Little Brother Tyler was an angry, unhappy 8-year-old boy being raised by his grandmother when first referred to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  His father was in jail and his mother was unable to parent him due to her alcohol addiction.  Tyler’s grandmother enrolled him in the program because she wanted Tyler to have a positive male influence in his life who could help him succeed in school and learn more appropriate ways to handle his emotions.  Tyler had difficulty expressing his emotions in a constructive way and had angry outbursts at home and in school.  He was placed with his Big Brother Jason, a young man from the community who wanted to make a difference in a child’s life.  They had spent 3-5 hours together every week during the year.  They liked to play basketball, watch sporting events, and go to the movies.  Jason’s kind and easy going demeanor has been a very good model for Tyler to emulate.  He has taught Tyler how to express his feelings in a more positive and constructive way, and he assisted Tyler with his schoolwork which has paid off.  Jason has helped him to look at the world with a more positive attitude and a willingness to try his best at everything he undertakes.

 

Tyler no longer reacts to situations with angry and aggressive outbursts.  He has achieved the kind of confidence, skill, and mature attitude needed to positively interact with family, peers, and within the community.  He has successfully transitioned out of this program and will continue with his Big Brother Jason in the Community Mentoring Pragram Phase II.

 

For more information about St. Joseph County Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit their website at:

http://www.bbbs-sjc.org/