LIVE
WRITTEN BY JULIE SCHILLINGS
BE THE CHANGE
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS GET CREATIVE DURING PANDEMIC
A lot of things changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters was quick to adapt, allowing valuable connections to continue during uncertain times. BBBS provides one-to-one adult mentors for children, someone who can invest time
“Life-changing friendships are built through the simplest of moments spent together,” — Haley Butts, Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer manager
in them, encourage them in their education,
biggest fans. A real estate agent at J.P. Weigand, Kelly has even taken Genesis on appointments with clients, introducing her to a potential future career. Many of the duo’s favorite pastimes are simply hanging out and spending time with one another. BBBS has a continuous need for volunteers
healthy behaviors and provide a different per-
For Genesis and countless other kids across
according to Haley Butts, volunteer manager,
spective on life.
the country, the pandemic meant a sudden
“And now we have an even greater need for
absence of social time with friends who they
mentors because kids have been sitting stag-
When Gov. Laura Kelly put the stay-at-home
would typically see at school. Kelly provided a
nant. Families are reaching out more than
order in place in mid-March, the Bigs could only
constant touch point during what could have
ever, looking for positive engagement for
meet with their Littles virtually. Many of them
been a scary and lonely experience.
their children.”
play games and make crafts. Built on face-to-
Genesis is a gifted athlete who treasures
"Mentors are just everyday people who live
face interactions, BBBS wanted to make sure
spending time with Kelly, especially fishing
out a known reality: Relationships matter,”
the pandemic did not interfere with continuing
and kayaking. In fact, the entire Watkins family
said Haley. For those interested in becoming
to foster these important relationships.
enjoys spending time with Genesis when they
a Big, there is no cost, and no requirements,
got creative, using video chat to cook together,
can. She has stepped fully into the role of little
except passing a background check and being
Big Sister, Kelly Watkins, and Little Sister, nine-
sister, pulling pranks with Kelly’s big kids when
willing to invest a little time in a child each
year-old Genesis, went from meeting in person
they are home from college.
month. Become a critical part of a child’s
to finding other ways to keep in touch. During
life by filling out an online inquiry form at
the stay-at-home order, Kelly dropped off
“I’ve always thought about becoming a Big
goodie bags and notes of encouragement at
Sister,“ Kelly said, “I had the perception that
Genesis’s home. Having been a match for more
I wasn’t qualified or didn’t have the time, but
“Our Bigs are serving our future community,”
than a year and a half, Kelly knew to include
I’m so glad that I finally did. I never imagined
said Haley, “Youth are facing more challenges
her Little’s favorite items such as beef jerky
how enriching the experience would be.”
now than ever before, including social isolation
and coloring supplies.
and racial injustice. We are out encouraging our Cheering from the stands of soccer matches and softball games, Kelly is one of Genesis’
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kansasbigs.org.
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community to be the change you want to see.”
