Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has truly changed John’s life. At 45, this IT consultant never imagined howdeepanimpacthecouldhave—evenwhile helpingsomeoneelse.
Three years ago, he was paired with Alex, a shy 12-year-old who faced a lot of challenges, both in school and with his self-esteem. At first, their me together was filled with simple joys: shoo ng hoops at the park and exploring the local library. But those casual ou ngs became the founda on for a strong bond built on trust.As me went by, John found himself stepping into a role he didn’t expect: a mentor and a steady presence in Alex’s life. They started se ng goals together, like improving Alex’s grades and diving into his newfound love for so ware. Thanks to John’s background with computers, he was able to spark Alex’s crea vity, and they embarked on fun projects thatfueledAlex'spassion.
John’s pa ent guidance played a crucial role as Alex navigated the pressures of school and personal challenges. Celebra ng those li le victories—like an improved report card or a successful art compe on—only brought them closer together. For John, the experience of mentoring Alex has not just been about giving; he o en reflects on how this journey has made him more empathe c and aware of his impact on others.Looking ahead,Johnis excited aboutAlex’s future. He hopes to see him shine in high school and beyond, commi ed to suppor ng him every stepoftheway.
Their journey illustrates just how powerful mentorship can be, showcasing what BBBS does in crea ng transforma ve rela onships that change lives. John’s story serves as a reminder to others about the importance of community involvement. He o en encourages his friends and colleagues to get involved, par cipateinBBBSevents,andsupportthemissionoftheorganiza on.A erall,hebelieves thatcommunityengagementisessen alforbuildingabrighterfutureforeveryone.
Healing Through Horses Equine
therapy, or horse-assisted therapy, is an effec ve mental health treatment that involves interac ng with horses to address emo onal and psychologicalchallenges.
Horses are highly intui ve, responding to human emo ons and non-verbal cues, making them ideal therapeu c partners. In equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), individuals engage in ac vi es such as grooming or leading horses under the
guidance of a licensed therapist. The horse's reac ons help clients gain insights into their emo ons, promo ng s e l f- awa re n e s s a n d e m o o n a l regula on.
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) focuses onbuildingskillslikecommunica onand problem-solving, o en used for social anxiety or low self-esteem. Therapeu c riding can enhance both physical coordina onandmentalwell-being.
The benefits of equine therapy are wideranging: it reduces stress, improves emo onal control, builds trust, and boosts self-confidence. It’s par cularly effec ve for those suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma, providing a calming, non-judgmental environment for personal growth. Equine therapy is suitable for individuals ofallagesandbackgrounds.
By forming a trus ng bond with a horse, people can experience emo onal healing and gain valuable life skills, making it a powerful tool for mental healthrecovery.
