Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters recognizes one outstanding Big for a strong commitment to his or her Little and to our overall mentoring mission. Read about how these Bigs connect with their Littles, what they talk about with their matches and how they overcome challenges while growing in their mentor friendships.

If you were to ask 15-year-old Evan how many times he and his Big Brother Bill DeVahl have hung out since being matched in July 2007, Evan would immediately answer, “We’ve had exactly 190 outings!” If that number alone isn’t enough to express the incredible bond Bill and Evan share, just flip through the match’s shared journal where there live detailed entries capturing memories from all 190 get-togethers.

The journal goes everywhere with them and represents a living timeline of their friendship. It starts with Evan as a shy, 11-year-old boy with unsteady handwriting and evolves through their four years together. Today, Evan authors entries as a confident, mature teenager.

The pages of the journal describe the myriad of activities Bill and Evan enjoy doing together: they watch movies, enjoy baseball games, go fishing and participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters events. But their most-treasured match activity is going to Panera in Woodbury. There, they play chess, play word games, talk and read books. Having just finished reading “Tuesdays with Morrie,” Evan wrote in the journal that the most precious thing Bill has given him is his time.

Bill remembers back to life before he shared time with Evan and acknowledges that the thought of mentoring a young boy had “been on my mind for a long time.” After reading profiles in the St. Paul Pioneer Press of Littles waiting to be matched, Bill decided to sign up and become a Big Brother.

Reading through their journal, Bill and Evan smile about the 190 memories they’ve made together–memories neither Big nor Little would have if Bill hadn’t stepped forward as a mentor. With a friendship as unwavering at theirs, Bill and Evan are sure to add many more chapters to the journal as the chapters of their brotherhood unfold.

Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters recognizes one outstanding Big for a strong commitment to his or her Little and to our overall mentoring mission. Read about how these Bigs connect with their Littles, what they talk about with their matches and how they overcome challenges while growing in their mentor friendships.

Two years ago, Steve and Laurie Leensvaart were considering what adventures lay ahead, while contemplating the possibility of having children. After realizing Big Brothers Big Sisters provided an inspiring opportunity to form a beneficial bond with a young person, 9-year-old Deonte entered their lives in July of 2009. Since then, the trio has been enrolled in the Big Couples program.

“[Laurie and I] wanted to experience what it would be like to spend time with a young person and whether it might be a possible alternative if we did not have kids,” Steve explained.

Quickly after being matched with Deonte, who is now 11, they realized spending time with a young person fit perfectly into their lives. “The one-year commitment came and went so fast. We find it easy to schedule activities and find time to be with Deonte,” Steve said.

Their list of memories includes rollerblading at Lake Calhoun, participating in the Animal Humane Society’s Walk for Animals, testing their skills at a high ropes course at the YMCA and attending the Red Bull Flugtag event in St. Paul last summer.

After spending countless hours together, the Leensvaarts have seen Deonte grow in his responsibility and his respect for the earth.

“We’ve taught him to throw his trash away and be more caring about the environment,” Steve said. They’ve also given Deonte the invaluable gift of friendship, taught him about life and exposed him to new experiences.

Although they’ve shared a lot with their Little, Deonte has given just as much in return. Above all, Laurie and Steve simply enjoy Deonte’s company: “Deonte is a very friendly and outgoing young man who is fun to be around. We love his overall silliness. He makes us feel young again. The best part is knowing that he wants to do stuff with us just as much as we do with him.”

In March, the Leensvaarts welcomed a new edition to their family: a daughter, Elsa. “I guess now we’re a Big family,” Steve said.

Steve and Laurie’s friendship with Deonte has made them sure of one thing: Becoming a Big Couple is a transforming experience, whether or not you have children of your own.

“We find ourselves wondering what we did with our time before we were matched with Deonte. It’s a small amount of time for us each month, but I know it means a lot to him. If any significant amount of time goes by between activities, he asks his mom about us and has said that he’s missed us. We miss him, too, of course.”

