Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), founded in 1904, has grown into one of the most impactful youth mentorship programs in the U.S. By pairing children, often from single-parent or low-income households, with adult mentors, the program offers guidance, support, and friendship. These relationships help young people build confidence, set goals, and realize their full potential.
Desiree Ansley, a former Little Sister in BBBS, is a powerful example of how the program can shape lives. Growing up in a single-parent household in a low-income area, Desiree found a mentor in her Big Sister, Kathleen Williams. Reflecting on her childhood, she explains, "What impacted my life most was having a mentor and friend who believed in me. Coming from a single-parent household, it was amazing to have someone who believed I could achieve any goal I set my heart to."
Kathleen not only believed in Desiree but also exposed her to new experiences, such as mission trips, which inspired her to give back. "She taught me what it was like to have a servant's heart and what a difference you can make in your community, even at a young age," Desiree says. These experiences helped foster her empathy and desire to contribute to others, values that have stayed with her into adulthood.
The relationship with her Big Sister had a lasting impact on Desiree's personal development. "Growing up in a single-parent household, I often faced challenges that could have made me doubt my potential. But having someone who saw potential in me when I couldn’t change everything," Desiree reflects. This mentorship built her confidence, resilience, and ambition, values that continue to influence her life. Today, she strives to be that same source of encouragement for her children and others.
Now an adult and mother of three, Desiree remains connected to BBBS, giving back by sharing her story at events to inspire others. "Sharing my personal story wasn’t easy, but sometimes we need those uncomfortable conversations to bring change," she explains. For her, that change started with Kathleen’s belief in her, and she feels compelled to pay it forward.
Her childhood experience also shaped how she mentors and supports others. "I learned the importance of simply showing up," Desiree says. "As a child, knowing that someone cared enough to invest their time in me made me feel valued." The power of encouragement, patience, and empathy has also influenced how she raises her own children and how she interacts with her community.
Desiree believes the BBBS program has evolved in positive ways since her childhood. "The program has expanded to reach more kids and mentors, and there’s a growing understanding of how important mentorship is in all aspects of life—not just academics or career paths, but emotional well-being too," she explains.
Her hope for the program is that it continues to foster deep personal connections and confidence in the next generation, helping young people realize they can overcome challenges regardless of their background. Desiree’s enduring relationship with Kathleen, whom she still calls her Big Sister, serves as a testament to the lifelong bonds that can form through BBBS. "She has shown me what true unconditional agape love is," says Desiree, "and for that, I’m forever grateful."
Desiree’s journey shows that the impact of mentorship can last a lifetime, not only changing the lives of individuals but strengthening entire communities.
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"I learned the importance of simply showing up," Desiree says.