Malden Father Raises Children With Help From Caring Adult Mentors

Growing up with 10 siblings, Paul Nelson learned the importance of mentorship early on from his brothers and sisters, who taught him valuable lessons and guided him in the right direction. Today, Nelson and his husband, of Malden, carry that same support to their two adopted children, Anthony, 12, and Amiah, 11. The brother-sister duo are matched with mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM), allowing each child to have a trustworthy, consistent adult from outside of the home to support them.

Anthony and Amiah are enrolled in BBBSEM’s signature community-based program, for which adult mentors, referred to as Bigs, are paired with youth and meet for two to three hours, a couple times a month for outings of their choice. The leading one-to-one youth mentoring program in Massachusetts helps youth to fulfill their fullest potential while giving their guardians, like Nelson, the reassurance that others have their children’s backs.

“We’re constantly learning as parents,” says Nelson, who adopted Anthony and Amiah, who are mixed race, when they were 3 and 2 years old respectively. “Our kids had a different life than we did, and they have different hair than I have. It was important for us to have caring role models for our kids that listen to them and celebrate diversity. Especially for our daughter, who has two dads, having a consistent female adult in her life has helped her build confidence and empathy. For my son, he’s now become a mentor to younger kids. Both are more social and more accepting of adults since being matched in the program. Mentoring has had a huge positive impact on our family.”

With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. The organization fosters connections between communities and community partners, helping to address larger social issues, such as race and education gaps.

“It’s important that youth get their information from trustworthy people in every part of their lives,” says Nelson. “As parents, we’re worried about the future of our kids, from the way they are educated to the way they socialize. Having positive role models in their lives creates consistency and provides another avenue for them to express themselves. Our kids look forward to spending time with their Bigs”

In 2024, BBBSEM celebrates 75 years of service across the region. Throughout its seven decades, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information, to become a volunteer or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

“Our programs are made to transform families,” says Mark O’Donnell, President and CEO of BBBSEM, who walks his talk as a two-time former Big Brother. “Paul is an exceptional guardian in our program, like so many others. The community-based program allows youth to make healthy choices, thrive socially and emotionally and have stronger relationships with peers and other adults.”