By Trent Modglin

“Never underestimate how one little thing you do for someone can impact the lives of others.”

Not long into the recent 10-year anniversary celebration to commemorate the partnership between Maine Township and Big Brothers Big Sisters, those were the words that resonated with me.

Little things matter.

And witnessing the work of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, even for just 90 minutes on a Tuesday night at the Maine Township Family Resource Center, served as the perfect reminder. The meaningful relationships between the kids (called “littles”) and their sponsor adults (“bigs”) were being celebrated, as was the consistency of the program and important work of the directors.

We’re not saving anyone or rescuing anyone, but the magic can happen when it’s right. … We’re just here to stand in the way of the things that can knock them down.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters, which was founded back in 1904 and came to the Chicago area in 1967, is an invaluable mentoring program for thousands of vulnerable kids in need a role model. Locally, more than 90 children have come through the Maine Township branch in the last decade.

“We believe all kids are completely filled with potential, and we know what they’re capable of,” says Dawn Steffen, regional director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. “We’re not saving anyone or rescuing anyone, but the magic can happen when it’s right. … We’re just here to stand in the way of the things that can knock them down.”

The nationwide statistics for littles involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters are proof that the program is thriving:
*46 percent are less likely to begin using illegal drugs
*52 percent are less likely to skip school
*20 percent are more likely to attend college.
*BBBS littles earn 15 percent more over their lifetime

The success stories are everywhere. One girl I met didn’t speak a word for two years while coping with the death of a sibling. These days, she’s a smiling socialite who happens to be heading to Loyola University to study pre-med.

The success stories are everywhere. One girl I met didn’t speak a word for two years while coping with the death of a sibling. These days, she’s a smiling socialite who happens to be heading to Loyola University in Chicago to study pre-med. Another young boy, who’s bounced around in the foster-care system since he was a toddler, has found the connection he needs. Grades, behavior and general demeanor have all improved.

But that doesn’t mean Big Brothers Big Sisters doesn’t need your help. There is a severe shortage of qualified bigs, especially men in the Chicagoland area. There are kids on the waiting list in virtually every community.

The requirements of a big — upon being screened and matched up — are far from taxing. The site-based program with Maine Township meets up as a group two times a month, with activities like cooking classes, yoga, field trips, baseball games, STEM activities and board games all lined up in advance. Later, you can qualify for the community-based program, which is more flexible between the big and the family and can involve more one-on-one time at, say, the library, a local driving range or just a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts to talk about school. Private or corporate donations often mean a trip to a Bears game or Six Flags is possible too.

Unlocking a child’s potential, and then defending it when needed. That was a resounding theme as I listened to the anniversary event speakers.

“The relationship that develops between the big and little is at the core of this thing,” Dawn tells me. “It’s fun to see the camaraderie between people who wouldn’t necessarily ever get to know one another. And it changes the bigs’ lives too. There’s no denying that.”

Unlocking a child’s potential, and then defending it when needed. That was a resounding theme as I listened to the anniversary event speakers. And seeing the smiles on the faces of the littles and bigs as they played Uno, talked about the start of school and munched on pizza, it reminded me of one thing.

Little things matter.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Chicago area, visit BBBSChgo.org