Cesar Munoz and Kyle have been matched for a year and a half in the Partners Program.

Kyle nominated Cesar for the Inspire Mentor Award; Cesar was recognized as a state finalist in February.  Cesar was also named a BBBS Volunteer of the Year in April.  Below is an excerpt from Kyle’s nomination. 

“At first I didn't know what to think about mentoring.  But after we hung out a couple times I realized that we have a lot in common.  We like the same music, like the same sports, and we have the same personalities for the most part.  He has been a good role model for me because he lived in the same place as me, faced similar obstacles and he overcame them and has been to college and has a career at the age of 23.  I really admire him because he showed me that hard work and dedication can lead to good things in life.  Whenever I get in trouble, he doesn’t give up on me, instead he talks to me about it and helps me seek a better alternative to the things I’m doing.  Whenever we hang out we always have fun, even if we just sit around and chill.  I look up to Cesar a lot and I’m lucky to have someone like him in my life.  We have a good relationship as friends and I can tell him stuff that other people won’t understand.  I recently lost my dad and he was supportive of me.  The things we like to do most are get haircuts, play ball, go out to eat, and chill.  Even though I have a lot of disciplinary issues, he still doesn’t look at me like a bad kid who can never do anything right.  I think he looks at me like a kid who makes poor choices but is still a good kid. I don’t have any positive male role models in my life and I never have before Cesar.”

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The first Youth Outcomes Report shows statistically significant improvements for youth during the first year of enrollment in the organization’s nationwide mentoring program in three targeted outcome areas related to high school graduation and lifelong success: avoidance of risky behaviors, socio-emotional competency, and educational success.

A few highlights of the study:
    Educational Success
94.5% of youth indicated improvement or maintained an average or above average score in the area of educational success (e.g., scholastic competency, educational expectations, and grades)

    Socio-Emotional Competency
97.9% of youth indicated improvement or maintained an average or above average score in the area of socio-emotional competence (e.g., social acceptance and self-confidence)

    Avoidance of Risky Behaviors
88.8% of youth indicated improvement of maintained an average or above average score in the area of avoidance of risky behaviors (e.g., use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, breaking school rules, late for school, and truancy)
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Big Sister Alaina Vorndran, who graduates this May from Purdue University, was motivated to get involved in BBBS of Greater Lafayette because she "loves kids" and wanted to offer guidance and friendship to a young person.

The agency immediately recognized that Alaina would be a fantastic Big Sister for fourteen-year-old Alexis because they are both "tell-it-like-it-is" kind of girls with big, bold personalities and big, bold dreams.

Since July 2011, when they were first introduced, Alexis and Alaina have enjoyed spending time together horseback riding, swimming, baking delicious treats, scrapbooking their adventures, carving pumpkins, going out for ice cream, cheering-on the Purdue football team, sharing conversations over meals, and treating themselves to pedicures!

Alexis has undergone much transition in the last year including making choices that resulted in being placed on probation, moving to a new school district, and having a change in parental custody. Throughout this time Alaina has been a stable force in Alexis’ life. Alexis says of her Big Sister: "Alaina is one of those people who wants to help and wants to help fix things. She encourages people to do what they want and makes you laugh sometimes." From Alaina, Alexis has learned to "be respectful" and "stay away from the drama and fighting" at school. Alexis perceives that Alaina is a good role model because she

advises: "if you want to do something you should stick to your goal."

For example, Alexis mentioned to Alaina that she’d like to play a sport; Alaina encouraged her to try out and Alexis made the swimming team! Alaina also gives Alexis practical advice about pursuing her dream of graduating from business school and owning her own salon.

Alaina feels that she and Alexis make a good match in that "Alexis has ambitions and goals" and Alaina is devoted to pushing people to achieve their best. Alaina was most proud of Alexis when she signed up for swimming and made such a positive decision on her own. Alaina swam competitively for years so this is a great connection for them.

Alaina recalls that her personality as a teenager was very similar to Alex’s personality now. So, she can relate to the way Alexis talks about boys and friends. Alaina likes being a Big because she "really values seeing that she’s made a difference in Alexis’ life."

