Sometimes, the most meaningful growth begins with something as simple as a game of mini golf, a shared ice cream, or a conversation about Fortnite.
Through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley’s (BBBSLV) Sports Buddies program, Little Brother Jose and Big Brother Andrew have built a relationship rooted in trust, encouragement, and a genuine enjoyment of spending time together. While their match began through a shared interest in being active, it has grown into something much deeper: a connection that is helping Jose build confidence, develop important life skills, and believe in himself. And without the investment of our donors, this program and opportunity would not exist for young people in the valley.
When Andrew became a Big Brother, he hoped to give back to his community in the same way that teachers, coaches, and mentors had once invested in him. What he discovered was a relationship that would impact his own life as much as Jose’s.
“Watching Jose grow more confident with every meeting has been the greatest reward of this whole experience,” Andrew shared.
Andrew has seen Jose become more willing to step outside his comfort zone, try new things, and embrace the idea that being coachable is key to personal growth. Whether they’re participating in a Sports Buddies event or taking on a new challenge together, Jose approaches each experience with growing confidence and enthusiasm.
For Jose, some of his favorite memories include playing mini golf with Andrew and sharing laughs over the Fortnite-inspired names he gave the golf balls. Beyond the fun, however, he recognizes the important lessons he’s learned from his Big Brother.
Little Jose share that his Big Andrew has taught him “that we should always be kind and helpful and never be scared to volunteer.”
Jose knows he has another trusted adult in his corner. “What having Andrew means to me is that I’ll always have someone to help guide me, along with my parents and others,” he shared.
That impact is felt at home as well.
One of Jose’s mother’s goals when he joined the program was to provide him with another positive influence in his life. Since the match began, she has noticed meaningful changes in how Jose interacts with others, including showing greater kindness to peers and improving his ability to share and work together.
“We both know they’ll always have a good time together, and they’ll always have something good to chat about,” she said.
Stories like Andrew and Jose’s demonstrate the ripple effect of mentorship. A caring volunteer invests time in a young person. That young person gains confidence, learns valuable life lessons, and develops healthy relationships. Families gain additional support and encouragement. Communities benefit as young people grow into engaged, compassionate, and confident individuals who are ready to give back themselves.
Andrew often says that being a mentor doesn’t require special expertise, just a good heart and a genuine desire to see the best in someone else. Through his commitment to Jose, he is helping shape a brighter future, while also strengthening the community they both call home.
Thanks to the generosity of BBBSLV supporters, matches like Andrew and Jose’s continue to create lasting impact, proving that one caring adult can help change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and that impact extends far beyond the match itself.
Hear from Little Jose and Big Andrew as they describe each other in 3 words: