This month, we are kicking off a campaign called Match Madness! In the month of July, we have the crazy, ambitious and important goal of making 10 matches. That's 10 kids on our waiting list of 26 kids that can meet their Big THIS MONTH. These kids have been waiting for too long and we need your help so we can #EndTheWait! Are you interested in being a Big? Do you know someone that would be a great mentor? You can help us make this month a major success!

Tune in throughout the month as we share Waiting Little profiles and podcast episodes highlighting these kids and the difference a mentor makes in the life of a child. Every single one of these kids has enormous potential, we just need a Big to defend it!

If you're interested in becoming a Big or adopting a match, contact us today!

BBBS Online: www.bigs4kids.com

Listen Online: www.getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Episode 1 of the Match Madness campaign brings you Beverly Pearch and Monique Duke from Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio. These wonderful ladies explain everything you need to know about the program, how it works, and just how EASY it is to become a Big. But more than easy, becoming a Big is IMPORTANT in the development of the youth in our communities.

Learn all about the Match Madness campaign that's happening throughout the month of July 2020. There are 26 waiting Littles on the wait list, and the campaign goal is to match 10 of those littles with mentors during July.

COVID has taken its toll on the program as mentor applications have decreased during the crisis. This campaign is a call to the community for adults to rise up and become Bigs.

Every child needs as many positive role models as possible. So what are you waiting for?

CAMPAIGN: bigs4kids.com/matchmadness

VISIT: getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Special thanks to Republic State Mortgage for sponsoring the podcast! Visit them at republicstatemortgage.com.

As Match Madness gets underway, we bring you the perspective from one of the actual waiting littles on our wait list - Trey Bassett. Trey and his mother, Kasey, join BBBS staff members Brittany Carman and Mandy Thomas to discuss what sort of mentor Trey is hoping for. You'll hear what activities he likes, what sort of things he'd like to do with a Big, and what he wants to be when he grows up.

Also, Kasey explains how the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has impacted her family as she has 5 children, 4 of whom are part of the program. Trey is the last child in his family waiting for a Big, and with his quick smile and fun personality, he hopefully won't be waiting for long!

Every child needs as many positive role models as possible. So what are you waiting for?

CAMPAIGN: bigs4kids.com/matchmadness

VISIT: getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Special thanks to Republic State Mortgage for sponsoring the podcast! Visit them at republicstatemortgage.com.

BBBS staff members Brittany Carman and Mandy Thomas are back with another waiting Little, Colton. Colton sits down to introduce himself and discuss what sort of mentor he's hoping for. With his fun-loving personality and big dreams, Colton will make a fantastic Little Brother for a mentor in our community. Plus, his dream of becoming a YouTube star begins with this episode!

Then, our hosts sit down with the match of Dan and Cooper. Dan has taught Cooper many things, and they showcase some of the woodworking projects they've completed. But Cooper has also taught his Big many things, and Dan speaks to that point. If you want to hear what a Big + Little match looks like, tune into this conversation!

Every child needs as many positive role models as possible. So what are you waiting for?

CAMPAIGN: bigs4kids.com/matchmadness

VISIT: getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Special thanks to Republic State Mortgage for sponsoring the podcast! Visit them at republicstatemortgage.com.

BBBS staff members Brittany Carman and Mandy Thomas sit down with Chris and his Little, Thomas, to talk about their relationship and how each one has impacted the other. Chris explains how he became involved with the program and why he feels mentoring youth is such a rewarding opportunity. Thomas lists the activities he and Chris do together and the impact Chris's mentorship has made. And make sure you check out YouTube to see Thomas's magnificent mullet!

Every child needs as many positive role models as possible. So what are you waiting for?

CAMPAIGN: bigs4kids.com/matchmadness

VISIT: getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Special thanks to Republic State Mortgage for sponsoring the podcast! Visit them at republicstatemortgage.com.

If you're not familiar with the school-based program offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters, this episode will give you a deeper insight. First, you'll hear from Lindsey Tidrick, the Strasburg School Counselor, as she explains how the program has benefited students in her school. Then, two school-based Big Brothers join the show and discuss how they've participated in the program. These conversations help convey just how easy - yet impactful - mentoring kids can be.

Every child needs as many positive role models as possible. So what are you waiting for?

CAMPAIGN: bigs4kids.com/matchmadness

VISIT: getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Special thanks to Republic State Mortgage for sponsoring the podcast! Visit them at republicstatemortgage.com.

Courtney Daniels and Mary Newman join BBBS staff members Brittany and Abby to discuss what it's like to be matched with teenagers. Many people might think mentoring teenagers could be more challenging, but Courtney and Mary reveal just the opposite. Their experiences with their Littles will shake away any doubts you might have about teenagers not wanting mentors - because they want them more than anyone.

Then, we meet Micah, a Little who's been on the waiting list for 6 months. Micah loves sports and outdoor activities, and he's looking for a mentor to help him with his self-confidence as he transitions into the 8th grade.

Every child needs as many positive role models as possible. So what are you waiting for?

CAMPAIGN: bigs4kids.com/matchmadness

VISIT: getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Special thanks to Republic State Mortgage for sponsoring the podcast! Visit them at republicstatemortgage.com.

On this episode, BBBS staff members Mandy and Brittany talk with a very impressive young man named Josh. Josh is a high schooler looking ahead to college, and his relationship with his Big, Mark, has helped propel him toward his future. Mark has become a father figure for Josh, and the two explain their relationship, the different things they've learned from each other, and the memories they've made.

Then, Josh's adoptive aunt Deb sits down and discusses why she entered Josh into the program. If you've ever thought of entering a child into the program, this is a discussion you'll want to hear.

Every child needs as many positive role models as possible. So what are you waiting for?

CAMPAIGN: bigs4kids.com/matchmadness

VISIT: getlevelpod.com/bbbs

Special thanks to Republic State Mortgage for sponsoring the podcast! Visit them at republicstatemortgage.com.