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18 January 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A mentor can be life-changing for kids in Sedgwick County. Over 200 kids are waiting for that role model.
Every Wednesday, Joshua Pavelski with the Wichita Fire Department visits Jackson at school. The duo bonds over board games.
“I always beat him in games that’s because I get higher scores,” the first-grader said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters matched this pair together.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hesitant to do it at first. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but it’s just one of those things that I look forward to every week,” WFD Deputy Chief of Operations Joshua Pavelski said.
The nonprofit partners children in adversity with mentors from the community.
“75% of our kiddos come to us living at or below the poverty level,” said Theresa Murdick, BBBS Senior Development Associate.
There is a major need for male bigs.
“About 70% of our waitlist are little boys,” Murdick said.
The organization recently partnered with WFD to help.
“The leadership has said if you get matched, we’re going to make sure that you have the time within your work day to go and be with your little,” Murdick said.
“I get to come here, spend one-on-one time with him, have lunch, and just talk about, to him, it’s just kids stuff that he wants to know,” Chief Pavelski said.
Face-to-face interaction can inspire change.
“I want to know what you think, what you feel, what are you interested in, and how can you use it to achieve success in your life,” Murdick explained.
“It’s very rewarding not just for him but for me too,” Pavelski said.
Bigs and littles make meaningful memories in the process.
There is a one-year time commitment to be a big. You can sign up by calling the BBBS office or clicking here.