A positive mentor in a young adult's life reaps many benefits. From fun memories to important conversations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Montana is working towards nurturing relationships in all shapes and sizes right here in Missoula through their local branch.
Danielle Kelly, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters NW Montana, has been in her position for the past four years, working towards improving the well-being of children and adults alike. Danielle and her team serve the Flathead Valley, Missoula, and the surrounding counties in the state.
At the core of their work is the process of matching an adult with a child seeking mentorship.
Adults can become involved with the program through volunteer time, a background check, and of course, the desire to mentor and connect. Through an intensive matching process, a Big (the adult/mentor) and a Little (the child) are paired based on similarities and compatibility factors.
These children can get involved with the program stemming from family, educational, or professional referrals on their behalf. The program is open to any kids or young adults seeking a mentor or mentee relationship in their lives.
The organization has two different ways to be involved: the community-based or the school-based program. Both programs require a one-year minimum commitment to ensure consistency and growth. The Big Brothers Big Sisters team goes through a detailed process to help benefit matches' compatibility.
“With our matching process, we take a lot of pieces into consideration to make the best match we possibly can,” Kelly says. “We’re in it for longevity, not first-come, first-served.”
Connection, no matter the age or circumstance, seems to blossom throughout this organization, especially for the pair Roni & Serena.
Roni, who is 25, has been Big to her Little Serena, who is 12, for the past three years, and their bond is something to treasure.
Roni speaks fondly of getting to watch Serena grow in such an active and entertaining time in her life. From attending volleyball games to chilling at home watching Netflix, Roni emphasized how every memory with Serena is a fun one.
“I get to do all kinds of fun kid stuff all the time,” Roni says. The two love to spend evenings crafting together or getting out and exploring Missoula. Roni explains how exciting it was to see Serena develop in so many aspects of life.
“It’s such a gift to have a long-standing and continuously developing relationship,” Roni says.
Roni celebrates many things too, like her Little’s improving penmanship and the special events in her family's life, including siblings' birthdays and holidays.
“I used to be really emotional, and I couldn’t deal with a lot of stuff,” Serena says. “But now that I see Roni, she has helped me with it.”
Roni gives Serena a space that made her feel welcome, provides fun, and, of course, connection. This pair is one of many blossoming connections for Big Brothers Big Sisters NW Montana. Roni and Serena continue to prove how a fun movie night and a person in your corner can make all the difference.