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Success Story Archives
> Share your special mentoring story “Mentor and Coach”Derek VanEmon and Zane - "Brothers" since 2008
When Derek and Zane were matched, one of the first things Zane expressed interest in was playing organized basketball. Derek not only signed Zane up for a basketball league at the Baxter YMCA, but he volunteered to coach the team. The two had so much fun together that Derek decided to coach Zane's team again 2009. In addition to teaching Zane about basketball, Derek has taught him about the importance of doing well in school. The two have an agreement that Zane's report card reflects how much basketball he can play. When the two first met, Zane was struggling with several subjects in school. Now Zane has improved his schoolwork and only had one disappointing grade on his last report card. As a result of the disappointing grade, Derek held Zane out of the first half of his first two games of the season. Although it was a tough decision Derek, it has helped Zane understand why his grades are so important. “Becoming Part of the Family”Karen Henderson and Christina – “Sisters” since 1998
Horseback riding, cooking and traveling were some of the many activities Christina was able to do with Karen, and their travels became family excursions. “We went on a trip to American Girl Place, and she actually became part of our family, so we all traveled together.” A territory business manager for Invacare, Karen stays busy with her career, but always returns to her friendship with Christina. “It’s impacted my life dramatically in that I was given the opportunity to share things with a young person that I would not have been able to by not having my own children,” reflects Karen. “Just recognizing the value that she feels I brought to her in my life…it’s just huge knowing the impact.” After earning her high school diploma from Speedway High School, Christina is in her freshman year as a full-time journalism student at Indiana University. With aspirations to become a book publisher, Christina knows that Karen will support her in every way. “The fact that one person can make a difficult situation that much more bearable is truly a miracle. After receiving this miracle and feeling its affects, I have full intentions to pass it on.” “A Lifetime Commitment”Dan Bowden and Jarod – “Brothers" since February 1988
Dan and Jarod attended numerous Pacers and Colts games, but the most memorable experience they shared was a trip to Disney World in which Dan and his wife accompanied Jarod and his mother to the theme park. After 21 years, Dan and Jarod still keep in close contact despite their busy schedules. “He’s always been somebody I can look up to or talk to,” says Jarod. “He taught me how to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. Today, Jarod is a contractor for the State of Indiana and has a wife and two children. He coaches his son’s football team and has been able to pass on some of the valuable lessons he learned from his relationship with his Big Brother. “I’ve used a lot of Dan’s teachings over the years. I used his voice in the football season to keep the boys positive even when we were down on the scoreboard.” As a realtor for the F.C. Tucker Company, Dan recently helped Jarod find his own home where he can send his children to a good school. For Dan, his friendship with Jarod has given him a lifelong gift. “It’s a foundation of love, having the feeling that I’ve made a difference for somebody.” “A Little Time – A Big Visit”Tom Behringer and Steven – “Brothers” since 1998
“Growing up, going through college and interviewing for a job, I was always looking for guidance,” remembers Tom. “There were so many generous people along the way, starting with my parents, that I felt it was my way to give back.” Fast-forward to November 2007. The two “brothers” have remained close, but much has changed for Steven and Tom. Steven has now outgrown Tom’s 6’1” frame by nearly 5 inches. A recent graduate from Northwest High School in Indianapolis, Steven has now enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he recently completed boot camp. During a short break home to visit family and friends, Steven stopped by to visit Tom and show off his dress uniform. Tom noticed a scar on his neck he had received from a piece of hot shrapnel during training. Steven just smiled as he put his arm around his long-time “brother.” “I learned a lot about responsibility and just how to be a better person,” Steven says of his Big Brother. “Knowing Tom has gotten me over some major hurdles in my life to make me the young man I am today.” As Tom watched Steven visiting with his wife and two young sons, he reflected, “Ten years ago I didn’t fathom that an inner city child half my age would turn out to be one of my best friends. He will always be part of our lives.”
