February Match of the Month!

Cindi has been a long-time mentor, working with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. In recent years, she has been a Big at our Lunch Buddies program at Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy in Detroit. During this program, Cindi was matched with Carlos in fall of 2015.

Carlos, is the second oldest child with 6 brothers and sisters at home! As you can imagine, Mom needs lots of help from Carlos, so when Cindi wanted to transition into meeting outside of just the Site Based program at school, she thought it was a great opportunity for Carlos to try new activities and have some fun!

Together, they’ve gone to the Michigan Science Center, seen movies, the Detroit Zoo, sporting events like; the Red Wings, University of Detroit Mercy Titans, MSU football, Detroit Lions, and several Tigers games. They even got the chance to go on the field at Comerica Park before the game and meet the umpires, Carlos was ecstatic! They also love to participate in events like the Color Run and Carlos even got a new bike to keep up his goal of increasing physical activity!

When they aren’t participating in community events, they utilize their time to talk about important subjects, like; taking care of family, educational success and goal setting!

“It is awesome when Carlos comes up with ideas and then we plan on how to make them happen”. - Cindi

Carlos is smiling a lot, talks more, and seems to be gaining confidence. He is always looking out for his family but he is learning that it is ok for just him to have fun and to enjoy it.

“I could not imagine being involved with Carlos and not being involved with his family. His family is important to him and very much a part of who he is.” - Cindi

This match has been so successful, and we truly believe that both Cindi and Carlos have changed and benefitted by being in each other's lives.

“Cindi is very nice and knows how to make me laugh. She is the best Big Sister.” - Carlos

“Carlos is such a blessing and gentleman. He has a big heart with lots of love. Being a Big Sister is such a rewarding experience as I learn and grow with my Little Brother. I relearn how to see everyday things from a new perspective. This experience enriches your life and there are so many rewards and blessings that I get that I don’t realize until I go home.” - Cindi