Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee

Joel and Jayden are matched because Jayden needs a calm, patient, and steady mentor, and Joel naturally embodies those qualities. Their shared interest in being active and exploring outdoors, especially their mutual love of martial arts, creates an easy path for connection, while Joel’s gentle, thoughtful presence offers Jayden the stability, empathy, and guidance he needs

THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED UNDER AN AGREEMENT WITH KONX COUNTY OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND

Join us June 10 at 6:30 PM at Sweet P’s BBQ on Tazewell Pike for a fun night of Bingo, great food, and community.
🎟️ $5 per bingo card
🍖 Local favorite Sweet P’s BBQ
🍺 Featuring Great Lakes Brewing Company
Bingo night supports Big Brothers Big Sisters — because IT TAKES A VILLAGE to show up for local youth.
Grab your friends, check the flyer, and come play for impact.

Aleehia is an energetic, bubbly, creative child who thrives with adults who are patient, kind, and encouraging. Gabriella brings that and more—her lived experience as a former Little gives her a deep, authentic understanding of what a positive mentoring relationship can create. Their shared love of painting, crafting, exploring outdoors, and trying new things means their time together will be both fun and meaningful. Gabriella’s gentle, steady presence helps Aleehia feel understood, while her enthusiasm and confidence‑building approach aligns beautifully with Aleehia’s needs and goals.

THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED UNDER AN AGREEMENT WITH KONX COUNTY OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND

Two people. One moment. A lifetime of impact.

When a caring adult shows up consistently, a child feels seen, supported, and believed in. This match is built on shared interests, laughter, and the simple power of showing up again and again.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE to help kids build confidence, discover their strengths, and know they don’t have to do life alone.

"Watching my relationship with my Little grow has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey, a reminder that it truly takes a village to help a child flourish. Together we’ve explored new places and tried new things from playing at Lakeshore Park to creating art at the Knoxville Museum of Art, painting ceramics, learning at the Muse, and even building with clay. Each experience has opened a new window into her curiosity and courage, and it’s been an honor to earn her trust along the way. I’ve also deeply valued partnering with her mother, collaborating as a team to support her in the ways she deserves. Being part of her village has been a privilege, and watching her world expand has been a joy." - Big Sister Jessica

This match brings together curiosity, structure, and the power of showing up. A creative, energetic Little who loves building, learning, and exploring the world now has a Big who values consistency, service, and meaningful one‑on‑one time. Together, they’re creating space for growth through hands‑on activities, outdoor adventures, and moments that build confidence step by step.

Matches like this remind us that mentorship isn’t about grand gestures — it’s about presence, patience, and connection. When caring adults invest their time and heart, kids feel seen, supported, and empowered to imagine what’s possible.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE, and this Big‑Little pair is a beautiful example of our community showing up.

Some matches work because they’re loud and exciting.
Others work because they’re steady, patient, and built on trust.
This match was created with intention - aligning a calm, consistent Big with a Little who benefits from low‑pressure connection and time to warm up. Shared activities, realistic expectations, and a trauma‑informed approach create space for trust to grow naturally.
No rush. No pressure. Just showing up again and again.
That’s how relationships last.
That’s how confidence builds.
That’s how change happens.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE to create matches like this and to sustain them.