“A Part of My Family”Tonya Lengar and DeAndra – “Sisters” since January 2006 Tonya Lengar’s commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana parallels her commitment to everything in life, “I think one of our missions in life is to be a servant. We can all serve others, and that commitment is a true gift we can give people.” DeAndra, Tonya’s Little Sister, enjoys talking to her Big Sister and sharing stories about her day. “She loves that attention,” Tonya says. “I think it’s important to give her that listening ear, to be there for her when she wants to talk about something.” As an attorney, Tonya’s schedule is very busy. But she and DeAndra always find time to share a dinner, some time at the mall, and a phone conversation every now and then. “She’s a part of my family now,” Tonya smiles. “It’s very nice to know you’ve made an impact on someone’s life.” “Bulldogs Being Bigs”Katie Doane – Big Sister since 2004 and Organizer of “Bulldogs Being Bigs” When a young person goes to college, he or she usually looks forward to getting involved in various aspects of campus life. When Katie Doane, an education major from Butler University, looked to get involved, she contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “I had heard of the organization in high school, and I really wanted to find a way to make a difference,” she recounted. But Katie did not stop there, “I just felt like many of us had an hour a week we could give to help make a difference in the lives of these young people.” So Katie helped to found a campus organization “Bulldogs Being Bigs,” named after the popular Butler Bulldogs mascot. The site-based mentoring organization works in partnership with Indianapolis Public School #84 and invites college-age “Bigs” to visit their “Littles” over the lunch hour to review homework, play games or just share stories and have fun. Bulldogs Being Bigs, now more than 100 strong, has grown so popular, that Katie has since helped Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana to co-author a guide for other college campuses to help them develop similar organizations. Katie reflects, “Most of the best learning I’ve had in my life has been outside a classroom. As a Big Sister, I’ve had the opportunity to show other people some of the things that they are really good at, and some of the best qualities that they may not see in themselves. I think this is a positive we can pass on to anybody.”
“Teammates Score”Jeff Johnson and Colton – “Brothers” since September 2002 Sporting activities have been at the center of Jeff Johnson’s long-standing relationship that he has enjoyed with his Little Brother, Colton. “We have a lot of things in common, but sports is really big.” “We’re very competitive,” Jeff laughs. “It doesn’t matter if it’s bowling, golf, basketball, we’re always trying to outdo each other.” As the associate director of creative services for Pacers Sports & Entertainment the basketball season is always a busy time for Jeff, especially in a basketball-crazy state like Indiana. But even during the most hectic of times, Jeff has always found ways to spend some time with Colton. “Sure, I was busy. But I always had to eat. So it was easy to call him up and go get a sandwich or a burger. It’s easy to hang out and just be buddies.” Jeff continues, “Colton never really knew his father. It made me realize how important my father was in my life. Getting involved like this helps me show my appreciation and give back in some way.”
“We Are All Teachers”Robert Forrest and Rayshawn – “Brothers” since March 2007 “I’m doing what I can because I think it’s in my heart,” says Robert Forrest, head maintenance engineer at the Second Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Robert is reflecting on his relationship with his Little Brother, Rayshawn, who he first met through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana in March 2007. Among his many duties at the church, Robert helps teach Bible classes for teens and organizes various youth activities. He invites Rayshawn to many of the group activities, but also finds time to spend some one-to-one moments together. “We are all teachers, because the youth of today are looking at us,” Robert notes. “I would say that any of us can be leaders by just being the regular, outstanding man you are, and then allowing these kids to see your character. That’s important.” Robert also has two kids of his own, and will sometimes invite Rayshawn to spend time with his entire family on an outing. Other times he enjoys spending time with his Little Brother, one-to-one. Robert reflects, “For me, the most rewarding part is not here yet. When Rayshawn is my age, and he looks back, I want him to say, ‘There was someone in my life who made a difference.’ And he would bring up Robert Forrest. That will be the most rewarding part.” |
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Big Brother Derek VanEmon and Little Brother Zane were matched on December 5, 2008. Derek, 27, who works at Ernst & Young, enlisted to be a Big Brother because he wanted to give something back and help the youth in our community. Zane, 11, lives on the south side of Indianapolis with his mother, Julie, and his 13-year-old sister, Frances. Julie enrolled her son in the program so that Zane could have a positive male role model in his life.
“I was allowed to do things that I wouldn’t be able to do without her,” says Little Sister Christina about her relationship with Big Sister Karen Henderson. Matched together when Christina was eight years old, she found a friend and a role model in Karen. 
At the age of 11, Little Brother Jarod was reluctant to begin a match relationship, but when Jarod met Big Brother Dan Bowden his reluctance was replaced with trust. Dan was able to provide the lasting friendship Jarod needed, “I wanted a friend for life so to me it’s a very big commitment,” says Dan.
Little Brother Steven was a lanky nine-year-old when he first met Big Brother Tom Behringer in August 1998. Tom was 26 at the time and newly married, when he first decided to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.
