When Joey and Alyssa were first matched with Lehi, his mom knew this was going to be special. 

From the start, Lehi felt a connection with Joey and Alyssa. “I feel like they are just extraordinary people. If I want to talk about anything, we can talk about it. Joey and Alyssa never make me feel judged and are the kindest people I have ever met.”

For a teenager navigating school, friendships, and personal growth, having that kind of support is invaluable. His mom noticed it too, sharing, “In our culture, I think it is an expectation that you always have support from family, so when Joey and Alyssa go above and beyond for Lehi, it really sticks out to me.”

Whether it’s celebrating milestones, helping with school challenges, or offering a listening ear when times get tough, Joey and Alyssa find a way to be there. Lehi’s mom recalls a time when he was struggling in school. “Academically, he was having a hard time, and I reached out to Alyssa. She sat down with him, took the time to help, and made sure he knew she was there for him.”

When Lehi faced conflicts at school, Joey and Alyssa stepped in again. “There was an altercation, and Lehi wasn’t opening up to me. I reached out to Joey and Alyssa, and they were more than happy to talk to him. I don’t know exactly what they said, but I know it made a difference—after that conversation, Lehi processed things differently and knew how to handle it next time.”

Even in life’s biggest milestones, they continue to show up. One moment that truly touched Lehi’s mom was when he started preparing to get his driver’s permit. “Driving was a sensitive subject because his dad was supposed to get him his first car and is now not in the picture. Seeing them both get so excited for him, helping him look at things for his car, and bringing joy back into that milestone—it made me emotional. They make him feel so loved.”

There are hundreds of kids in our community waiting for a Big like you. Someone to show up, listen, and be a steady presence in their life.

Are you ready to make a difference? Learn more at bbbskc.org/be-a-big/.