Brenda Taylor,
A Hero In Our Midst

Brenda Taylor, an associate school superintendent and native of Philadelphia, believes in the power of connecting with others. Whether it is sending cards to a senior citizen she met on a park bench, volunteering to help restore neighborhoods in Philadelphia or mentoring a young girl, Brenda demonstrates in tangible ways, how she cares for others.

Brenda places special importance on providing friendship and positive encouragement to a 14-year old Philadelphia girl, Demetra Davis, through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has been Demetra’s Big Sister for almost two years, but to Brenda, it seems like a lifetime.

“Over the last year, Demetra and I have become very close,” said Brenda, “it is really like she is a part of our family. This all wouldn’t have happened had I not been sitting in church and heard about an opportunity to reach out to a young girl through Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

During a weekly visit to her church, Bright Hope Baptist, Brenda heard Marlene Olshan, the CEO of BBBS of Southeastern PA deliver a compelling message from the pulpit about the need for mentors in the Philadelphia area, and in particular, their mentoring program designed to help children of incarcerated parents. The BBBS community-based Amachi program pairs faith community members with children of incarcerated parents.

“As I was sitting in the pew, I began reflecting on my life and how blessed I am,” recalled Brenda. “I felt like it would be selfish if I didn’t consider reaching out to touch the life of someone else.”

Brenda contacted the local Philadelphia Big Brothers Big Sister agency and was matched with then, 12-year old Demetra. Several months prior to Brenda signing on as a Big, Demetra’s mother, Lucille Davis had decided to enroll her younger children to be matched with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, but had not considered signing Demetra up for a mentor because of her age. Right before Demetra’s siblings had finished their interviews, her mother turned to her and asked if she wanted a Big, too.

“It was kind of a last minute decision for me to go into the interview with the Big Brothers Big Sister match specialist, but I decided to go,” states Demetra, “It has been the best last minute decision I’ve ever made.”

Brenda and Demetra go shopping together, visit restaurants, and since Demetra is an avid reader, they frequent the local bookstore at least once a month.

Brenda has found ways of supporting Demetra’s mother, Lucille, and in turn, Demetra has found that she can share her thoughts and dreams with Brenda without being judged.

“Ms. Brenda is a very good listener,” states Demetra, “and I don’t feel judged by her. When she gives me advice or constructive criticism, it just clicks. That is sometimes harder to do with my mom, because we’re family.”

Since Brenda has spent more than 30 years in the public school system, she is a strong believer in education and continually encourages Demetra to follow her dreams of traveling and helping people in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods across America.

“Brenda is very education oriented and helps Demetra focus on her grades,” said Lucille, Demetra’s mother. “Because of her, my little girl is more serious about attending college and making her way in life.”

The most important message Brenda impresses to Demetra is understanding and accepting her situation for what it is.

“Demetra is the oldest of three children and does not know her father,” said Brenda. “It can become very easy for her to look around and feel bitter about her life and her environment. But, I constantly remind her to use her thoughts to empower her future.”