Kathlene Olvera knew it would be tough raising a family on her own. The sole wage earner, she had no one else to help with big chores around the house. And then there was the stress of raising two children on her own. Nevertheless, things seemed to be going pretty well. But there were telltale signs that everything was not okay. Her nine-year-old son, Terrell seemed quiet and shy and he began having trouble in school. She sensed Terrell needed a positive male role model - somebody he could look up to and respect. Simply put, Terrell needed a man in his life who cared.
The
solution to her problem came from one of Kathleen’s co-workers who volunteered
with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. He suggested Terrell seek
a Big Brother. Terrell applied, but was put on a list with more than 100 other
kids waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Sister.
During his screening interview, Terrell said, "I’d like to find someone I can talk to, who wants to spend time with me, and try new things." It took a year, but Terrell finally got his wish. In November 1998, Big Brothers Big Sisters told Terrell about a couple that wanted to meet him.
Chris and Tracy Foster were both young attorneys who’d served as youth mentors before. Chris was a mentor back in high school. Tracy was a recent YouthFriends volunteer. The Fosters were looking for an active, energetic kid who wasn’t afraid to try things that were new. Terrell was a good match.
At their first meeting Tracy remembers thinking, "He was nice and polite and said ‘Thanks for picking me!’ I couldn’t help but think about all those other kids on the waiting list." During their two years together, Chris and Tracy have become good friends with Terrell. They get together once a week or so for some activity. They’ve been swimming, bowling, ice skating, to the movies, to Chiefs and Royals games and the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum. Chris is teaching Terrell how to play tennis. But other times they just stay home and play video games or chess, or read a book out loud together.
Chris says, "It’s refreshing watching Terrell try something new. He has a curious and daring mind." He added, "It doesn’t really feel like we’re volunteering. We have this little friend named Terrell, who’s become part of our lives."
Terrell says Chris and Tracy are "pretty cool." He adds, "they’re my best friends, but they’re also teaching me things, like to be more patient. I’m starting to realize I can’t have everything I want all at once. They’re also teaching me to challenge myself and set high goals." Terrell has responded by trying to play football at Della Lamb Community Services, basketball at Whatsoever Community Center and setting a goal of straight A’s in school when he was getting low grades. This trimester, it looks like Terrell will be getting all A’s and B’s. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program really seems to be getting positive results in his life!
Chris and Tracy are among 36 couples currently mentoring children through Big Brothers Big Sisters. The organization is trying to attract more volunteer couples, feeling it gives children a chance to observe the positive interaction between a man and woman, something they may not see at home. Big Brothers Big Sisters has more than 120 children from single parent homes currently on its waiting list.
In addition to being a Big Sister, Tracy Foster is president-elect of the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ board. She says "If you’re curious or are thinking about it, jump in and give it a try. The agency requests at least a six-month commitment, but when you see what it means to these kids you won’t want to leave."