Grand Opening Comments, Stories and Reflections
As part of our grand opening celebration, guests were invited to share their favorite BBBS stories or memories, or to tell us why they are excited about our new mentoring center. We received many beautiful responses. You can read some of them here.
“There are so many things I loved and continue to love about BBBS… interviewing Littles & Bigs and seeing them as matches at events, craziness and meaningful moments at All-Staff meetings, being inspired by my own Little Sister and being matched for 4.5 years and counting, watching Brent run around trying to fix roof leaks at Tillery when it rained (leaks were always in a new spot), the fact that I’m able to have a new role as an advocate for the amazing work and mission that BBBS carries out.” –A Big Sister and Former Staff Member
“BBBS has given me so much: A career I love, a passion for mentoring, amazing friends and coworkers, my Little Sister. This new building will help BBBS continue to do these things for others and will help change people’s lives in the Austin community.” –A Current Staff Member and Big Sister
“I owe a great debt to BBBS of Austin for providing me with a friend for a lifetime. Dale and I were matched in 1981 when I was 7 years old. My father had recently passed away and Dale provided me the friendship and mentorship I desperately needed. I am a current board member and I still see Dale often! Thank you BBBS!” –David, A Former Little and Current Board Member
“When we were called for a match, I was happy. My daughter and her Big Sister have had a 1-year anniversary already and they continue to grow together. I love the program and hope to soon have my other daughter matched with a good Big.” –Mother of a Little
“I have been with the program for about 8 years now. My mom asked if I wanted to be in the program during my year of 5th grade. My grades were struggling. I had no guidance without a father figure in my life. I was matched with my Big Brother and we have been best friends ever since and have grown up together.” –A Little Brother
“I think the center is cool. My best memory is hard to choose because it’s all fun. Rock climbing was fun. I love my Big Sister. Also, this is a big building.” –A Little Sister
“The best memory with my Big was when I went to my basketball game. It was amazing.” –A Little Brother
“Thank you for all the fun activities you guys put on for Bigs & Littles. It’s amazing to see you grow from the small office to this mentoring center! Here’s to many more years of Bigs & Littles FUN!” –A Big Brother
“My favorite memory is every time my Little and I work on our scrapbook, because we get to reminisce on all our outings. I’m excited for what this new building will have to offer in terms of activities.” –A Big Sister
“I love seeing our Little grow and becoming a confident young man who has an amazing future ahead of him. My husband and I are privileged to say we are a part of his life.” –A Big Couple
“I have seen so many ‘magic moments,’ but there’s something really special about watching our kids walk our BBBS Scholarship stage and hearing about all the awesome post-educational plans they have! We are surrounded by so many fans, supporters and families. I am SO happy to now have a ‘home’ that they can all visit and enjoy.” –A Current Staff Member
“My wife and I were both Bigs in 1994-95 in San Antonio. We ended when our Littles ended the matches and we had our own kids. I was able to re-join the agency in 2013, joining the Board of Directors. It’s been such a pleasure to re-engage and be part of the wonderful growth of this agency.” –A Current Board Member
Thank you all for being an important part of OUR story! If you have your own BBBS memories and comments to share with us, please send them to Brenda at blindfors@bigmentoring.org
