Little Kaitlen and Big Carshon have been matched for 14 years. In 2009, as an independent financial advisor, Carshon was looking for something to do other than work. As a single, woman with no children she was seeking out ways to give back to youth and landed on Big Brothers Big Sisters. Carshon and Kaitlen were matched when Kaitlen was 9. As the oldest of 3 children, Kaitlen needed some outside support, which she found in Carshon. They spent their time exploring Denver, going to museums, cooking and having spa days, but most of all talking and connecting. Carshon recalls when they hit their one-year anniversary, “It was never even a question if we were going to stay together.” Their initial match lasted 5 years until Kaitlen and her family moved to Florida. They lost touch until Kaitlen sent a high school graduation announcement to Carshon, from Texas. Her family had moved again and despite the challenges of moving around so much, had been able to graduate with good grades. Carshon sent her a gift and the pair reconnected.
Their match relationship picked up right where it left off despite the distance. In 2021, Kaitlen flew to Denver to celebrate her 21st birthday. Carshon was honored that she wanted to spend her birthday with her and was willing to make a solo trip to do it. A pillar of Kaitlen and Carshon’s match relationship is the quality time and deep conversations they share. Kaitlen has faced many obstacles throughout her life and Carshon has always been available to listen and support her. On her 21st birthday, she opened up about some of the challenges she had been facing with her mental health and trying to attend community college away from home. Carshon decided that a girl’s trip was in order and let Kaitlen choose where she wanted to go. Kaitlen chose to go to Austin and the two spent the weekend connecting and catching up. They have stayed in touch over the past two years despite the distance. Just recently, Kaitlen and her family moved back to Colorado which has been great for their relationship. Now they can spend time together in person again and Carshon is trying to help Kaitlen get a car and learn to drive to make her commute to work easier.
Carshon says it has been really special to see their friendship grow and change now that they are both adults. She knows she has positively impacted Kaitlen’s life, but Kaitlen has also made such a difference in her life. Kaitlen is incredibly smart, strong, and responsible and it has been such a fantastic experience getting to be a part of her life for 14 years. Carshon has stayed involved with BBBSC by joining the Associate Board and sharing her and Kaitlen’s story. We look forward to seeing how Kaitlen and Carshon’s relationship continues to grow and develop!