Alexis’ father Shawn thinks that the match is "great" and "positive"

and that Alaina is "a good role model for Alexis." He perceives that Alaina is showing Alexis "a lot about what it means to grow up" as well as "how she needs to change in order to succeed." He can tell that Alexis is more excited about her future, and going to college, after she gets home from an outing with Alaina. He is going to hate to see her go because Alexis adores her.

Though he match will close in August due to Alaina’s graduation and pursuit of a marketing position out of state, Alaina and Alexis plan to continue their friendship long-distance.

Thank you, Alaina, for inspiring Alexis to pursue her big, bold dreams!

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BB Sam Klement works as a reporter and host for WBAA Public Radio.  Two months after arriving in Lafayette he contacted the BBBS agency to become a Big Brother.  Even during the first interview, the BBBS case manager knew Sam would be perfect for LB Jayden.  Jayden is a really smart young man, has a great, supportive mother, but he needed someone to help harness his energy in a positive direction.  Sam and Jayden met in Aug of 2010 and have been best buds ever since.

They have done a lot of fun and amazing activities such as going to Butler for the Final Four and to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl’s NFL Experience. “That was just plain amazing and glad we experienced that together” Jayden says about the Super Bowl Experience.  However, it is the simple activities of shooting hoops and just hanging out and talking to one another that has had the most impact on them both.  Recently Jayden’s grandfather died and Sam was there for Jayden and the entire family.  Jayden said, “He is always there for me even if it a phone call or just a text message. No matter what he is there.  He has never let me down not once. During tuff times he puts a smile on my face.”

Sam is working with Jayden to show him the importance of putting forth his best effort when trying to achieve something and Jayden has been listening.  When asked why Sam is a good BB, Jayden stated “he is very wise and has alot to teach me… Sam sees a lot of potential in me that I don't see. He brings that out in me. He makes me realize I can do anything that I set my mind to… He has taught me to never give up and to keep my head up no matter what life throws at me. Sam has also taught me to reach for the top because when you do you can achieve anything that I set my mind to.  We love hanging out together and have a good friendship and nothing can ruin that.”  Another area of improvement is Jayden is now more accountable for his actions.  Sam says “(Jayden is) more accountable for his actions.  He is quicker to take responsibility and shows a lot of leadership skills.  He also is putting more emphasis on school work, which is excellent.  I hope one day he can hang his college diploma right next to his first NBA contract.”

Jayden’s mother, Stephanie, has been very supportive of the match. Sam credits her for much of their success as a match saying “(she) is phenomenal and has been integral in making our match work so well."  She states Sam is helping her son “develop into a responsible young man. He is making better selections when it comes to his friends and he is making all around better decisions. Sam has built a life long bond with Jayden. The two of them are a perfect match. He has taught Jayden the importance of doing well not only in school but every day life.  Sam has been a blessing in keeping Jayden going on the right track here in the present and building on his future also. He is a very caring and strong person that Jayden needs to look up to. Plain and simple, Sam is the best role model that I could have ever asked for my son. The Big Brothers Big Sisters staff has never let me down and is doing a great job for the community in getting young people today a person that they can look up to. To Big Brothers Big Sisters staff I would like to say thank you for helping me in giving my son someone to look up to and put positive things in his life.”

As they go into the future Sam sums up his relationship with Jayden by saying “I sometimes forget he is only 14 because Jayden is as amazing of a person as I have ever met.  He is precocious, intelligent, caring, and humble (except when he and I play basketball).  I often think he doesn’t give himself enough credit for all he has achieved and I truly believe he is destined to do great things and make a positive impact on the world.  He and I started as friends, but have grown into lifelong brothers.  It’s a special bond that I cherish greatly.”  Jayden sums it up by talking of a fun moment between them saying “we were playing basketball and he had to admit that I was superior to him then because I won! But, really every moment is special and memoriable with Sam especially him being there for me when my grandma pasted away. Sam is the best brother. Mom tells me all the time we are like two peas in a pod.”

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Big Brother John and Little Brother Jason have been matched since October, 2010. 

