Stephen Firsing has only been in Birmingham for three and a
half years, but he’s decided to leave a lasting impression on his new home, or
at the very least 15 year old Jarvis Ward. “I understand the need for mentors
for adolescent males in Birmingham,” he says. Stephen and Jarvis were matched
in the spring of 2010, and the two have found a mutual and rewarding bond.
Stephen moved from his home state of New Jersey to obtain
his doctorate in public health from UAB. He also works as the project coordinator
for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, but he always finds time for
his Little Brother. “We love to eat. We both have that in common,” he chuckles.
“Jarvis and I like to try new things and new places.”
Jarvis is very interested in theater and recently
participated in an acting camp and performed High School Musical sponsored by
UAB’s ArtPlay. Stephen was an integral part in getting Jarvis into the program,
and he is proud of what Jarvis has accomplished. “My goal is to help Jarvis and
his family learn about the unlimited possibilities in life.”
Mentors have the ability to greatly impact their mentee, but
many volunteers receive just as much as they give. Reflecting on his role as a
Big Brother and the friendship he has forged, Stephen put it concisely, “I
gained a friend. He gained a friend. The experience is unlike anything in the
world.”
If you are interested
in becoming a mentor, call (205) 939-5590 or visit www.bbbsbhm.org.
