Dennis Vaughn,
A Hero In Our Midst

“Maurice and I are one and the same,” explains Big Brother Dennis Vaughn. “From day one, five years ago, we have been on the same page and have always complemented each other. Our backgrounds are similar and I can understand how he feels.”

To Maurice, a mature well-spoken 13-year-old and car enthusiast, Dennis,” has a great personality and a really cool car.”

The match began five years ago after Vaughn attended a conference at his church where a representative from Big Brothers Big Sisters spoke about the need for mentors. As a child, Vaughn spent a lot of time with his uncles since his dad was not at home; they were role models and mentors for him. Having these positive influences gave him the desire to “give back” when he became an adult.

The “Brothers” are incredibly in synch. Vaughn, who is an accountant, understands how important it is for him to be there for Maurice, who is being reared by his mother and grandmother, “incredible women who have done a wonderful job with Maurice.” Maurice and Dennis have developed a friendship that is truly special and they both look forward to being a part of each other’s lives in the years to come.

An exciting event they shared when Maurice was 10 years old was being interviewed on a local talk show at radio station about their involvement in Big Brothers Big Sisters. Maurice was initially nervous about appearing as they drove to the station, but once he got comfortable with the equipment and the host, he was in his element. As Vaughn describes it, “He spoke well on air, asked the radio engineer specific questions during commercial breaks, and even went into another studio to talk to another host after our show was over.” He laughingly adds, “Whenever I’m with Maurice I find myself just watching his every movement because you never know what he will say do or say next. He can talk to anyone about anything.”

Vaughn marvels at all the ways he has grown through their relationship. “Being a “Big” has given me patience, it has allowed me to have a brother (I have all sisters) and it has given me a chance to participate in activities that I might not have done without the program.

“Maurice has taught me to be more outgoing,” Vaughn goes on. “His energy and charisma are infectious and when I’m around him, I’m forced to ‘go-go-go’ or else I’ll be left behind. After my interactions with him I feel refreshed and motivated, which causes me to attack all of my work and social responsibilities with more excitement.”

Maurice’s mom, Kandice, is delighted about having her son be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters. She believes that the consistency of the relationship he has developed with his mentor has helped Maurice stay focused in school instead of rebelling and getting into trouble. He continues to be a pleasant, positive, and fun-loving child who excels in all areas of his life.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters has done more for Maurice than I could ever dream,” Kandice explains. “He has learned he can rely and trust that Dennis will be there for him. He is a good friend who Maurice can confide in and such a positive influence in his life.”

And Maurice is looking forward to being a Big Brother when he grows up …just like Dennis Vaughn.