CEO Corner June 2021
6/15/2021
Whew…what a month! June has certainly been a month to remember with this hot weather and our youth wrapping up an unforgettable academic school year. As the summer heats up, we’re celebrating our Littles (that aren’t so little anymore) graduating high school and starting the next chapter in their lives. Although most Littles age out of the program when they turn 18, many continue their long-term friendships with their mentors. Friendships like Tim and James…
Tim has been a Big Brother four times over 26 years. Yes, you heard that right, 26 years! He was first matched in 1982. Many of these matches lasted over a decade. He especially keeps in touch with his third Little Brother, James. This pair bonded over sports. “Because I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, I'm a big fan of all the Pittsburgh sport teams and see it reflected in my years with James ― all of his favorite teams are also Pittsburgh teams. James and his wife have a 3 year old boy now and the day he was born, James wrapped him in the Pittsburgh Steelers towel,” Tim wrote (almost certainly with a chuckle). He continued, reflecting on “great memories from all those years. [I] spent a lot of time with each…but because of those important hours as a mentor, I was really able to make life changing impacts.”
James would agree. “I got matched to Tim when I was 9. He got me into hockey. [I] Love hockey…We did camping, hiking trips, we did sports, and it was a lot of fun!”
Both Tim and James contacted me after our last newsletter went out in May. It was a wonderful surprise connecting and reminiscing with them about the impact a mentor makes. We always love to hear these stories. A lesson taught or learned, a new opportunity or door opened, a special connection or just a lasting moment in time – this is what we are all about. We call them “mission moments.” So, if you have anything you want to share, send it my way!
Tim and James are just one example of how mentoring really, really works! Donating your time or treasure helps ignite potential in our NH youth and creates lasting friendships with long-term impact. If you're interested in joining Tim as a Big, visit our website to learn more.
And congratulations to all our Littles graduating this season. We are rooting for you every step of the way and are excited - along with your mentors - to see what the next chapter brings!
Congratulations to everyone turning over a new leaf this season,
Stacy W. Kramer, CEO
PS: June is PRIDE month and in case you missed it last month, we highlighted our new PRISM program. Read more about our work to recruit both mentors and youth from the LGBTQ community. You interested? Click below.