Match of the Week - Merlin and Zeke

Zeke and Merlin have been matched through Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters since January of 2014. Prior to this match, Merlin lacked a positive male role model who could take him out to do things. Big Brother Zeke entered YBBBS with an upbeat attitude destined to change a life, but the extent of which he would do so was yet to be determined. A year later, and positivity flows through Merlin’s grades, personality, and has allowed Merlin to truly come into his own.

Zeke truly believes in his little’s abilities and says, “Merlin is an amazing kid. We are like buddies, like brothers”. These “brothers” do many activities together, such as bowling, hiking, venturing into the wilderness, BBQ get-togethers, and simply hanging out. They also do public speaking for YBBBS, and have even gone to professional sports games, watching the Arizona Diamondbacks and Coyotes play their respective sports.

The impact Zeke has made on Merlin goes deeper than the 8 hours a month they spend together. Before getting a Big Brother Merlin struggled in school, but that struggle has been conquered. He also conducts himself better around peers and is more social. All of these changes directly reflect Zeke’s presence on Merlin’s life. The ultimate change began when Zeke took the reins, and said YES to become a Big Brother.

Change is one word that can take many forms. Positive change, however, can shape a child facing adversity into the successful and caring person you just read about. Showing a child a brighter future is as simple as giving 8 hours a month. By simply being a friend, you can be the determining factor in the success of that child’s life. To learn more about becoming a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, or Big Family, please call 778.5135, visit azbigs.org, or ‘Friend’ us on Facebook.