What if a few lunch breaks each month could help a young person see more possibilities for their future?
Through Big Futures, a school-based mentoring program from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, caring adult mentors are matched with students at Orca K–8 School in Columbia City and McClure Middle School in Queen Anne. Mentors and students meet during lunch 2–3 times each month, making mentorship accessible and built directly into the school day.
Big Futures is about more than sharing lunch. It is about creating a consistent, supportive relationship with a young person who benefits from having another adult in their corner. Through one-on-one connection, structured activities, and quarterly staff-led sessions throughout the year, students have opportunities to strengthen their confidence, communication, relationships, and future-ready skills.
A mentor does not need to have all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is your presence, asking about their week, listening to an idea, encouraging a goal, or helping them recognize a strength they may not yet see in themselves. Those small moments, repeated over time, can become something much bigger.
For most of us, lunch is simply a break on a busy day. For a student, it can become a time when someone reminds them: I see you. I believe in you. Your future matters.
That is the power of mentorship. One conversation can introduce a new possibility. One encouraging adult can build confidence. And one consistent relationship can help a young person begin to imagine a bigger future for themselves.
Could You Be Their Big?
You do not need to be a teacher, counselor, or expert to make a meaningful impact. You simply need to be willing to show up, listen, and care.
Become a Big and spend 2–3 lunches each month building a relationship that could stay with a young person far beyond the school day: Inspirebig.org/become-a-big
Not able to mentor right now? Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound to help us recruit, screen, train, match, and support more mentors and young people across our community: Inspirebig.org/donate
Because sometimes, a bigger future begins with something as simple as showing up for lunch.
