Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Urgently Calls for Male Mentors
Graphic by Michelle Vega
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM), the clock is ticking, and the need for male mentors is growing.
Through the "60 Men in 60 Days" campaign, BBBSM is urgently seeking men to step up and mentor young boys in the Omaha metro area. With only half the needed mentors signed up and the October 30 deadline fast approaching, more than 90 boys—many waiting over a year and a half—are still in need of a Big Brother. The demand for male mentors is critical, especially for boys in Black and Latino communities, where positive role models can have a lasting impact.
BBBSM serves nearly 650 young people across nine counties in Nebraska and Iowa, including Douglas, Sarpy, Lancaster and more. Their Community-Based Mentoring program pairs young children ages 7 to 14 with adult volunteers who provide crucial emotional and social support. The commitment is simple: meet with your Little Brother at least twice a month for a minimum of four hours over the course of a year.
“Whether it’s a walk in the park, a museum visit, or just talking, these moments help build life-changing relationships,” said Emma Beebe, marketing and outreach director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands.
Alex Goodman, a 28-year-old Omahan and Big Brother since 2016, knows firsthand the rewards of mentoring. Over the past eight years, he has watched his Little Brother Layton mature into a confident young man, and even though Alex now lives in Colorado pursuing his doctorate, he continues to mentor from afar. "Seeing his personal development—his maturity, self-awareness, and potential—has been nothing short of incredible. It’s a profound sense of pride to know that I’ve had the privilege of helping guide him through key moments in his life.”
The impact isn't one-sided—mentors benefit too. Volunteers report a deep sense of personal fulfillment, improved leadership skills and stronger community connections. By giving just a few hours each month, you can not only help a young person thrive but also grow in ways you never expected.
The boys waiting for mentors aren't asking for perfection—they just need someone to care.
Are you ready to start making a difference in a young boy’s life today?
Big Brother Alex Goodman and Little Brother Layton.
Story by Xitlally Velasco