MILWAUKEE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee needs your help. The youth mentoring organization currently has about a thousand volunteers, but there is still a long waiting list of kids who need a mentor.
Chris Leon is Austin Hill-Brooks’ Big Brother. Chris said the two of them love going on adventures together. One of their favorite places to go is Discovery World, in downtown Milwaukee.
The two aren’t related by blood, but they love learning together as brothers in the mentoring program. Chris said it’s all about showing up.
“They usually just need somebody to talk to and a lot of times we don’t even talk about difficult things, its more just like hanging out with him and just being there,” said Leon.
Chris Leon and Austin Hill-Brooks at Discovery World. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)
Leon said Austin is a perfect match for his personality.
“He is outgoing, he is energetic, and he’s just hilarious. That’s what makes us a perfect match,” said Leon.
Austin is in 5th grade and said he loves new experiences. He plans to be an actor someday. He said Chris has taught him to not be shy and to believe in himself.
“I get to do fun things and I get to have a mentor that can help me do things that like my mom couldn’t because I only live with my mom,” Austin Hill-Brooks.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee has about 500 kids on the waiting list. The organization serves youth, ages six through 20 years old, in Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties.
Amanda Braun, Director of Community Engagement, said the program has a dramatic impact on the futures of young people.
Amanda Braun, Director of Community Engagement. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)
“I think our kids will stay out of trouble, they’ll stay off the streets, they’ll stay away from bad influences if they have a positive role model in their life,” said Braun.
It’s a role Chris said he’s happy to take on because he learns new things from Austin too. Chris said he has one major wish for Austin’s future.
“The most important thing is that he grows up comfortable with who he is. I mean really learns to do things and really exposes himself to as many things as possible,” said Leon.
