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Brad is a great 12-year-old kid. He has the potential to accomplish
anything. Yet, his choices may not be as broad as one might hope.
Without someone special he can relate with, Brad might end up walking
down some of life's darker paths.
Courtesy/Big Brothers Big Sisters/Megan Hollingsworth
From left are Ben, Brinton, Brad and Randall. Who taught you the traditions that matter? Who was your hero growing up? Ben taught Randall, Randall is teaching Brad, and Ben is teaching them, again, this time to Brinton.
Brad is a great 12-year-old kid. He has the potential to accomplish anything. Yet, his choices may not be as broad as one might hope. Without someone special he can relate with, Brad might end up walking down some of life's darker paths. But, Brad is lucky, very lucky; he has a loving and stable mom who recognizes the importance of having a strong male role model in his life, and, of course, he has one of the best Big Brothers ever. His "Big" hangs out with him, takes him to special activities, and shows him what it takes to be a successful businessman. Brad's "Big" is Randall. Brad doesn't know how lucky he is - Randall was once at risk of heading in the wrong direction, too; however, someone else lent him their strength. Randall had a Big Brother too, Ben, who taught him many important lessons that led to Randall's success. In fact, Ben taught Randall the importance of giving back to your community. Ben taught Randall how to be a Big Brother. Now Brad has a Big Brother.
Twenty-one years ago Randall was 10 years old. He lived in Prescott with his mom, was a good student and played baseball. Life was fine, but something was missing; a consistent male role model. That is until he was matched with Ben Filer in the Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Ben showed Randall that life had choices beyond what Randall could see. Randall made the right ones.
Now a successful businessman, Randall learned things from Ben that his mom couldn't teach him. Randall appreciated the one-on-one attention Ben gave him. He says Ben taught him how to be a responsible man. Ben helped him finance his first car, watched him catch his first fish in the ocean and taught him how to ski. Two decades later, they're best friends and more like family. Ben's influence on Randall was life changing. At 31, Randall's BBBS experience has come full circle now that he's a Big Brother too!
Ben has since continued to be a Big Brother to other children, such as his current "Little," Brinton, and plans to participate in the program for as long as he can. Ben says the program is invaluable personally and socially as well. Youth are subject to detrimental temptations and the risks are higher for children in single-parent homes. He says BBBS is an opportunity to teach personal responsibility, work ethics and leadership. He adds, "it breaks substandard behavior and expectations" by giving kids choices and options. He also said he has gotten more from being in the program than he has given. "It's an incredible experience to be a part of something this BIG!"
In addition to being Big Brothers, Ben and Randall serve on the YBBBS Quad City Community Board. Randall says it's a way to give back to the organization that gave him Ben. Moreover, Randall "digs" his Little Brother, Brad. They've been paired for six months and spend most weekends doing pretty much anything. They go to professional sporting events, indoor car racing or hiking outdoors. Brad says he appreciates having someone to listen to him. He imagines they'll be friends in 20 years, too.
Randall says he wouldn't know how to be a Big if it wasn't for Ben. And Brad just may say the same thing about Randall when he plans on becoming a Big Brother in the future too.
For more information or to volunteer, call 928-778-5135.
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