Big and Ambassador Board member Gerod has been matched with his Little Kayden for over 2 years. They were matched in the summer of 2021 when COVID was still causing shutdowns and issues. Despite this Gerod and Kayden found ways to get together in-person and make a connection in that first year. Their first match outing focused on each getting to know each other and Gerod visiting the family’s home and meeting Kayden’s parents and his grandmother. In their first year they developed a relationship and got to know each other over food, going to a trampoline park, getting their haircut, going to downtown Detroit and many other activities.
Gerod and Kayden have also taken advantage of Big Brothers Big Sisters match outing activities. These have included our annual field day event, clay art activities, making thank you cards, and getting Kayden a bike via our Bike 4 Kidz partner. Gerod has gone the extra mile with BBBSSEM by sitting as a volunteer and through his engagement on the Ambassador Board, which includes Bigs Brews events, youth enrichments activities and supporting BBBSSEM fundraisers.
“One-to-one mentoring is where I feel I can have the most influence on the life trajectory of a young person and I deeply support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
When Gerod was asked why he was motivated to get involved with BBBSSEM. He said “I would like to help children born into circumstances that will negatively impact their physical health, emotional development, and occupational opportunity. One-to-one mentoring is where I feel I can have the most influence on the life trajectory of a young person and I deeply support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
