The Big Impact: Adam & Caleb – 5 Years of Mentorship
THE STORY OF Adam & Caleb
When Penny first reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe, she was hoping to find a positive male role model for her son. A quiet, introverted homebody herself, Penny wanted more for Adam; more opportunity, more confidence, and more connection.
“It can be difficult raising a boy when there’s no male figure in their life,” she shared. “I had no clue how to raise a son so he could reach his full potential without any sort of positive male role models to look up to.”
After a few months of careful matching, Penny and Adam were paired with Caleb. And from day one, the impact has been undeniable.
“I feel like I hit the mentor jackpot,” Penny says. “My son’s Big Brother is exactly what I was looking for. He brought my son out of his shell and got him interested in things like farming, sports, music, and just being more engaged in life.”
For Caleb, becoming a mentor was a natural extension of who he is.
“I’ve got two older brothers myself. I’m the youngest of three. Never got the chance to be a big brother,” he says. “This felt like a good opportunity. You don’t have to stress about planning something every week. The littles just appreciate being with someone.”
Adam agrees and has felt the growth firsthand.
“At first, I used to be quiet and introverted. But over the years of talking and hanging out with Caleb, I grew more confident and expressive. Caleb and his family treat me like one of their own, and that’s something I deeply cherish.”
Now five years into their match, the transformation is undeniable. Penny sees a young man who is respectful, outgoing, kind, and open to adventure.
“They have built a lasting friendship that will continue for years to come,” she says. “I truly could not have asked for a more perfect match. BBBS is more than just a program. They’ve become family.”
Want to be part of something BIG? Explore becoming a mentor.
