Big Brothers Big Sisters...
BBBS Match of the Month
September 2011 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County announce Big Brother Jared Glaspell, of Columbus, and Little Brother Caleb Bray, of Sidney, have been selected as September Match of the Month.  Caleb is the son of Angela Bray.  Jared and Caleb have been matched since August 29, 2005. 

Jared enjoys being a Big Brother and realizes the impact of sharing his time, knowledge, and life experiences has on Caleb.  Their relationship has become important to both of them.  Jared says, “Caleb has an incredible ability to ‘think outside the box’ when it comes to just about everything…  He is also willing to try new things, such as boogey-board on the ocean waves at Emerald Isle, NC.”  Caleb is building enthusiasm by trying and enjoying new experiences, which creates a positive outlook. 

Among Jared’s favorite activities in their six years together are playing laser tag in Dayton, going to The Wilds in Cambridge, Ohio, and having Caleb usher in his wedding last year.  He appreciates that Caleb now opens up to talk.  “His shyness that he had when we were first matched is now a thing of the past.” 

Caleb likes the activities he does with Jared, such as bowling and fishing.  “We do things we would never do [with mom].”  Special activities include a vacation at a North Carolina beach house with Jared’s family, a safari tour in Cincinnati, and being an usher at Jared’s wedding.  Caleb reports he is learning the responsibility of living a healthy life and now has things to look forward to in the future. 

Angela values the positive impact Jared has had on Caleb, noticing he is more social and outgoing.  Previously, he spent many hours alone in his room, whereas now he associates with everyone.  Angela says, “He now sets goals and is doing better in school.”  She appreciates that even with Jared now living in Columbus, they are still in touch and still get together regularly. 

Jared adds, “Caleb and I are going to be friends for a lifetime, which was something I didn’t realize when I signed up to be a Big back in 2004.” 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a non-profit United Way member, social service agency. Lisa Brown is Executive Director of the agency.  The program specializes in matching children from at-risk families with adult volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters. These adults provide children with positive role modeling, as well as new educational and social activities. If you would like to make the difference in the life of a child but are unable to volunteer at this time, Big Brothers Big Sisters has many other opportunities throughout the year for others to become involved.  Learn more about our agency by logging onto http://www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org or calling 937-547-9622 or 937-492-7611.