Big Brother Richard and Little Brother Nick enjoy a Minnesota Twins game together

Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters recognizes one outstanding Big for a strong commitment to his or her Little and to our overall mentoring mission. Read about how these Bigs connect with their Littles, what they talk about with their matches and how they overcome challenges while growing in their mentor friendships.

The unwavering relationship between Big Brother Richard and his Little Brother Nick confirms that a Big Brothers Big Sisters match wears no price tag: the positive influence for both sides is priceless!

The duo has been sharing each other’s invaluable company for four years after being matched when Nick was 12. Although Nick was reserved and unsure what to think early in the match, he has taken huge steps forward on the road of self-confidence. “As Nick has continued to grow, he has become a more confident person. I admire Nick’s positive attitude even though he has had quite a bit of turmoil [in his life]. I have tried to instill in him the belief to always look forward and keep believing in yourself,” Richard said.

There is no doubt that their consistent weekly meetings have helped Nick mature and open up about his feelings regarding school, family and the future.

Not only does their brotherhood bear no price, many of their most treasured memories have involved laid-back, free activities, during which they felt like they were “just hanging out.” These outings have included biking, playing football and watching movies. The pair also enjoys attending sporting events together.

“From my years in sports I know how a coach can be a significant mentor for young men, and I wanted to try to help as much as possible,” Richard expressed. “In the beginning I was fearful of what goals and expectations were necessary, but found being a good friend is all that was needed.”

After years of celebrating Father’s Day, we tend to glide through the holiday without much thought. The day is no longer a celebration, but a routine, and we forget what we are truly applauding: the power of mentoring.

Fathers, mentors, provide their children with someone to look up to, and teach the importance of integrity, generosity and self-worth, while providing invaluable support, encouragement and friendship.

However, you don’t need to share genes to share a meaningful relationship with a young person. Mentors come in all shapes and sizes, from all backgrounds and have the same lasting impact on those they mentor as fathers do on their children.

So instead of simply celebrating for celebration’s sake, remember what we’re honoring this weekend on Father’s Day: the transformative impact positive role models have on the children in their lives. And let’s remember to express our gratitude toward mentors in our community not just one, but 365 days of the year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities would like to extend a high-five to all the fathers and male mentors within our community. Your influence and dedication do not go unnoticed.

Community-based Big Sister of the Year, Trisha Falvey, with her Little Sister, Lashaya

Every year we invite staff members, parents, teachers, children and fellow volunteers to nominate Bigs who have demonstrated extraordinary measures of dedication to their Littles and our agency’s mission. We honor one Big Sister and one Big Brother from both the School-based and Community-based Programs, as well as one High School volunteer, as Bigs of the Year. Over the last month, we have highlighted this year’s honorees and shared with you their stories—we hope you’ve enjoyed reading about them!

Today – last, but certainly not least – we honor our Community-based Program’s Big Sister of the Year, Trisha Falvey.

Big Sister Trisha and Little Sister Lashaya were first matched six years ago, when Lashaya was in third grade. Since that initial meeting, they have spent a lot of time together and enjoyed a myriad of activities.

Trisha has seen Lashaya mature over the course of their friendship, noting that her Little Sister has become both more outspoken and assertive—qualities she knows will benefit Lashaya in the future.

Although she is only a ninth grader, Lashaya has her future sights set on attending Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. “She has been working hard on her grades and wants to fulfill her dreams,” says Trisha, a feat she is confident Lashaya can accomplish.

Lashaya is thankful she was matched with Trisha for her Big Sister. “She is the greatest sister to have as a Big. She is a good role model for me and other Littles.”

Lashaya’s mother is also very appreciative of the impact Trisha has had on her daughter. She thinks they are a good match for one another, which is evident by how long they have been together.

That feeling goes both ways. When discussing their time together, Big Sister Trisha always stresses the impact that Lashaya has had on her.

