Rachel & Scyion's Story

wewrter

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) works to address the root causes of poverty and helps families break the cycle by partnering with parents /guardians to support Littles in their most critical years, creating a positive impact for both the child and their family. BBBS and Bigs share the concerns for Littles and work in conjunction parents/guardian to help guide and support Littles to achieve their greatest potential. This collaborative partnership allows Littles to realize their full potential while also allowing the parent/guardian to remain focused on the family’s basic needs.

Malana, is a single mother of four, who moved to Newport News from Philadelphia for better financial and social opportunities for her family. Soliciting help was not something Malana was comfortable with, but recognized that for her children to thrive and become the best version of themselves, she needed support. She reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters for that support. In October, BBBB matched Little Scyion with her Big Rachel. At that time, Scyion was the only one in the family old enough to be matched. Over the year, Scyion and Rachel’s relationship flourished. The two immediately hit it off through their love of arts and crafts and learning to garden together. Having shared hobbies helped them connect and has given way to opportunities to address more challenging topics. During their match meetings, Scyion and Rachel talk about politics, difficulties of virtual learning, and the current social climate. Being able to talk openly and in a safe space gives Scyion the chance to build her confidence and skills for a brighter future.

At the end of 2020, BBBS had the pleasure of being able to match Scyion’s younger brothers with their Bigs! Little Qualin with his Big Terrain and Little Quinton with his Big Paul. During their first meeting, their father made a surprise visit to Virginia. He was incredibly appreciative of Paul and Terrain’s support and being a stabilizing part of his children’s lives. He said, “Thank you for being here for my kids when I can’t”. Despite the need to follow social distancing, these matches already feel incredibly close! Quinton and Paul are staying active by spending time playing basketball together. Despite the masks, Quinton has already started opening up to Paul about difficulties in school and making friends during this time of isolation. While Qualin and Terrain have had to stay distance, they have also formed a meaningful relationship virtually. We see a bright future ahead for Malana and her family.

Since moving to Newport News, she has gained full-time employment and has moved to a new home across the street from her kids’ school and playgrounds. She feels secure and has a positive outlook on life, especially as she sees her kids start to believe in themselves, because their Bigs believing in them. Big Brothers Big Sisters helped Malana gain the support she needed for her children so they could flourish, and she could focus on providing for their basic needs.

 

Learn more about Big Brothers, Big Sisters here.