MATCH STORY: ERIC & ELI

For the past five months, a meaningful bond has grown between 8-year-old Eric and his Big Brother Eli, a dedicated Lafayette firefighter. Their match, part of our site-based program where Eli meets Eric at school once a week, has thrived through weekly visits full of laughter, learning, and connection.

As Eric prepares to enter 5th grade, he looks forward to these moments, whether they’re reading together, playing board games, or shooting hoops. What makes their match even more unique is Eric’s growing fascination with firefighting. Eli has loved introducing him to the world of fire safety, sharing stories from the station, and sparking Eric’s curiosity along the way.

This duo is a great example of how consistent time and caring mentorship in a school setting can build confidence and ignite big dreams.

With the school year quickly approaching, start your journey as a school-based BIG here!