“I have been more open to going new places and trying new experiences that I otherwise would have skipped,” she says. “And, among many other things, this experience has also taught me to keep a grateful, positive spirit.”

Trisha credits her six-year relationship with Lashaya for helping her gain a new perspective.

“My favorite part of being a Big is seeing the world through Lashaya’s eyes,” says Trisha. “It makes me think less about myself and my own worries. Getting to have fun while being enriched by—and enriching—a young person is a win-win.

Community-based Big Brother of the Year, Robert Weber, with his Little Brother, Adi

Every year we invite staff members, parents, teachers, children and fellow volunteers to nominate Bigs who have demonstrated extraordinary measures of dedication to their Littles and our agency’s mission. We honor one Big Sister and one Big Brother from both the School-based and Community-based Programs, as well as one High School volunteer, as Bigs of the Year. For the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting this year’s honorees and sharing with you their stories—enjoy!

Today we honor our Community-based Program’s Big Brother of the Year, Robert Weber.

The dedication, commitment and long-lasting friendship BBBS symbolizes can be illustrated in the relationship between Robert Weber and his Little Brother Adrian (Adi). Robert recalls the first time they met in March 2002: “We seemed to strike a real friendship and bond almost instantly. I thought Adi was a sweet, polite boy.”

Since the start of their friendship, Robert and Adi have been active participants in BBBS events such as The Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser—where they are customarily the top fundraisers.

Adi says Robert has been a role model and the type of person he strives to become in the future. “Robert gives so much to everyone he meets. He is kind, caring, passionate and polite,” says Adi. “That’s the kind of person I want to be. I think that’s the type of person everyone wants to be.”

Whether it is acting as the manager of Adi’s garage band or supporting his future Eagle Scout aspirations, Robert is always right alongside his Little Brother cheering him on.

“Robert is so giving and encourages Adi to do the same,” says Francie, Adi’s mother.

She credits her son’s Big Brother with providing stability in his life throughout the years and being a beacon to help guide Adi. “They truly are brothers; they have a bond you can see whenever they are together. My son would not be the person he is today without his Big Brother Robert.”

Through their eight years together, Robert has gone from trying to figure out what activities to do with an elementary-school boy to helping Adi get his driver’s license. And now he is helping him prepare for college and his future.

“Adi has developed confidence in himself, and has become more disciplined and responsible over the years,” says Robert. “He has the people skills and optimism to be a great leader. He might become a music teacher, or I could see him involved in social work, or even running his own business. The sky is the limit for Adi.”

Adi is grateful for the role Robert has played in his life, and for all of the important lessons Robert has instilled in him throughout their time together.

“There is a William Penn quote I think of every time I think about Robert,” Adi says. ‘“Seek not to be rich, but happy. The one lies in bags, the other in content, which wealth can never give.’”

High School Big Sister of the Year, Geena L., with her Little Sister, Ellie

Every year we invite staff members, parents, teachers, children and fellow volunteers to nominate Bigs who have demonstrated extraordinary measures of dedication to their Littles and our agency’s mission. We honor one Big Sister and one Big Brother from both the School-based and Community-based Programs, as well as one High School volunteer, as Bigs of the Year. For the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting this year’s honorees and sharing with you their stories—enjoy!

Today we honor our High School Big Sister of the Year, Geena L.

If anyone were to ask Geena’s Little Sister Ellie what her favorite day of the week is, she most likely would say Wednesday—the day of the week she gets to spend time with her Big Sister. “Sometimes I get so excited that I can’t wait until it is Wednesday and I get to see Geena after school!” says Ellie.

On that special day when high school senior Geena meets her Little Sister at her elementary school, Ellie is always sure to pack a surprise in her backpack so they can have their own version of show and tell.

Ellie’s mother Diane says, “Ellie will pack something to share with Geena, like a present she has made for her.”

