PENSACOLA, Fla. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida announces that Big Brother Robert Keith was selected as the Santa Rosa County 2019 Big of the Year. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff chose Robert for this honor because he is dedicated, consistent, and supportive of his two Little
Brothers.
Robert applied to be a Big in the program because he understood firsthand the importance of having a strong mentor at a young age. “Being the product of a single-parent household myself, I felt it was my responsibility to become what I wished was available for me when I was that age.” Says Robert.
A year and a half ago Robert was matched with his Little Brother Cayden who was being raised by his great grandmother. She enrolled both her grandkids, Cayden and Christian, into the program because she was not in good health and unable to leave the house with the boys as much as she wished she could.
After a few outings with his Little Cayden, Robert decided he couldn’t stand to see Christian without a Big Brother. He promptly came into our office and asked if he could be matched with both of the siblings. The brothers were so excited to be matched with the same Big that the second match took
place.
Robert goes above and beyond the minimum responsibilities as a Big Brother. He makes sure to see both Littles every week. He even makes sure that they both get their own individual time in order to provide both boys with the attention they need.
Robert mentors the boys and studies with them. He goes to school to visit them and frequently corresponds with their teachers to make sure he can help anyway he can if they are struggling. They go to church together and Robert includes them in activities with his own son and daughter. “Being a big means everything to me” says Robert “Our relationship has evolved to the point where they are part of the family.”
Christian and Cayden’s great grandmother describes Robert as not only part of their family but as the boys’ guardian angel. “I am so very thankful for all he has done for my boys,” she says.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one mentoring for 30 years by serving children ages K to 18. Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Northwest Florida served 660 children in Northwest Florida.