Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program Making Difference Through Tough Times

Since the events of Sept. 11, many of us have been taking stock of our lives and our relationships. The

Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of Durham and Orange Counties

is making a difference during difficult times.

Jason Mudd and Patrick Anderson make sure every minute they spend together counts. They are part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. They say their relationship has taken on new meaning since Sept. 11.

"It makes you value and appreciate relationships more," Mudd said.

For a lot of kids, the events of the last few months have been hard to understand. Anderson admits it helps to have a mentor like Mudd around.

"Spending time with him, we do stuff and it helps me forget about it," Anderson said.

Executive director Sabrina Slade says the program offers kids positive role models and something else that is important in uncertain times like these: consistency.

"I think they do have some sense of comfort and security knowing that every week at a certain time, their Big Brother and Big Sister are coming by," she said.

It is not just the younger folks who get something out of the relationship.

"I've been blessed that we've had the opportunity to hook up. He's the little brother I've never had," Mudd said.

Right now, there are 78 children on the waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sister in Durham and Orange counties.