When I was president of the Tacoma Jaycees in the early 1970s. We sponsored Big Brothers. At Christmas time, K Mart on Sixth Avenue opened up a half-hour early just for us. We gave each young boy we sponsored a five dollar bill from their Big Brothers and those of us who volunteered to watch over young boys with no Big Brothers. Quite often the young boys bought gifts for their mothers as well as their other brothers and sisters. ($5 was big money in those days.)
I had not heard how Big Brothers was doing for some time. I was rejoining the Rotary Club of Tacoma Number 8. When Monique Dubose spoke about Big Brothers and Big Sisters my mind went back about fifty years. Members of the Jaycees must resign before they turn forty. I had no thoughts of rejoining the Jaycees, but I was darn glad, seeing my Rotary club was sponsoring efforts of both Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Monique Dubose (seen here with her husband) is the new Regional Director of Tacoma-Pierce & Kitsap County. Her Mission: To create and support 1-to-1 mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Puget Sound’s work is centered on principles of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. They celebrate the rich diversity of our community and believe all young people should have access to caring, supportive mentors who are trained in cultural competence. They welcome youth and mentors of all races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientation, and gender identities. Monique is glad to be helping both boys and girls. She has a great way of sharing news and the different help that can be provided in today’s world. She moved among the Rotary people at the meeting and spread the feeling that our help can open many doors.
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