For over three decades, Jamie has helped shape young lives through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Her story is one of dedication, love, and the lifelong power of mentorship.
Jamie has been a volunteer in every sense of the word. She’s been a teacher, a Big Brothers Big Sisters Board member, a wife, a friend, and a lifelong volunteer who continues to give her crafting talents for events at her retirement community. But through it all, one role remained a constant – Jamie has been a dedicated Big Sister to two now-grown Littles.
“While I didn’t have children, I believe I had a lot of love and wisdom that I wanted to share,” Jamie says. “I felt how important these relationships were to the children.”
Her passion for volunteering and desire to do right by others led her to her first Little, Kimberly. The pair met when Kimberly was a shy 5 year old who couldn’t quite pronounce her “r’s”. She came from a single parent home with an older brother who had been Matched through the program before her. It was immediately apparent that Kimberly needed a consistent, caring adult in her life who could spend time with her so that she felt seen and cared for. Jamie was just the person to fill that role.
The pair bonded over their shared love of crafts and a foundation of trust they built over many years together. They went to parades together wearing matching red sweaters, made puppets when there was trouble at home, and talked when Kimberly needed a listening ear or someone to bring a smile to her face.
“We were together from her earliest years all the way through high school,” Jamie said. When it came time for college applications, Kimberly expressed interest in going. But Jamie wanted to make sure she was serious. “I told her, ‘I would love to help you go to college, and I will help you go to college, but you have to show me that you want it, and that you’re willing to work for it.’”
From there, Jamie made her a deal: she took Kimberly to the bank to open her very first savings account. For every dollar Kimberly earned or saved, Jamie matched it – helping her build a college fund and a future full of possibility.
“And boy, she got into that big time. She saved her money like crazy,” Jamie laughed.
In 1988, Jamie and Kimberly were named National Match of the Year for their dedication and commitment to each other. To this day, the Marin county Match continue to be foundational pillars in each other’s lives. When Kimberly’s parents passed away, Jamie and her husband cheered Kimberly on at her retirement ceremony from the Airforce. Kimberly was Jamie’s bridesmaid when she married her husband, Bob, in 1988 and Jamie was Kimberly’s support system when her husband passed from a difficult battle with cancer.
Jamie took a break from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program when Kimberly graduated high school, however, before long, she found herself back with the program. “I was rematched and it’s been a joyous thing,” Jamie shared. Her first memory of her second Little, Season, remains one of her favorites—although she admits there are almost too many to name.
“Season was six, going on seven, and just the most adorable, tiny little thing,” Jamie remembered fondly. She recalled their first Match meeting clearly, as Season was squirming with excitement on her mother’s lap.
“She jumped off her mom’s lap, ran over to me, stood beside me, and said, ‘When I wanted you, I was only this high,’” Jamie said, pointing to the bridge of her nose to mimic Season’s gesture. “‘Now I’m this high, and I can have you.’”
From that moment on, the two were kindred spirits.
Like Kimberly, Season is all grown up now. But she and Jamie remain close, still making time to talk a few times each month. Over the years, Jamie has watched Season overcome cancer, get married, and buy her first home.
“I have a picture that I absolutely treasure,” Jamie shared. “It’s Kimberly, Season, and Kimberly’s baby with me. My two girls, together.”
For Jamie, one of life’s greatest joys has been seeing both of her Littles grow up and become part of one big, found family. “I felt very honored to be a part of their lives,” she said.
The life-long impact of mentoring relationships like Jamie’s with Kimberly and Season cannot be overstated. For Kimberly, having Jamie meant knowing she always had someone in her corner – an advocate, a cheerleader, and a steady presence through life’s challenges and triumphs. For Season, it meant having a kindred spirit to walk beside her through illness, love, and the joy of building a home. And for Jamie, being a mentor brought profound meaning into her own life. It connected her to her community, deepened her appreciation for early education, and gave her a family she never expected and forever cherishes.
“I always wanted to be a good example,” Jamie said, “Not necessarily for them to follow, but so they could feel proud of knowing me.” To Jamie, mentorship has meant compassionate companionship, a sense of belonging, and the pride of witnessing two remarkable young girls grow into strong, capable women.
“The girls have been a great reward in my life,” she reflected. “Still are. How much better could it be to have something last all these years?”
Jamie’s story is proof: one caring adult can change the course of a life, or two.
If Jamie, Kimberly, and Season’s story resonated with you, sign up to be a mentor, enroll your child in our program, or donate to support our mission today!