MEET MARY BETH AND JARON
Mary Beth always had a passion for helping and working with youth, which is why she decided to become a Big Sister several years ago. Little did she know that her experience as a Big Sister would turn out to make a lasting impact not only on her Little Brother, but on herself and her family.
In January of 2012, Mary Beth was matched with her Little Brother JaRon when he was ten years old. At the start of their relationship, their time together usually consisted of attending sporting or community events, like going to Milwaukee Brewers games. These shared activities helped them grow closer together, and the impact of their relationship rippled out to their families. Mary Beth’s kids started connecting with JaRon, becoming like an older brother and sister to him, as he became more and more like a part of the family. And JaRon’s mother Timeca, who was invested in the success of the mentoring relationship early on, began to develop a strong friendship with Mary Beth.
Over the years, Mary Beth and her family introduced JaRon to new things like fishing, camping and even snowboarding. Timeca was extremely grateful that Mary Beth and her family introduced these activities to JaRon, since she didn’t have the expertise herself and would have been unlikely to create those experiences for him on her own.
“Since that ‘kick-off’ moment about 6 years ago, our lives have evolved, JaRon has grown into a young man, and I can no longer imagine my family’s life without JaRon and Timeca in it.” – Big Sister Mary Beth
Their most exciting adventure thus far was in January of 2017 when Mary Beth, JaRon and Timeca made a road trip together to Washington, DC. This once-in-a-lifetime trip included a visit to the Smithsonian Museum of African American Culture and History. It was an experience they are grateful they got to have together.
Beyond their recreational and educational outings, there have been many moments they’ve been able to share “real life” together. These two families have come together to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and even graduations united in their common investment in each other’s success.
Throughout their six years of being matched, both JaRon and Mary Beth have grown to appreciate the value that comes from seeing the world through another person’s eyes. JaRon and Timeca have exposed Mary Beth and her family to a broader section of the community. And JaRon shares that “Mary Beth has helped me with things that were hard for me and has taught me a lot of things I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise.” The mentoring relationship that started nearly seven years ago has changed and grown along with JaRon and Mary Beth, and has created a richer life for both of them.
To this day, Mary Beth defends, ignites, and empowers JaRon and his potential. They’ve transitioned to spending more of their time on goal-oriented activities, with an eye towards JaRon’s future. JaRon is pursing auto mechanics in school and is excited to see where his journey will lead him after high school graduation, where he looks forward to having both his mother and Mary Beth by his side.
“MaryBeth is supportive of everything JaRon does in and out of school. She’s like family.” – Little Brother’s Mother, Timeca
Mary Beth always had a passion for helping and working with youth, which is why she decided to become a Big Sister several years ago. Little did she know that her experience as a Big Sister would turn out to make a lasting impact not only on her Little Brother, but on herself and her family.
In January of 2012, Mary Beth was matched with her Little Brother JaRon when he was ten years old. At the start of their relationship, their time together usually consisted of attending sporting or community events, like going to Milwaukee Brewers games. These shared activities helped them grow closer together, and the impact of their relationship rippled out to their families. Mary Beth’s kids started connecting with JaRon, becoming like an older brother and sister to him, as he became more and more like a part of the family. And JaRon’s mother Timeca, who was invested in the success of the mentoring relationship early on, began to develop a strong friendship with Mary Beth.
Over the years, Mary Beth and her family introduced JaRon to new things like fishing, camping and even snowboarding. Timeca was extremely grateful that Mary Beth and her family introduced these activities to JaRon, since she didn’t have the expertise herself and would have been unlikely to create those experiences for him on her own.
“Since that ‘kick-off’ moment about 6 years ago, our lives have evolved, JaRon has grown into a young man, and I can no longer imagine my family’s life without JaRon and Timeca in it.” – Big Sister Mary Beth
Their most exciting adventure thus far was in January of 2017 when Mary Beth, JaRon and Timeca made a road trip together to Washington, DC. This once-in-a-lifetime trip included a visit to the Smithsonian Museum of African American Culture and History. It was an experience they are grateful they got to have together.
Beyond their recreational and educational outings, there have been many moments they’ve been able to share “real life” together. These two families have come together to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and even graduations united in their common investment in each other’s success.
Throughout their six years of being matched, both JaRon and Mary Beth have grown to appreciate the value that comes from seeing the world through another person’s eyes. JaRon and Timeca have exposed Mary Beth and her family to a broader section of the community. And JaRon shares that “Mary Beth has helped me with things that were hard for me and has taught me a lot of things I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise.” The mentoring relationship that started nearly seven years ago has changed and grown along with JaRon and Mary Beth, and has created a richer life for both of them.
To this day, Mary Beth defends, ignites, and empowers JaRon and his potential. They’ve transitioned to spending more of their time on goal-oriented activities, with an eye towards JaRon’s future. JaRon is pursing auto mechanics in school and is excited to see where his journey will lead him after high school graduation, where he looks forward to having both his mother and Mary Beth by his side.
“MaryBeth is supportive of everything JaRon does in and out of school. She’s like family.” – Little Brother’s Mother, Timeca