As newcomers to Charlotte, my wife Carolyn and I wanted to help mentor young people in our community. We have three children who are 'grown and gone.'   Previously, we mentored for several years when we lived in Maryland. After hearing about Big Brothers Big Sisters we decided to attend a BBBS recruiting event. My wife and I signed up that evening to begin the process to pair us with our Littles. Specifically we requested a brother and sister to mentor.  After our screening, we were advised that Jordan (8) and his sister JaDesia (10) were our Littles. Carolyn and I met Jordan and JaDesia (and their grandmother) August of 2006.  This was the beginning of a wonderful experience that continues with our Littles.  Since that first meeting nearly one year ago, we have spent many hours together exposing our Littles to new activities.  Additionally, Carolyn and I have also done the following with our Littles:

Ø Visited a Charlotte fire station - Jordan wants to be a fireman
Ø Sporting Events: playing tennis, golf and attending Bobcats & Panthers games
Ø Flying model airplanes & building a go-cart
Ø Visiting the NASCAR facility
Ø Attending the Wachovia golf tournament
Ø Visiting their school 
Ø Attended Speed Week
Ø Shopping & visiting the library
Ø Lunch - Carolyn usually begins her visits with JaDesia over lunch 
Ø Watching movies at our house
Ø Attending Jordan's birthday party
Ø Dinner at The Olive Garden for JaDesia's birthday
Ø Attending JaDesia's dance recitals
Ø Taking long walks & talking on the telephone

Jordan has commented that he always has a great time during each of our visits and  JaDesia is always excited when Carolyn picks her up. Our Littles are bright, energetic, inquisitive and respectful young people.  Whatever we contribute to Jordan and JaDesia's lives, we've received back threefold in seeing the smiles on their faces.  I hope that others in our community commit to mentoring young people. I believe it's important to let children know that people care about them and their wellbeing.