Match Spotlight: Charlie and Kaiden

                Kaiden came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in need of a positive influence and someone to spend one-to-one time with.  Kaiden was hoping to find someone who liked to do the same things as he did, and his mom was looking forward to giving him the opportunity to have a male role model.  Kaiden did not have this in his life, as he was living with his mom and older sister.  He never had the opportunity to spend time with his father, as his father was not willing to be involved in his life.

                Kaiden was matched with his Big Brother, Charlie, in September of last year.  Their common interests of being outdoors and staying active allowed for a bond to be created immediately.  Charlie attended Kaiden’s soccer games and watched his football practices, which was a huge deal for Kaiden since he never had a male in his life to watch and support him before.  Many of their activities consist of playing catch or shooting baskets, which Kaiden loves because "his mom isn’t that good at it."

                Charlie has enjoyed being Kaiden’s Big Brother for a few different reasons. “We have a lot of fun together and hanging out with Kaiden kind of makes me feel like a kid again.  It is great that I can be positively impacting a child while having this much fun,” says Charlie.

                Kaiden’s mom also feels that the two of them make a great match. “Charlie has impacted Kaiden in an extremely positive way!  Kaiden is so proud to have Charlie as his Big Brother.  Charlie has taught Kaiden what a good male role model is."

                Being involved in the program has given Kaiden a boost in his self-confidence, an opportunity to learn how to respect others and more happiness in his life.  Kaiden said, “I like spending time with Charlie because we have a lot of fun together and he is really nice to me.”

                Charlie and Kaiden have developed a friendship over the past nine months that will forever change their lives for the better.  Charlie, Kaiden and his mom are all looking forward to what the future of their relationship will bring.  Kaiden’s mom summed it up perfectly stating, “Getting a Big was truly a blessing for our family.”