The creativity Ellie possesses is one characteristic Geena admires in her Little. “She has a great imagination and can make something out of virtually nothing.”

In addition to their weekly show and tell, the duo also plays marble run, builds K’nex toy cars, and plays Bee-Bots in the “World of Wonder” room at Ellie’s school.

A sophomore in high school when she signed up to be a Big, Geena and Ellie were matched in April of 2009. Geena’s own experience of having her older sister as a mentor led her to want to be that person for someone else. “I felt that other kids who didn’t have that special person should also have someone to look up to.”

At the beginning of their relationship, Ellie was having a hard time interacting with her peers. Geena showed Ellie what having a friendship meant, and since then has acted as a strong female role model by displaying a positive attitude and providing continued support.

As well as being a Big Sister, Geena is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. This has influenced Ellie to begin lessons herself, and this common interest is another topic the two like to talk about.

“I wanted to learn because Geena is a black belt,” says Ellie. “I just earned my white belt, the first belt. I was really excited to tell Geena about this, and she was really proud of my accomplishment.”

Geena says the most rewarding part of her their time together thus far has been watching her Little Sister grow and learn from different experiences—and Ellie’s mom couldn’t agree more.

“She has made a huge impact on Ellie’s desire to achieve high goals and strive to always do her best,” says Diane. “With Geena, Ellie has become more confident and happy.”

School-based Big Brother of the Year, Frank Broderick, with his Little Brother, Sonny

Every year we invite staff members, parents, teachers, children and fellow volunteers to nominate Bigs who have demonstrated extraordinary measures of dedication to their Littles and our agency’s mission. We honor one Big Sister and one Big Brother from both the School-based and Community-based Programs, as well as one High School volunteer, as Bigs of the Year. For the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting this year’s honorees and sharing with you their stories—enjoy!

Today we honor our School-based Program’s Big Brother of the Year, Frank Broderick.

When Frank Broderick and his Little Brother Sonny were matched through the school-based program, Sonny was shy and not very talkative. He didn’t reveal much about his personal life, so Frank was careful not to pry.

Fast-forward three years later and, although still somewhat shy, Frank has really seen Sonny come out of his shell. “He talks three or four times more now than when we first met!” says Frank.

As the two began to click more, Sonny began opening up to Frank about his hopes for the future. He told his Big Brother he wants to attend culinary school, a goal Frank hopes he pursues. “I want to go to Le Cordon Bleu and become a chef,” says Sonny, “and Frank is encouraging me to start my own business.”

In addition to supporting Sonny’s long-term dreams, Frank is also always dependable and consistent when scheduling times to hang out with his Little Brother. The two have developed a great routine and often play cards or Scrabble together. Frank is currently teaching Sonny cribbage and says, “When Sonny beats me in a game, his face lights up.”

Frank has also created a richer mentoring experience by helping link Sonny to his Native American heritage. With a personal interest and knowledge of Native culture, he often brings books and artifacts to show Sonny, telling him stories about his own personal experiences. “My favorite thing about Frank is that he knows about people from the Native culture who were famous in history, and he tells me all about it,” says Sonny.

This Big Brother is not only a constant in his Little Brother’s life—he has also built relationships with Sonny’s teachers. “I’m personally invested in his success,” says Frank, “so I like to check in and see how Sonny’s doing in school.”

Frank personally understands the value of this type of relationship. He missed having a male mentor in his own life because his father passed away when Frank was just ten. He really strives to provide just the right balance of fun and support for his Little Brother, something Sonny appreciates. “I feel happy when I am with Frank.”

School-based Big Sister of the Year, Cindy Rost, with her Little Sister, Linda

Every year we invite staff members, parents, teachers, children and fellow volunteers to nominate Bigs who have demonstrated extraordinary measures of dedication to their Littles and our agency’s mission. We honor one Big Sister and one Big Brother from both the School-based and Community-based Programs, as well as one High School volunteer, as Bigs of the Year. For the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting this year’s honorees and sharing with you their stories—enjoy!

