Lewiston Big Sisters and Brothers and their Littles get Super Bowl ‘seats’

LEWISTON — Bates College Big Brothers and Big Sisters and their Littles from Connors Elementary School were fans “in the stands” at Super Bowl LV — albeit in photo cutouts — representing Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine at the Super Bowl Feb. 7.
The project is part of a partnership between the National Football League and BBBS, the nation’s longest-running, evidenced-based national mentoring program. The NFL aligned with BBBS of America as an “Inspire Change” partner, to help support and promote the need for more male mentors throughout the country. As part of the initiative, and because of limited fan capacity at the Super Bowl, the NFL invited Bigs and Littles to submit self-portraits to be made into “cutouts” that were placed throughout the stadium at the game.

Jennifer Cartmell, BBBS of Mid-Maine Androscoggin manager, helped facilitate more than 30 photo submissions. She said the kids were excited about watching the game to see if they saw themselves. Before the game, she said, “We will all be taking a closer look in the stands for a glimpse of our Little Brothers and Little Sisters and their Bates Bigs.”
BBBS of Mid-Maine provides one-to-one mentoring programs for children across seven counties throughout midcoast, eastern and central Maine. Since the beginning of the pandemic, matches have been staying connected through a pen pal program and virtual communication programs. While the Bates College Bigs in Lewiston have not been able to meet with their Littles in person since March, Cartmell said it hasn’t kept them from continuing to be an important part of their Little’s lives.
In the last 10 months, she said over 500 letters have been exchanged between Bigs and Littles, along with shared activity packets, arts and crafts projects and encouraging messages, which have been critical during the extended period of isolation and uncertainty.
“We know that at-risk youth are likely to bear the heaviest burdens of trauma and economic fallout,” said Gwendolyn Hudson, executive director of BBBSMM. “This pandemic has serious implications for the children we serve, which is why partnerships, like the one with the NFL to inspire youth mentoring, matter now more than ever.”
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, call 236-2227 or visit bbbsmidmaine.org.