Brian met his wife, Lindsay Hawkes, while she was on the organization’s staff as a match support specialist, providing regular consultation to strengthen the matches between Big Brothers and Sisters, and Little Brothers and Sisters. “I always knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Lindsay. “In working for the organization and seeing the difference it made, I always try to encourage and support Brian in maintaining and furthering his relationship with Kris. They are lucky to have each other.”
“Kris and I meet frequently,” says Brian. “We watch movies, go bowling, go to sporting events, and sometimes just hang out and talk.” Brian and Kris also try to participate in the events that Big Brothers Big Sisters organizes. There are fundraising events like Bowl for Kid’s Sake and a walkathon, or holiday parties. “At these events, Kris and I see we are just a small part of a big organization.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was established in 1904 to provide children who were deemed “troubled” with a mentor who could help them become productive adults. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is a preventive organization,” says Lori Konya, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morris, Bergen, Passaic, & Sussex, Inc. “We succeed at preventing negative behavior that prevents children’s chances of becoming productive adults.”