First up is our School-based Program’s Big Sister of the Year, Cyndi Rost.

Giving back has always been central to Cindy Rost’s life. “Volunteering was a part of what we did growing up in my family,” says Cindy.

As a St. Paul police officer and a liaison in the city’s public junior highs and high schools, Cindy also has a natural ability to understand youth and listen to them in a way that they feel respected and valued.

So when she first heard about becoming a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, she was eager to sign up. In October 2008, Cindy was matched with her Little Sister, Linda—and their relationship quickly grew. The pair has especially bonded over their shared love for baking.

“My Big Sister has introduced me to so many new recipes,” says Linda, now a fifth grader. “She helps me step-by-step and teaches me how to make them.” During an overnight at Cindy’s house, they baked bread for Linda’s family. Linda enjoyed baking bread so much, her mom purchased a bread maker at a garage sale so that she could continue.

This fun activity has turned into future aspirations for this Little Sister, and her Big Sister is doing everything she can to help support her. “Linda told me she wants to be a cook, so I’ve tried to help her understand the kitchen and the tools that are used,” says Cindy. “And she’s just like a sponge—she soaks everything in.”

Cindy has also been instrumental in exposing Linda to the outdoors—something Linda was intrigued to learn about but had no previous experience with, since she has grown up in the city. Linda has spent time on Cindy’s farm and especially enjoys playing with the animals. With Cindy’s encouragement and help, Linda was awarded a mini-grant to attend a 4-H camp last summer where she was able to camp, go horseback riding and spend time exploring the outdoors.

Hiking, having a picnic by the Mississippi River, playing yard games and skipping rocks are just a few of the activities they have done together. “I try to teach her to be an explorer because that is how she is going to learn,” says Cindy. “I try to teach her there is always more in life to discover.”

Her Little Sister says Cindy is trustworthy and is someone she can talk to about anything, a sentiment Linda’s mom also echoes. “Cindy has taught Linda to slow down and think through situations before reacting,” she says. “Cindy has shown Linda how she can respond differently.”

Cindy’s wish is that her example carries on. “I hope Linda becomes a mentor in the future,” she says. “We all need each other to be positive role models and give back to the community.”

Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters recognizes one outstanding Big for a strong commitment to his or her Little and to our overall mentoring mission. Read about how these Bigs connect with their Littles, what they talk about with their matches and how they overcome challenges while growing in their mentor friendships.

Big Brother David and Little Brother William share a huge love: sports. Since being matched more than two years ago (in February of 2009), the pair can often be found participating in many sports-related pastimes. They enjoy shooting baskets, attending sporting events, going to the Science Museum and attending many BBBS activities together. While sports may have initially brought them together, they have also developed a great friendship and a unique bond.

David was originally drawn to becoming a Big Brother while still in college in Nebraska. He had a great coach who had been in the program as a Little and was currently a Big—and who talked about the importance of the program to his team. As the youngest in his family, David didn’t have the opportunity to be a big brother to any siblings—so this was a great opportunity for him to share the great things he learned growing up. Once he graduated from college and moved to Minnesota, David officially became a Big Brother.

When asked about his match, David often brags about his Little Brother and how far he has come in school over the past few years. When they first met, William had been struggling with a number of his classes, and his mother was concerned about the choices he was making. William had recently been through the loss of more than one important male figure in his life, and his mom knew he needed a positive male role model. She chose to get her son involved in BBBS and church, and things are very different for William these days. He currently has a 3.5 cumulative GPA and is recognized by his principal as being a leader in his class. He is also planning to attend college after he finishes high school in just a couple of years.

When asked where David envisions his Little Brother in 10 years, he says, “I see him having graduated from college and maybe even graduate school, too. I think he will get a degree in business but will have something to do with sports as a career. He is very ambitious and driven, and will be successful for sure!”