Haffers Team Up To Encourage and Support a Child through Big Brothers Big Sisters

In December of 2009 Matt and Sarah Haffer separately heard a radio spot that made an appeal for volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. Later the same day, after discovering how they individually and coincidentally heard this call for mentors, the caring couple talked about the possibility of teaming up to support and encourage a child by becoming a Big Couple. “We both thought it sounded like a good idea,” Matt remembered, adding, “It was something we could do together and have a positive influence.”

And, it’s proven to be quite rewarding and a lot of fun. Getting together a couple of times a month with Little Brother DJ, Matt said the trio of friends has enjoyed a host of activities from eating out to going to a local amusement park.

One of five siblings, DJ loves the time and attention he receives from his Bigs. “He loves it because it’s his time,” Matt noted, adding, “He has a routine and when we give him options, he is the decider.”

“We usually get together with DJ as a couple, but sometimes it’s just me because Sarah travels,” Matt explained. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Couples program provides flexibility by allowing one member of the couple to spend time with the child if the other person is unavailable.

Describing his 9-year-old Little Brother being in “constant motion,” Matt said DJ enjoys doing anything sports-related. So Matt has a bag of sports equipment ready to toss in the car, when it’s time for an outing with his active Little.

“Seeing the amount of enjoyment he has and gets to experience makes me feel good. DJ really appreciates the time we spend with him,” Matt commented.

The dedicated and accomplished Big Brother also values the broader impact the couple’s friendship has had on DJ. Matt is a graduate of the University of Missouri and Project Manager at Ameren. Sarah earned an MBA and is the Director of Transportation Operations at Anheuser-Busch InBev. “DJ can see the link between what we’ve done and where we are. He knows that we believe in hard work and doing well in school,” Matt explained. “We continually reinforce those principles.” DJ is proud to share his grades with his Bigs and strives to do well.

There are more than 1,000 children like DJ who are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. If you know someone who would make a great Big Brother or Big Sister, nominate them today. It might be a co-worker, a family member, a friend – or even yourself! For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters or how you can get involved, contact Vivian Gibson at 314-361-5900 or visit the website at www.bbbsemo.org. Nominate someone, even yourself, today!

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri was founded in 1914 as one of the “charter” agencies of the Big Brothers Big Sisters national movement. Through our 4:1+1SM model, young people are surrounded by caring and supportive adults to inspire them and show them anything is possible. The organization currently provides services to children and families in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Cape Girardeau County and Scott County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is a proud member of the United Way. For more information, please contact Mary Jane Daum at 314-615-1094, or visit www.bbbsemo.org.