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Community Corner

Big Brothers Big Sisters Changes Lives for the Better, Forever

After 12 months with his Big Brother, a boy who used to walk down the hallways of his school with his head down is now being noticed for his smile. People see a noticeable change in him, in how he presents himself.  A staff member at this Little’s school shared she hasn’t seen him smile like that in the four years he’s been attending Bakersville Elementary School.

 

Brandon and his parents first visited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester in December of 2012. The seemingly mild, pint-sized boy was looking for someone to spend quality, one-to-one time with. He comes from a family with four other siblings and was looking for a Big Brother that would embrace his active, adventurous and competitive spirit. He wanted a Big Brother that would take him places, read and play games with him, talk about anything and everything he could think of with and, perhaps, teach something to.  He was looking to take on the world. He just wanted someone to give him the time to make this dream a reality.

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Luis Raymundo spent the majority of his teenage and adult life in Manchester. He is active, plays musical instruments, and was serving as a tutor at a local college when he was first interviewed. He was fortunate to have a strong mentor enter his life that pushed and guided him. He realized the impact his former vision teacher had on him and wanted to give back. Luis is legally blind. He has a brain tumor and lost his vision when the tumor was inoperable. He heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters from a friend whose daughter was a part of the program. Luis did some research about our organization and when the time was right for him, with the encouragement of his friends and family, he applied. His timing could not have been better.

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The rest is now history for Brandon and Luis. Brandon’s physical adversity is not a focus for Luis.  “I see confidence in Brandon. I see a well-rounded person developing,” says Luis.  The once small, shy boy is growing up and is now open to try new things when with Luis. “He’s beginning to do things independently.”  People around Brandon have also noticed he’s improving his manners, one of the goals he set for himself, with the help of Luis. The two participate in almost every event we offer our Big/Little matches. They attended Fisher Cats baseball games, visit the YMCA frequently, attended the American Idol concert and they saw the Celtics take on the Knicks in an exhibition game at the Verizon Wireless Arena this fall. Brandon is hoping to teach Luis how to fish, something Brandon brought up during one of their initial meetings.

 

During his initial interview, Luis said “a loss of sight is not a loss of vision.”  There are no judgments or prejudices between Brandon and Luis. Luis’ strong sense of self is rubbing off on Brandon. His positive, supportive, and genuine understanding of some challenges ahead for Brandon makes Luis the perfect mentor for Brandon. Luis’ and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ vision is to give children the opportunity to achieve success in life. Their pure connection and their shared vision for where their friendship will take each of them in life is inspiring to all.

With 48 years of experience fostering professionally supported, one-on-one friendships between young people and adults, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester is helping to strengthen communities in New Hampshire by providing youth with invested, caring adult mentors. Start the process of becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister today by visiting www.bbbsmanchester.org or contacting BBBSGM at info@bbbsmanchester.org or 603-669-5365 x201.

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