"John is really fun and awesome.  He takes me places and we like to play outside. He taught me how to play golf" says nine year old Jason.

Jason has become part of John's family.  They have even welcomed Jason's family into theirs by sharing the holidays together. John says “I look forward to the consistency of our weekly lunch meeting at his school and incorporating Jason into many of our family activities.   He has quickly become part of our family as our daughter thinks of him like a brother and my wife and I naturally want to include him into our activities.  Jason is treated like a celebrity with our neighborhood kids.   Getting to know his family has been a pleasure and we were able to share a holiday meal together.  We learned about each other’s traditions, favorite memories, etc. and the time together allowed us to move beyond the regular hellos and goodbyes.  It was a very comfortable gathering and we look forward to strengthening those bonds in the future.   We have been to Purdue games, gone swimming, visited festivals, taken nature walks, ridden bikes, gone to the farmer’s market, prepared food, gone out for meals, etc.   Some of the simplest activities have been our greatest times together.    I am proud to be known as Jason’s Big at school!”

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Sisters for Life 

Big Sister Jenny Gossard and Little Sister Kierstin have been matched for three years in the Partners program.  They enjoyed a number of activities together over the years but their favorites include ice skating, eating out, going out for coffee, but mostly just hanging out and talking.  They have built a very close bond and even when Jenny was traveling a quite a bit for missions trips, they stayed in contact via email and Facebook. 

When they were first matched, Kierstin was looking for someone to be a positive role model and for someone to encourage her.  Jenny quickly fulfilled these roles.  Jenny was able to help Kierstin with schoolwork and give her support, motivation and advice.  Jenny and Kierstin have such a strong relationship that they have experienced smiles, laughter, and tears together.  

Through the years, Jenny has been a stable component in Kierstin’s life.  Jenny has always been there for Kierstin.  Kierstin knows that even if Jenny is not near geographically, she has emotional support from her and knows that their sisterly bond is strong.

Jenny and Kierstin’s match has officially closed since Jenny will be graduating from Purdue and is currently not living in the greater Lafayette area due to an internship.  Even though the match is closed, this relationship that started three years ago, will continue for many years to come. 

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One thing is for sure - I definitely have a whole new level of respect for ballroom dancers.  They make it look so easy!  We had a 3-hour practice on Saturday...whew!  By the end of it my brain felt a little mushy, but the good news is that I have now learned all of the Tango routine, which makes me feel a lot better!  The routine and music are both great.  Next I will be working on the Swing routine which I think will feel a little more natural to me.  I tried a couple of moves during yesterday's practice and they are really fun!  However, the thing that I keep wondering is how I'm going to do these dances in heels!  Yikes!
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The idea of being on Dancing with the Stars is really cool, right?  You see the really cool costumes, the neat dance floor and the crowd cheering them on, and it makes you want to dance even more!  That's what happened to me too!  I was extremely excited when I committed to do the Lafayette DWTS for Big Brothers Big Sisters!  Then Day One arrived.

You are in the dance studio, staring at a mirror and you realize:  there are no cameras, no fancy outfits, no crowds, and oh yeah, you can't really dance either!  Luckily I have an incredible dance partner, Michelle Tate from Tates’ Dance Studio.  She has taught me so much!  After just a few sessions I already know my Foxtrot steps and my Mambo is coming along.  I actually feel like I know what I am doing!  Now I am not saying I am Derrick Hough, but I am excited to keep on learning and growing as a new dancer.  This is fun!  So stay tuned to watch video of our practice sessions and see pictures from our journey!

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Well, after the first night of practice, I already feel more comfortable with the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone!  Andrew and Michelle are such professionals and they did a great job with putting me at ease.  I know I'm in good hands, so I am just going to trust them and follow their lead!  Oddly enough that is going to the be the hardest thing to do on the dance floor - follow someone else's lead!  It is funny how different partner dancing is from the kind of dancing I'm used to.  I'm used to performing my choreography while keeping formation with a team.  Now I have to remember that all of my choreography is directly connected to someone else's choreography.  He steps, I step.  He turns, I turn.  I fall, he falls!
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