John Peirce,
A Hero In Our Midst

John Peirce describes himself as an everyday person, but those who have seen him in action, consider him a hero.

It was Peirce’s involvement with the Rotary Club that led him to become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which led him to a special relationship with Devin, his 10-year-old Lunch Buddy at Washington Elementary. The Rotary decided to adopt an elementary school in the city’s downtown area where 91% of the children receive free or reduced price lunches. Club members helped to create a Parent-Teacher Association, freed up teachers so that they could speak to parents, and read to children on a regular basis.

Their efforts were very much appreciated, but the school’s principal was eager to use these volunteers to make an even greater impact on the lives of the children in her school. She wanted every child to have a mentor. Rotary was ready to take on the challenge, and after a meeting with Peirce, the principal and the CEO of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters created a successful partnership between the schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters. As no surprise to anyone, Peirce was the first Rotarian to volunteer to be a Big Brother and Lunch Buddy.

The first step was meeting his “Little.” Devin is a third grader who is dealing with some difficult family issues. His mother and stepfather recently divorced, and Devin knows that the man he knew as “Dad” may never return to his life again. The school immediately stepped in and wanted Devin to have a male role model and friend to provide support and stability during this turbulent time in the young child’s life.

As Peirce recalls, “I came down the school steps to meet Devin, and he had this great big smile on his face. He greeted me with a hug.” This was the beginning of a friendship that has flourished beyond what anyone could have hoped. They both look forward to their once-a-week meetings during Devin’s lunch break where they play games, talk about school, and just enjoy each other’s company. Devin has grown comfortable sharing his feelings with his “Big Brother,” and Peirce feels honored that this young boy would put such confidence and trust in him.

Devin’s teacher is astounded, as she has been able to see a noticeable change in his behavior, particularly when Pierce has plans to visit Devin at school. “I just wish that John was able to sit right beside him everyday in class. He needs that extra attention and love that John is able to provide.” She continues, “When Devin knows John is coming, he is particularly attentive throughout the day, even after lunchtime.”

Devin thinks of Peirce as a great friend. “John is nice and makes me feel special. I really like to play ‘Sorry’ with him. It is our favorite game, and we always play fair.”

Peirce feels that he gets as much from the relationship, if not more, than Devin. “I really love being part of the Lunch Buddy program. It gets me out of my routine and I focus on someone else’s cares. I always leave Devin’s school feeling better,” he explains. “And I know how much it means to the kids. For a lot of them, having the meeting during a school day is the only way they could be part of a mentoring program.”

A salesman for Indiana Stamp, Peirce is using his professional skills to encourage others to volunteer. He recruits friends, family members, co-workers—in short, anyone who will listen. He has made presentations to the Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and has helped Big Brothers Big Sisters produce a video to recruit more men to the organization.

His personal commitment has drawn him into leading the charge in working to ensure that more than 200 elementary school children in the city’s downtown area have adult mentors to guide and provide them with positive role models. He believes that every child in Fort Wayne should have a special Lunch Buddy.

John Peirce’s enthusiasm and passion for the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters is an inspiration to all who know him. Hardly anyone can resist his excitement about the mission…just ask his wife who is a newly minted Lunch Buddy!