A Folsom man has been recognized by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Northern Sierra for her contributions and dedication to the non-profit organization. As part of Volunteer Appreciation Month, the organization recently hosted its annual celebration dinner in which it announced its “Bigs of the Year,” naming Michael Flynn of Folsom the Big Brother of the year.
“We are so grateful to our Big Brothers and Sisters who share their life experiences with the children in our community, the volunteers who offer their time and talents and, of course, the corporate sponsors, without whom we simply would not exist,” said BBBSNS Chief Executive Officer Brenda Frachiseur. “The appreciation dinner is our opportunity to thank those who give so generously throughout the year.”
For the past nine years, Flynn has been a steadfast mentor and friend to his Little Brother, Joshua. His unwavering dedication and support have made a profound impact on Joshua’s life, embodying the very essence of what we value at BBBS.
From the moment Flynn was matched with Joshua, then 8, he committed himself to be a consistent presence in Joshua’s life, a guiding light through both joyous moments and challenging times, including a family tragedy. Flynn’s commitment to being there for Joshua, week in and week out, is a testament to his remarkable character.
While their meetings often involved activities like playing pool, Flynn’s mentoring extended far beyond mere pastimes. As Joshua transitioned into his teenage years, Flynn took on the role of a mentor, helping him plan for a successful future. He engaged Joshua in discussions about trades and post-high school life, providing invaluable guidance during this critical phase of his development.
One shining example of Flynn’s dedication is his instrumental role in helping Joshua obtain his driver’s license. Flynn oversaw Joshua’s driver’s education classes, coached him through the learner permit exam and celebrated with him when he passed his driving tests.
Even as Joshua approaches his 18th birthday, Flynn continues to meet with him regularly, demonstrating his intention to maintain their relationship well into the future. Furthermore, Flynn has expressed a desire to become a Big Brother for another youth once his current match concludes, further highlighting his remarkable commitment to mentoring.
Last August, Flynn’s exceptional volunteer service was recognized by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, making him the inaugural recipient of a prestigious honor.
In addition to the Big Brother of the Year honors, BBBSNS also recognized the Big Sister of the year, in which. Michelle Petro of El Dorado Hills was announced as the recipient. (see related Folsom Times story on Petro here.)
While BBBSNS loves sharing positive stories of champion defenders of potential, the work is never done. According to a press release recently, the agency’s waitlist continues to grow with children who need more volunteers like Petro and Flynn. Currently, there are 64 kids waiting to be matched.
If you know of anyone who would be a good Big Brother or Big Sister, encourage them to check out the BBBSNS website or have them call the agency’s enrollment manager for more information (530) 626-1222. It takes only a few hours a week to change a child’s life for the better.
BBBSNS has served the youth of El Dorado, Nevada and Placer Counties since 1977. For more information visit bbbsns.org.
