Match Spotlight: Catherine and Nia

March 12, 2025

Spotlight match not pictured

Catherine (Big) and Nia (Little) recently officially graduated from our Children’s program upon Nia’s 22nd birthday. They were first matched in February 2017 when Nia was 14 years old. Since being matched, Nia has graduated high school and gone off to college and Catherine has become a mother. Today, Nia is in her final semester at college and Catherine has just welcomed her third child! Catherine took the time to answer the questions below:


Catherine (Big) and Nia (Little) recently officially graduated from our Children’s program upon Nia’s 22nd birthday. They were first matched in February 2017 when Nia was 14 years old. Since being matched, Nia has graduated high school and gone off to college and Catherine has become a mother. Today, Nia is in her final semester at college and Catherine has just welcomed her third child! Catherine took the time to answer the questions below:

My favorite activity to do with my match is: a glass blowing class. It was such a cool experience and not something I would have tried myself. We went for it and had an awesome time.

My advice to people who are just getting started on their JBBBS journey :  Let things happen organically, which takes time. Quality relationships are built slowly and patiently. Starting as a volunteer, you think you’re going to have this immediate relationship but it’s a totally different experience to really get to know and bond with a child. Our strong relationship happened over time, and it worked out so well.

What have I learned from being matched: I learned so much from being matched. Nia gave me a new perspective on life and helped me prepare to be a parent in today’s world.

What is your favorite part of being involved with JBBBS: It’s a two-way street! You think you’re going to be the one to impact and teach them, but it’s usually the other way around. The benefit of a mentor is that you also grow as a person working with a young person.

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