Making a significant impact on the lives of young people, Trevor James has been a dedicated volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Nelson since 2011 and, as such, has been nominated as this month's Nelson Auto Glass Specialists Local Legend.
Mentoring through BBBS, July marks a special milestone as Trevor celebrates ten years of mentorship with his ‘brother’, Jackson. Trevor’s journey began when he was introduced to the organisation by his friend Claire Webster. At the time, Trevor's two daughters were becoming more independent, and with the support of his family, he decided to become a mentor. His first mentor match was with Thomas in 2011, and in 2014, he was matched with Jackson.
Reflecting on his time, Trevor shares, “Both mentoring experiences have been very different, but extremely rewarding.” BBBS is an organisation that is part of the world’s largest volunteer mentoring network. Known for its comprehensive matching process, the organisation provides quality training to equip mentors with the skills needed to ignite potential and build resilience in young people across New Zealand.
In the decade since they were paired Trevor has seen Jackson grow from a young child to a young adult.
“The mentoring evolves as the young person grows, and I want Jackson to know that I will be here for as long as he needs. I’ve got his back, and I am not going to walk away.” Volunteering with BBBS has been a tremendous experience, he explains. “Volunteering in general is great but there is something you can't quite beat about supporting the next generation of young people and helping them to gain confidence, skills, and awareness of different perspectives.” Trevor acknowledges that mentors often learn as many lessons as the young ones. “It is an extremely rewarding role.” BBBS Nelson continues to play a crucial role in the community.
The organisation’s mission is to provide young people with the friendship and guidance of caring adults, fostering positive development and resilience. For more information about BBBS Nelson visit their website or contact them directly.
