Match Profile: Joseph and Hunter

Date: November 9, 2020

“Although my grandson dislikes virtual learning and sometimes is distracted with completing his assignments, Joe and I are always reminding Hunger what’s most important: his education! And he will go and complete everything on time and now is on A/B honor roll.”

Big Brother Joseph (pictured) and Little Brother Hunter have been matched for the last four years and it has been wonderful watching their relationship grow.

Hunter’s grandmother, Debbie, shared that Hunter and Joseph have found creative ways to stay connected and in tune with one another during the pandemic. Hunter loves online activities, so online games have been a favorite for the pair. Once Hunter and Joseph were able to meet again safely in person, Debbie helped with the outings by driving Hunter to the park for dog walks with Joseph and to other outings like going to dinner at COVID-safe restaurants. Joseph stated that he wanted to be sure that he and Hunter were abiding by the agency’s policies and his main objective was for them to always be safe.  Joseph shared that they were planning a kayaking trip this weekend which has been something Hunter has been asking about for years!

Aside from all the thrill and excitement with their outings, Joseph is sure to partner with Debbie on Hunter’s homework assignments and school progression. Debbie shared, “Although my grandson dislikes virtual learning and sometimes is distracted with completing his assignments, Joe and I are always reminding Hunger what’s most important: his education! And he will go and complete everything on time and now is on A/B honor roll.” Debbie finished out by letting us know that, “I can say a lot of good things about Joe, but I am just happy that he is in Hunter’s life. No matter the changes we may go through as people, [Joseph] truly is supportive to Hunter. Hunter loves him and his new wife and I am thankful that you matched the two of them together years ago”.

When asked what it has been like being a mentor to Hunter over the past four years, Joseph shared, "On a personal level, this experience has been amazing and more fulfilling than I expected when I first volunteered. Seeing my Little step out of his comfort zone has given me motivation to venture out of my comfort zone in my own career and as an adult. It has been a wonderful experience which has benefited me as much as my Little.”

He continued, "I cannot speak enough to how proud I am of Hunter. When I first met Hunter he was a quiet, nervous, and shy kid sitting on his couch who loved video games. We really focused on doing outdoor activities such as kayaking, walks with Zoey (my dog), James Island Park Wall climbing, going to the beach, and kicking the soccer ball around. While Hunter still loves his video games, he joined the school soccer and football team on his own, and he is doing well with both."

"In addition to the school teams, Hunter  loves the nuances of all technology and has an unbridled passion [it], which he shows in taking optional computer programming courses. I have noticed this momentum and confidence [lead] him to be more inquisitive, informative, and aware of his environment. During COVID, Hunter has educated himself, asked questions, and worked to understand the implications of this disease to him and his loved ones. I cannot imagine my teenage self during this pandemic, and only hope I had the same maturity at Hunter’s age during these unprecedented times. Bottom line is I am proud of Hunter.”