big brothers big sisters of tampa bay

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Big Sister and Big Brother of the Year: Janae and Carl! These extraordinary mentors have gone above and beyond in their commitment to making a difference in the lives of their Littles and their communities. Janae and Carl embody the spirit of mentorship, compassion, and resilience that are at the heart of our mission.

Janae and Taniya

Janae comes from a multi-generational Big family, her father having been a Big. Working in the Department of Juvenile Justice, she had seen many children in the community struggle. She felt like she could make a difference by helping them think a little bigger and gain different experiences.

Starting their match when Taniya was just 7, she is now 16 and maintains her honor roll status. Their lunch outings provided an escape from the world, providing some sense of normalcy, especially during times of adversity and housing instability.

“I’m proud of what she’s accomplished and where she’s gone; she has come so far. She didn’t always talk to me and express herself, but we’re working on talking things through. Her confidence went up, she is very articulate, and we chat non-stop now.
“I act as an external person who can talk to her and let her vent. Some of these kids have been let down so many times by other adults in and out of their lives.

Janae offers as a final piece of advice to future Big mentors: What we do is not extraordinary. It doesn’t take much time. It’s about consistency. To quote Dr. Seuss: Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Carl and Calab

“So many people say you can’t change the world, but I think you can.” Carl had a solid foundation growing up and later became a father. After the nest had emptied, he wanted to help young men without father figures. Now, Carl is proud of the mutual trust and understanding he shares with his Little Brother Calab.

Carl shares, “At first you might think ‘How am I going to entertain this kid?’, but BBBS makes it so easy. “Even from the beginning, we had lots of fun and didn’t have to try too hard. “Just show up and they know they can count on you.”

Calab is the oldest child out of four siblings – and the only boy. “There is a lot of love in that house, and I have a lot of admiration for Calab’s mom. She teaches them to be respectful. It was always ‘Mr. Carl’ when we first got together.”

Over the years, learning opportunities have come up, such as financial responsibility and opening an investment account. Calab’s A-B grades earn him frequent visits to a popular fast-casual Mexican food chain. His confidence has improved, resulting in better relationships inside the home and at school.

“Nothing is more important to the future than our kids. At the grassroots level, BBBS is shaping this future.”

Do you feel inspired by Janae and Carl’s stories? You, too, can make a lasting difference in the life of a child and your community by becoming a Big! Mentorship is a powerful way to create positive change, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start your journey as a mentor, reach out today to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can build brighter futures, one match at a time!

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