When a Little turns twelve, activities become more future-focused activities, whether that means deciding on a possible career, leaving for college, or family planning. The Education & Enrichment Department of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities is there to help those Littles make informed, fiscally responsible, and healthy decisions. But, up until 2015, once a Little graduated from High School, the support that he or she once received from a Big or from the E&E team officially came to an end. That meant the Little was left to figure the rest out for him or herself.

That’s why a new role was created in 2015; the College & Career Retention Associate, a position that supports Littles post age 18 after their match closes. This role is always at the ready to deploy finely curated lists of resources to keep Littles happily in school or at their job, so we not only help gets get a job or get into college, we also help them stay there.

When Kristine and Matt got married, they were already well-versed in giving back to their community. Both held positions on nonprofits boards and foundations, but felt as though they wanted to give back on a more personal level. Through BBBS they discovered, much to their surprise, that mentoring as a Big Couple was an option! Since both Kristine and Matt lead busy lives, this was a fabulous opportunity to spend time together, all while making the difference in a child’s life. Soon, they were matched with Quincy, a sweet eight-year-old boy, who lives with his sister and is taken care of by his great grandmother. Their relationship grew steadily as the three got to know each other, and as time went on, trust was built and a mutually beneficial friendship was formed.

Read the rest of their story at https://bigstwincities.wordpress.com/2015/11/11/quincys-big-couple/

Right now, kids in the Twin Cities are waiting for mentors. One of them is waiting for you.

As a Big Brother or a Big Sister, you can be a trusted friend to a child, and you will create memories that last a lifetime. It will be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you ever do.

You have the opportunity to help shape a child's future, by empowering them to achieve. And the best part is, it's actually a lot of fun. Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just hang out and talk. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you'll enjoy them even more with your Little - and you'll be making a life-changing impact.

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Donating online is the fastest, easiest way to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission and help a child. Your financial support allows us to keep doing what we do: empowering kids in your community to achieve their potential. So start a child on their way to becoming an engineer or an artist.

All contributions will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities programs and mission to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.