Mentoring is about giving children a chance, and it's about changing their lives. On The Falls Homefront Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Tim Lockhart about the powerful work Big Brothers Big Sisters is doing here in Wichita Falls.
During our conversation, I shared how one-to-one relationships can transform children’s futures and strengthen our entire community. We also discussed the urgent need for volunteer opportunities in Wichita Falls, TX, especially given the growing number of kids waiting for a mentor. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a lasting impact in your community, mentoring could be the answer.
You can hear the full podcast here on YouTube.
Nurturing Potential: Local Mentorship and Community - EP 5
Falls Homefront is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.
Mentoring: A Lifelong Investment in Our Community
Big Brothers Big Sisters isn’t just another after-school activity. It’s a data-driven program based on one simple idea: one-to-one relationships change lives. We match caring adults with children who need guidance, support, and a positive role model.
What makes our approach so powerful is the measurable impact it has on these children, their families, and the community.
● Kids involved in the program are 20% more likely to attend college.
● Over their lifetimes, they earn 15% more than their non-mentored peers.
These numbers tell a story that goes far beyond the individual. When we invest in mentoring, we’re investing in the future of Wichita Falls. We are creating the next generation of leaders, homeowners, and business owners. This is why volunteer opportunities Wichita Falls, TX offers through Big Brothers Big Sisters are so crucial.
As I shared with Tim, “All children benefit from mentoring. Somebody who is going to walk alongside them, be their champion, be their listening ear, show up for them, be in their corner.” Early mentoring helps lay a foundation for success in all areas of life. It builds not only academic skills but also empathy, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose.
The Ripple Effect of a Single Hour
Mentoring is not about creating greatness in a child. It is about defending the potential that is already there. Challenges in life can sometimes bury that potential. A mentor’s role is to help bring it back to the surface.
We have followed children for decades. The results are clear. Kids with a mentor are significantly more likely to graduate and pursue higher education. They earn more over their lifetimes. They become the engaged citizens and leaders we need right here in North Texas.
This transformation starts when one person decides to show up. Exploring Wichita Falls volunteer opportunities is the first step toward creating that ripple effect.
The Power of One Relationship: Robert’s Story
One of the most impactful stories I shared with Tim was about Robert, a young boy from Wichita Falls who lost his father at a young age. His mother enrolled him in our program, and we matched him with a military airman from Sheppard Air Force Base.
For a few years, Robert and his mentor shared a bond that gave Robert the stability and support he needed during a tough time. When the airman was deployed, their formal match ended, but the relationship didn’t stop there.
Years later, Robert’s mother reached out to tell us that their bond remained strong. The mentor flew back to Wichita Falls to attend Robert’s high school graduation. Robert said, “If it weren’t for Big Brothers Big Sisters, I wouldn’t be here. I’d probably still be home on the couch. I wouldn’t be in college today.”
This story is one of many that show how mentoring changes the course of a future. Robert is now attending college with a bright future ahead of him. This is the profound ripple effect of mentoring. It’s not just about helping children succeed. It’s about making a lasting impact that benefits our entire community.