter Laryn) mentored Chloe together.
AN HONORARY MOM
Amy, Laryn, and Chloe have grown so much together that Chloe thinks of Amy as her “honorary mom.”
“She’s just a part of us now,” Chloe explains.
Her family is so accustomed to Amy being in their lives that it’s not uncommon for them to ask Chloe how Amy is doing– even over holiday dinner!
LIGHT ACTIVITIES TO DEEP CONVERSATION
The match has changed and grown over the last decade.
In the beginning, Chloe shares, “Everything was very activity-based. Amy would take me and Laryn swimming, to the movies, we even tried curling for a season! Now that I’m older, most of our time is focused on talking and catching up over lunch or breakfast. She knows basically everything about me.”
THEY’VE BOTH BENEFITED
Amy, a passionate advocate for BBBS’ mission, offers, “I really enjoy the time I spend with Chloe – she’s an amazing human!”
While Chloe looks up to Amy, Amy has learned a lot from Chloe, as well. She explains, “Chloe has taught me a lot about strength, and the power of pushing through, no matter what challenges you encounter.”
THINKING OF BECOMING A BIG?
We asked both Chloe and Amy if they have any advice for folks who are thinking about becoming a Big.
“Definitely do it!” Amy says. “It’s a great way to make a new friend, give back, and learn. I’ve grown so much as a person since I met Chloe.”
“You just have to get through the awkward first stage. There’s this moment in the beginning of, ‘Oh, this is a complete stranger,’ but now look where we are. She’s my honorary mom,” shares Chloe. “I want to be a Big one day.”
If you know a child that would benefit from a Big please click here. If you’d like to become a Big, or you know someone who’d make a great Big, please click here.
