One mentor, two hours a week: How Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is changing young lives
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- For children facing adversity, having a trusted adult to lean on can make all the difference. That's the mission behind Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, that connects local youth with caring adult volunteers through one-on-one mentoring relationships.
The organization carefully matches volunteer mentors, known as "Bigs," with children, or "Littles," based on shared interests and personalities, creating friendships that often last for years.
For Jaxon, who has been matched with his Big, Steve, for about a year, those weekly outings have become something he looks forward to.
"We've gone to parks, we've explored, we've gone to Badlands," Jaxon said when asked about some of their adventures together.
He describes the experience simply: "It's fun. It's really cool."
Whether they're grabbing a bite to eat, exploring a local trail or just spending time together, the consistency of those weekly visits has made a meaningful difference.
When asked what advice Steve has given him, Jaxon laughed before answering, "Try not to be as messy. Shave."
Jaxon's mother, Misti, says the relationship has had a profound impact on her son's life.
"It's been really nice," she said. "The consistency—Steve shows up every week for him. And Jaxon really needs that in his life. He doesn't get the stability outside of this from a male figure, so it's been very beneficial."
That dependable presence is exactly what the mentoring program strives to provide for every child it serves.
However, the need for volunteers continues to grow.
Misti hopes more adults will consider becoming mentors.
"If you can be a Big, do it," she said. "The way I see it is, Steve dedicates two hours a week. Two hours is not a very big commitment."
She says Tuesdays have become Jaxon's favorite day of the week.
"When Jaxon comes home, he's like, 'It's Steve Day! It's Steve Day!'"
For Misti, the value of the program extends beyond just her family.
"There's a lot of kids who don't have fathers or mothers, and this program gives them that other gender opportunity," she said. "Steve said it was really intimidating at first, but he's loving it now. He shows up every week and he's like, 'Yeah, let's do this!'"
Jaxon says having another trusted adult in his life has given him someone he can talk to.
When asked whether it's different talking with an adult mentor, he replied, "It's different with the adult."
Every new mentor means another child has someone willing to show up, listen and believe in them.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer Big or supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, click here.
