Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Hill Country hosted an informational luncheon to highlight the transformative power of guidance for youth, featuring anecdotes from local mentors and mentees.
The luncheon took place Nov. 12 at the Inn of the Hills Conference Center, where representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters took the opportunity to inform community members of the program’s needs, inspire potential mentors, and garner financial support.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Hill Country is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to providing children facing adversity with one-on-one mentoring to ensure success in life. After thorough onboarding processes for the safety of the children, volunteers are matched with a child from their community. Fondly referred to as the ‘Bigs,’ mentors in the program volunteer their time to guide their mentee, or “Little.”
One not-so-little-anymore mentee in the program spoke out about the impact mentorship had on her life. Caitlyn Jones joined Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Little Sister in 2009 shortly after moving to Texas. Wanting to provide her children with beneficial guidance, Jones’ mother enrolled the siblings into Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“My mom was a single mom raising three kids, one of which, my brother, had special needs. She initially only signed him up, and at that time, it was suggested to also sign up my sister and I. That way we got some sort of attention, just because he needed a little bit extra,” said Jones.
Once enrolled, Jones went through the match-making process, meeting her mentor, Kathy Sears Hall.
“I met my Big Sister Kathy at a luncheon just like this one. After she saw me at the luncheon, she wanted to be my big sister. Kathy has had a great impact on my life and is still my biggest support today,” said Jones.
Before meeting her Big Sister Kathy, Jones was dealing with behavioral issues in response to instability back home.
“One of my earliest memories of my father was during a visit to his family’s home. He made it very known that he did not want my brother or I, and at the time I was only four years old. From that moment, I began to struggle with the narrative that no one wanted me,” said Jones.
Once the pair were matched together, Jones began flourishing from the support around her.
“The Big Brothers Big Sisters program has changed that storyline for me. A total stranger with no obligation chose to be a part of my life and guide me towards success. She made sure I learned about finances, taught me the importance of taking care of my body, and instilled in me the need to give back to the community,” said Jones.
Since graduating from Tivy High School in 2020, Jones has attended and graduated from Texas A&M University and has returned to Kerrville to fulfill a position at Peterson Health as Patient Access Supervisor. Jones also now serves as a board member for the Texas Hill Country Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For more information about the Big Brother Big Sister’s efforts and ways to contribute, visit their website at https://www.bigmentor.org/texas-hill-country.