In the recipe for success, both volunteers and donors are key ingredients for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley (BBBSLV). It is through the financial support of our donors that our volunteers can consistently show up for the youth in the Lehigh Valley. For nearly a decade, Big Brother Scott has been the “secret ingredient” in the life of a young man navigating the challenges of growing up. And he has not just shown up for his Little Brother Joseph, he has shown up as a donor for BBBSLV.
Joseph and Scott both remember their first meeting – on Joseph’s front stoop – and reflect on how that first meeting blossomed into a lifelong connection—one that has shaped not only Joseph’s journey but also enriched the life of his mom Karen.
Motivated by a desire to make a difference, Scott stepped forward to be a Big Brother. With a background in coaching and a love for working with kids, he saw mentorship as an opportunity to provide support, guidance, and a positive male role model for a young person who needed it. Joseph needed just that—someone to offer a different perspective, help him with social skills, and encourage him to see his own potential.
Their journey together started with simple outings—walks, shared meals, and conversations about life. In those early days, Joseph struggled with social interactions, often finding himself frustrated and angry. Scott was patient, modeling positive behaviors, introducing him to new experiences, and most importantly, listening. Over time, Joseph’s walls began to come down. He started to understand social cues, engage in conversations, and develop friendships. His mother saw the transformation firsthand—her son was growing more confident, more open, and more engaged. Karen said “Joseph has come out of his shell. He used to have a hard time speaking with others, making eye contact, but Scott has helped him develop those skills. He kept it simple but made a BIG impact!”
One of the most significant areas where Scott has helped shape Josehp’s future is his passion for culinary arts. From the beginning, Joseph dreamed of becoming a chef. Knowing this, Scott took every opportunity to nurture that dream—cooking meals together, visiting restaurants, and even touring a local culinary school to explore the possibilities. While there, they had the opportunity to enjoy a “fancy” meal together. He emphasized the importance of education, saving money, and planning for the future. When it came time for Joseph’s first job interview at a local restaurant, Scott helped him prepare, instilling confidence in his abilities. Today, Joseph works hard, gaining hands-on experience in the food industry while continuing to set his sights on his long-term goal of running his own restaurant.
Beyond skills and career aspirations, Scott has played a pivotal role in Joseph’s personal growth. He has taught him that it’s okay to prioritize his own happiness, that patience and perseverance matter, and that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about finding fulfillment. Joseph himself acknowledges the impact: “Scott is one of the greatest mentors that I have ever had in my life.”
For Joseph’s mother, Karen, Scott has been more than just a mentor to her son—he has become a part of the family. She describes him as a “beacon of light,” someone who has been a steady presence in their lives, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support. “I am not sure that I have thanked him enough, but the gratitude I feel is immeasurable.” Scott has equal admiration for Karen, referring to her as an “angel.”
When asked why his commitment doesn’t stop at volunteerism, Scott ’s replied that it’s simple: “If you’re going to do something and you have the means, you should.” He believes in the mission of mentorship and understands that programs like ours rely on support to keep changing lives. Seeing Joseph grow from an angry child into a responsible, motivated young adult is proof enough of the impact. In fact, Scott was emotional when speaking about the growth he has seen in Joseph over the last nine years.
We have over 350 youth waiting for a mentor. Are you ready to join Scott in making a BIG difference? Click the links below to learn more.