Florida Big Brother of the Year Chad Van Horn

By now you all know how much I support big Brothers and Big Sisters of Broward County, and how proud I am to be a part of their mission. I lost my father at an early age, and examples from good role models and mentors have helped to make me who I am today. I have been honored to be chosen Big Brother of the Year, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being chosen Florida Big Brother of the Year for 2017. Even more stunning, I am a finalist for National Big Brother of the Year. Thank you everyone who has made my life so amazing; without the support and dedication of all of you, none of this would be possible.

Over a Century of Caring

The world was a difficult place in the first decades of the 20th century, and the Children’s Court of New York was one of the hardest places a child could end up. Catholic Big Sisters of New York and Big Brothers went into the courts to help these children, offering friendship and mentoring. Now in 12 countries worldwide, and all 50 states Big Brothers and Big Sisters still has an important job to do. There are children in every county of Florida and every county of this nation who need well-intentioned and goodhearted adults to help them reach their potential. It’s not only about mentoring, it’s about caring for children who are growing up in some of the toughest situations.

What Love Can Do

Everyone says that children are resilient, but no child can succeed on their own. It takes an adult to provide enduring and supportive relationships to children who are facing adversity in all areas of their lives. All too often, we look at the world and feel helpless. With just a little bit of love, the world doesn’t look like such a giant hostile place. At Big Brothers Big Sisters we love the child, not just their potential, and believe that all children can grow, thrive, and succeed given the right circumstances and care. It is an honor to share in a vision of this world rooted in hope and optimism, and centered in our common humanity.

Time and Money

Whether you are volunteering your time or your money, both will be well spent. For a child, being involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters can make a tremendous difference not only in performance in school, but over their lifetime. Children in the program become more confident, have a better home life, and are better equipped to put themselves in positive situations. BBBS can make an incredible difference in a child’s future. Starting with how they do in school, potentially choosing to go to college; giving them the chance to choose their career and ultimately how they raise their own children. Big Brothers Big Sisters is on a mission for the future. I am honored in every way to be a part of it. ~ Chad Van Horn