Chris Ostrand,
A Hero in Our Midst

Chris Ostrand, a Green Bay resident and an insurance broker with Associated Financial Group, set out to become a "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin because he simply wanted to give back to the community he so loves.

“There always seems to be a time in your life when you take inventory of where you’re at and what goals you want to set for yourself,” said Chris. “As I began setting some goals for myself over six years ago, I thought that it would be really cool to mentor a young boy.”

Chris called the local BBBS agency and was matched with then, eleven-year-old Matthew Kaercher. Matthew, an Oneida Indian, lives with his mother and sister on Oneida’s tribal land and takes great pride in his heritage. Matthew now attends East High School and is a sophomore this year.

During their first outing, Matthew felt a bit apprehensive about starting yet another relationship with a new mentor. Prior to Chris coming along, Matthew had been mentored by several other Bigs who quickly came in and out of his life, and he was beginning to think that it was something about him that made the Bigs leave the match. Although that was not the case, he hesitantly got in the back seat of Chris’s car. Chris said to Matthew, “Well, I’m really glad that we are going to hang out for the first time.”

Matthew quickly replied, “yeah, but I’ve had a couple Bigs over the last year, and I’m a little upset that they are no longer matched with me.”

Sensing Matthew’s pain and disappointment, Chris tenderly said, “Well, I know it has nothing to do with you and had it not been for the other Bigs leaving, you and I would have never met.”

The frown on the little eleven-year-olds face slowly turned into a big grin, and he said, “You're right.”

As time went on, Chris, a long time lacrosse player, started talking about the sport and interested Matthew in it. It so happened to be a sport of the Oneida tribe, and Chris had played on the Oneida Tribal Team at one time. Matthew decided to join a team and Chris began coaching him and attending his games. Chris also attended Oneida Pow-Wows to show his support of Matthew’s heritage and culture.

As Chris and Matthew began spending more and more time together, it was evident that this was more than a mentoring relationship, but rather a deep friendship built on respect and admiration. “I thought that when I signed up to be a mentor, that I would have someone to give advice to and hang out with, said Chris, “but it became this great friendship, and it has helped me to be kid again.”

Chris goes out of his way to stay connected with Matthew, whether it is attending school meetings or picking him up out of the blue to do something fun and out of the ordinary. “Chris is like an actual brother to me, and I really respect him,” said Matthew. “ He gives me a lot of guidance and actually stays involved in my life.

Chris’s other gift is his ability to listen to Matthew and respond with sound advice and insight. “Kids aren’t looking for lectures,” said Chris, “they rebel against that sort of reaction. Instead, they look for someone to listen and give an objective view of the situation.”

Matthew has often considered making some decisions about his life that would have affected him greatly for years to come. However, Chris would step in and openly share with Matthew his thoughts and suggestions about the situation. “I seem to listen to him more than anyone else in my life,” said Matthew. “I think he's my biggest influence, and I respect him and what he has to say.”

Matthew also looks up to Chris and wants to strive to be as successful and well educated as his Big Brother. “Matt talks about how he looks forward to growing up and becoming an accountant,” said LeeAnn Laes, Matthew’s mother. “Because of Chris and the example he sets with his life and career, my Matthew looks up to him and is working to get good grades in school, so he can make something of his life.”