Mentorship has always been a meaningful part of the work at GJR. Through the Bigs and Littles program, youth build real, consistent connections with older youth who show up, listen, and care. Those relationships take shape in everyday moments—and sometimes beyond campus.

This week, several Bigs spent time off campus visiting Grove Manor in Grove City, where they shared homemade cookies and handwritten cards with residents. It was a simple act of kindness, but one that reflected what Bigs and Littles is really about: connection, presence, and showing up for others.

At the same time, the impact of this work is reaching beyond GJR in PA. Kailie Strouss and Christina Regis have been invited to present the Bigs and Littles Mentorship Program at the international meeting of CARE professionals. The meeting brings together individuals working in youth services, social work, healthcare, and related fields to share ideas, learn from one another, and talk honestly about what supports young people in sustainable ways.

Kailie and Christina will be walking participants through how the program works, why it was created, and what has been learned so far. They were also asked to help others think through how a similar mentorship model could be adapted in their own settings, and to take part in conversations about the role relationships play in youth development.

At its core, Bigs and Littles is about relationships—between youth, mentors, and the communities around them. Moments like the visit to Grove Manor, paired with opportunities to share this work on a global level, show how mentorship can create meaningful impact in both small and far-reaching ways.

Building effective programs and sharing those experiences with others is key to making them last. We are incredibly proud of Kailie and Christina for representing GJR in PA and for helping highlight the importance of mentorship, both here at home and beyond campus.