Trevor and Ken Matched for Ten Years Through BBBS!

Ken Severy joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick family in 1999 when he was matched with Trevor. Ken doesn't really remember what originally brought him to our Brunswick agency ten years ago, "it was a long time ago," he laughed, "I think it was a time in my life when the kids had grown and moved. I had coached Little League and enjoyed spending time with kids. I wanted to help."

A nine year old at the time, Trevor's family had experienced divorce, and he was in need of extra support that could best be provided by a male mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick asks that volunteers spend time with a child for a minimum of 8-12 hours a month and commit to at least one year. Every match is different as far as needs, interests, and the time that they spend. Trevor shared that he, "needed someone to look up to. I needed someone who could help me expand my horizons." Trevor's mother feels that he needed someone to "provide stability, someone that he could count on." In the beginning of his match with Ken, Trevor was quiet and reserved, but eventually he warmed up to the friendship and they began to spend time together at least once a week.

Some activities that the friends have enjoyed over the years include bowling, disc golf, playing toss, going to the movies and eating a lot of pizza. "We tried canoeing," Ken shared, "but Trevor was bored by it." Ken took Trevor for his first snowboarding adventure at Sunday River. Despite some challenging lessons with instructors, Trevor really liked the sport and the pair has gone snowboarding at Sunday River and Sugarloaf every winter since. "Now Trevor is faster then me and I can't keep up with him," Ken remarked, "I'm old now." .

There are some key qualities that the friends noted about each other which have helped to support this lasting friendship. "Ken helps to put me in my place," Trevor said, "he makes me stop and think. He helped to get me on my way to go to college and supports me." "I don't like Trevor's music," Ken shared and the two laughed, "but he is fun and into trying new things. I have helped with some school work over the years. He's a smart and good kid, and we get along really well." Ken shared that in the BBBS program you develop a friendship with a child, "it's not work and it's rewarding, but it can take some time." Then he said to Trevor, "You know it wasn't always easy getting together, there were times when it wasn't my first choice of something to do. But we got together, I enjoyed it, and it was a good thing."

Now at age eighteen, Trevor has aged out of the program and the match has officially closed, however Trevor and Ken have remained friends. They spend time together in between Ken's full time job at Bath Iron Works, and Trevor's part-time job and college courses that he attends through SMCC.

Trevor's mother said that she, "would like to commend Ken, he is a very special person for doing what he does. I would like to encourage other adults to participate in the program and give back. Trevor has said that he would like to be a Big someday and reciprocate the gift to another child in need." There is an immediate need for Big Brothers. If you or someone you know is interested in giving the gift of friendship to a child please contact Aurora at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick office: 729-7736 ex.16 or email community@bbbsbathbrun.org.