James & Big Brother Wade

Becky Roden and her two sons James & Timathy

Timathy & Big Sister Tracy

A Mother shares about Big Brothers Big Sisters
~ from the desk of Becky Roden ~

I am writing to you today to share with you my personal experience as a working single mother here in Santa Cruz. After my divorce seven years ago, the father of my two boys essentially disappeared from their lives. While I did everything I could to fill the gap for my sons, Tim and James, it was challenging for me to be both mom and dad, while working to support the family. And it was very hard for my sons to have no relationship with their father.

I know how important it is for kids to have positive role models, and I wanted my sons to have as many mentors as possible. A friend of mine recommended that I call Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was the best advice I could have received!

Both of my sons are matched to amazing mentors. One is matched to a Big Sister, and one is matched to a Big Brother. The “Bigs” are identical to my sons, both in terms of interests and personalities. The organization could not have found better mentors - they are perfect for my kids! Tim’s Big Sister rides bikes, goes to the beach and rides dirt bikes with him. James’ Big Brother is really into football and video games, just like James. They love spending time together.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an amazing organization. The staff is wonderful. They were very thorough when they interviewed us, and this attention to detail resulted in my boys having mentors who meet their individual needs. And as a parent, I have a deep appreciation for the thorough assessment that the organization conducts with each prospective volunteer. It makes me feel safe when my kids are with their “Bigs.”

Being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters has made a huge difference in our lives. The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that Tim is becoming more and more outgoing, and has more self-confidence.  And the same is true with James – especially out on the football field! Both my boys are happier than they were before they got involved. If you asked Tim and James what they think of their mentors, they would tell you that they have become like members of our family.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is changing the lives of hundreds of kids in Santa Cruz County, including the lives of my two sons. But it requires the support and commitment of our community to keep their important work going. I know that we are facing tough economic times, but it is during these tough times that it is even more important to be there for our children. If we invest our time and money to help them to be responsible and caring individuals, then we are making a difference that will be noticed today, as well as in the future.

I will leave it to Big Brothers Big Sisters to share with you the incredible statistics that show how kids matched to Big Brothers and Big Sisters are less likely to drop out of school, do drugs and alcohol, get pregnant while in their teens, or participate in criminal activity. What I will tell you is that I know first hand that this program works!

I must confess that when I was writing this letter and reflecting on the importance of this program in my family’s life, I became very emotional. I am so grateful that Big Brothers Big Sisters exists here in Santa Cruz, and I hope that you will join me in supporting its services generously. It will warm your heart to know you are helping kids like my boys, and our future generation of youth. Thank you so much.

Warm Regards,
Becky Roden