DERRY — A local man has been honored for his commitment to help bring friendship and support to young people.
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Greater Nashua recently honored Jared Bell as Big Brother of the Year for 2009. The award was part of the organization's annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner, held June 11 at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua.
"It was a total surprise," Bell said. "It was a very emotional feeling."
For Bell, the journey to get involved as a Big Brother came two years ago when he was eventually matched with Jesse Bauchman.
Bell said meeting Jesse and spending time with him is what the Big Brothers/Big Sisters strives for, matching adults with young people who need friendship, support, and guidance in their lives.
It's a lot of fun, too, Bell said, as he and Jesse make time every week to do things together.
Bell said being a Big Brother is so rewarding, and he hopes more people will take the time to find out about Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and hopefully offer a few hours a week to a young person needing companionship. And many kids are needing that help right now with many names on waiting lists to be matched.
Chief executive officer of the Nashua agency, Joy Barrett, said the relationships forged through Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization are so important to the young people matched with their adult 'brothers and sisters." And it's the special volunteers that help make those matches something special.
"Their unconditional friendship provides comfort and guidance and their positive example is inspirational," Barrett said.
And it's not a huge time commitment or schedule of events that matters most, Bell added.
"It's just about being there," he said, "for someone who needs your assistance. You do the best you can for people."
Big Brothers/Big Sisters provides one-to-one mentoring to children living in 16 towns in southern New Hampshire. For information about getting involved in the life of a child, call 883-4851 or visit online at www.bbbsnahsua.org.
