Match Spotlight: Adam and Justice

Adam applied to become a Big Brother in March of 2011 after the recent death of his father.  Adam wanted to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters because he wanted to give back to the community and have a positive impact on a child.  Adam thought he had a lot to offer to a child who may be experiencing a similar childhood as Adam once did.

Adam was matched with his Little Brother, Justice, in April of 2011.  Justice, being raised by his grandmother, came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in hopes of finding a Big Brother for several reasons.  Justice's grandmother wanted her grandson to have the opportunity to be active and explore new activities while creating a bond with a male figure as Justice's father, too, had passed away.

Today, Adam maintains a full-time and a part-time job while still consistently meeting with Justice on a weekly basis.  Between visits, Adam will call Justice to see how his week has been going and to discuss what they want to do for their upcoming visits.  During their time together, they do things such as walk Adam’s dogs, go for bike rides, attend building workshops at the local Lowe’s Department Store, go mini-golfing, go to the library and local book stores.  They also enjoy hanging out at Adam’s house playing video games and sharing a meal together.  Adam has said, even in the first year, he has seen Justice’s self confidence grow immensely.  Justice is generally happier and doesn’t get down on himself with mistakes.  Justice has been getting into trouble less at home and is learning to appreciate his grandma.  Adam said he is striving to help Justice learn a little while they’re together too, whether it is learning about a new hobby, learning how to be polite and respectful to others, or learning to embrace peoples’ differences.  To his surprise, Adam has learned a lot from Justice as well, such as how to approach different situations.

Justice  wants Adam to know how much he appreciates him making time to see him.  Justice has a good time regardless of what they do, and has even said that walking Adam's dogs is his favorite part because they can talk while they are walking.  Justice's grandma has told Big Brothers Big Sisters that this match is “meant to be.”  Grandma will continually say how grateful she is to have such a wonderful male role model for Justice, as he has opened up to Adam about his family dynamic and about his relationships at school.  It is very apparent to Grandma that Justice’s self-confidence has improved tremendously because of his time spent with Adam. Adults in Justice’s life have been sporadic, and for Justice to have an adult that sees him regularly, gives Justice an adult he can trust and confide in.