Manny and Jaysai
This summer, one of our Littles, Jaysai, faced a serious injury that left him on crutches. As an athlete, missing out on sports, especially football this fall, has been incredibly hard on him. His mom shared that he’s been feeling down and discouraged.
When we reached out to his Big, Manny, a student at Assumption University, to let him know, Manny immediately wanted to help. We suggested he share a story about a time he faced an injury as an athlete to show Jaysai that he’s not alone when their program was back in session. Manny went a step further: he asked for the Mom’s phone number so he could reach out to Jaysai right away instead of waiting for school to start.
That simple act made a big difference. Jaysai’s mom told us that just knowing his Big wanted to call lifted his spirits, and by the time he got on the phone with Manny, he was already smiling.
This is what mentoring is all about. A Big’s support can help a child feel special, confident, and hopeful, even during tough times. Thanks to Manny’s care and commitment, Jaysai is heading into the school year with more confidence and a brighter outlook. What a wonderful gift to give a child!
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