• Serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska Counties
December 7, 2014 cecilia

Charlie and Kevin were matched shortly after Kevin’s mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer (the reason he was referred to our program).  Kevin was struggling and acting out in many ways, oftentimes internalizing his pain.  Charlie, an honors student and quarterback for the varsity football team, became a consistent champion for Kevin, never missing a chance to meet with him. Even with snow days, exams, ACT testing and trimester schedule changes, Charlie always made time each week for Kevin.

When Charlie and Kevin go outdoors for recess, Charlie faces the challenge of organizing Kevin and his group of 4th graders in a game of football (a point of contention among the kids … who is going to be quarterback and who is on which team).

Recently school staff observed a seamless game of football being played by Charlie, Kevin and a group of 4th graders.  Thanks to Charlie, he got everyone to play without argument, have a good time, and made Kevin feel like the all-star for being his Little Brother. They then began talking to each other and to the school counselor about how they could hire Charlie to work with the students….since he did such an outstanding job with them in his role as a Big Brother!

When I asked Kevin what he has learned about his Big Brother, he tells said, “Charlie is nice and likes to laugh”.

Big Brother Charlie holding Little Brother Kevin

Charlie and Kevin

Kevin’s mom passed away two weeks before this photo was taken! He is doing well with Charlie by his side!