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25 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP

Bob Kucharski & Little Brother Jerry Merritt

Jerry Merritt remembers meeting his Big Brother Bob Kucharski on March 1, 1983. "Bob drove up in the green Mustang, and then we went to eat at Godfather's," he said. Jerry was 11 years old. "It's kind-of interesting-he's not a Little Brother anymore," says Bob. Jerry turned 30 years old this year. Over the past two years Jerry has realized his dream of being a paramedic, working for the Area Ambulance Service in Cedar Rapids. "I just like to help people," he said. Jerry "found a direction" in his mid-twenties after sampling many trades. He landed a full-time position as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and starting working towards his goal of becoming a paramedic. After two years, he began his current position. It's his proudest accomplishment. Bob also expresses his pleasure in seeing Jerry succeed. "My wife Carol and I are very proud of what Jerry has done for himself," said Bob. For eighteen years Bob and Jerry have enjoyed a blossoming friendship. "The most positive thing that Bob showed me was family structure. They are a close-knit family. My brother Kevin and I did a lot of things together, but my mom worked usually at night and my dad wasn't around. My mom got me involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters because she wanted me to have a role model and male companion," said Jerry. "I've been very blessed with the things that Bob showed me," said Jerry. Many of the highlights of their match, from 1983 until Jerry turned 18 in 1989, include activities Jerry says he wouldn't have experienced had it not been for Bob and Carol's influence.

The Kucharski's often invited Jerry on family outings. Jerry's best memories include playing Royal Rummy, seeing the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, visiting Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal, MO, and eating at nice restaurants all over the Midwest. As part of the family, Jerry also spent time with Bob's three children, and he says they also influenced his interests. "Michael was into baseball and sports. He taught me how to keep score at the baseball game. David was into classical music and old movies." Jerry says he and Bob would go to see black and white movies at the museum when it was located on 3rd Street downtown. He still enjoys seeing old movies today.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters provides structure for young minds. Kids can receive something they might not be receiving at home and someone to confide in besides their parents. It's good to have another listening ear and someone to turn to," Jerry said. Jerry said the Kucharski family always made him feel welcome. "Bob was a big influence-he broadened my horizons. I saw things I wouldn't have seen. I look at the world in a different way," he said. Bob has been an active friend of Big Brothers Big Sisters since 1983, serving as a member of the board of directors, a Big Brother to four boys, and the founder and active member of the board of trustees.