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| Debbie is a single parent who realized that her son, Jason, needed a male figure in his life. Debbie turned to Big Brothers/Big Sisters for help and applied for a 'big brother' to be matched with her son. Fortunately, a few months later, Jason, 11, was matched with Mark, a volunteer with the United Way agency partner.
Two years ago Mark first looked into becoming a Big Brother. Time passed by and around the same time as Debbie and Jason applied, Mark, had applied to serve as a big brother. At the time, he was recently divorced and wanted to focus on volunteering. Mark has two great step-daughters and now wanted to make a difference in the life of a boy as well. After participating in several training sessions with the organization, Mark was matched with Jason.
Jason and Mark have become very close friends. They like to bowl and take walks. They have been to a Mets game and Knoebel's Grove. Jason loves to go to the Pagoda and the two enjoy eating their favorite foods together. In many ways, Mark has become a part of Jason's family and has attended Jason's first communion and often attends church functions with him.
Jason's mom credits the big brother relationship to improving Jason's participation and performance at school, as well as having greatly boost her son's self-esteem and social skills.
"It is a great experience," says Mark. "It's a two-way street. Not only have I seen Jason grow, but I have too." Debbie said she has seen a significant difference in her son and is grateful for the strong relationship between her son and Mark.
Jason loves Big Brothers/Big Sisters for giving him Mark. He plans to become a Big Brother when he becomes19 years old since his official relationship with Mark ends when Jason reaches the age of 18. It seems clear that these "brothers" will be together beyond Jason's18th birthdady.
Jason and Mark thank United Way for supporting Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Both have benefited through the program and recognize how important the program is to youth throughout Berks County.
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