LEWISTON — The Lewiston-Auburn Safe Schools Healthy Students initiative funds a portion of the Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based mentoring program with an emphasis on supporting recruitment and matching of male mentors or “Bigs” for the waiting list of male youths or “Littles” in the program. Those interested in becoming a Big Brother should contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 782-5437 or via e-mail at [email protected].

One success story is the match of Noah, an 11-year-old boy who waited two years to be matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. His Big Brother, Paul, is a 54-year-old man with a family, a job and now Noah.

“On my first meeting with Paul, I knew he was neat,” Noah said. “He threw a Nerf football to me from behind his back, and that is when I knew we would be good friends.” Paul said, “I understand Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about the Littles, but for me, meeting Noah means having a good influence on an old guy like me. Noah keeps me young, and I feel right being a Big Brother to him.”

Paul and Noah do a lot together. They go on hikes, walk through Thorncrag, go fishing, build models and do errands together.

Paul sees the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a time to have fun with a local youth who wants someone in their life to spend time with, and the experience changes both of their lives. “I have always enjoyed kids, and Noah is great to be with and great to talk to,” Paul says. “We always talk about school, homework, and Noah is a really good kid; he is very likable.”

Paul tries to meet with Noah as often as he can and getting together requires coordinating time. “Paul and Noah have a standing appointment to be together on their calendars, and it is a commitment on everybody’s part to make it work,” said Noah’s mother, Valerie.

Right now, Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for male mentors to make a difference in the life of young males in the Lewiston-Auburn area. “Giving a couple hours of your time is easy,” Paul said, “It is rewarding, fun and not a chore.”