Taylor Henderson, 8, lost her mother to cancer in 2006. The devastating death left Taylor without the mom/daughter relationship every little girl needs.

It also left her father, Bryan, concerned about how his little girl would cope with losing her mother at such a young age and what her life would be like growing up.

"I wanted Taylor to have someone to talk to about girlie stuff," said Mr. Henderson.

The programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) touch many lives in extraordinary ways. Whether it's the rewarding mentoring experience as a Big or the unforgettable experience as a Little, one thing is certain, there is a positive, lasting impression on everyone involved.

A chance discussion with a bank employee, Darlene Kosmack, who suggested Mr. Henderson contact Big Brothers Big Sisters changed his daughter's future. Shortly after his wife died, Mr. Henderson was conducting his financial transactions with Mrs. Kosmack and mentioned his recent loss and his concern about his daughter's future without a mother.

It just so happened Mrs. Kosmack and her husband, Peter, had recently attended a Big Couple information session. They had decided to postpone being matched at the time but reconsidered when they heard about Taylor.

At the time, Bryan jokingly suggested Darlene become Taylor's Big Sister, however, four months later, Mr. and Mrs. Kosmack became her Big Couple.

Big Brothers Big Sisters wants to ensure every child who needs a mentor has one. The diversity of their mentoring programs offers flexibility for Big Brothers and Sisters aged 18 to 85 to volunteer from one to four hours a week. Mentoring relationships provide opportunities and exposure to positive life experiences that some children may not otherwise have, and friendships that could last a lifetime. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Hamilton and Burlington currently has 150 kids on a waiting list.

The Kosmacks had recently become empty nesters and thought the time was right to become a Big Couple. They have found the experience very rewarding. It allows the three of them to enjoy plenty of activities together.

"Having Taylor in our lives now when our own children have grown up has extended our family and has brought a lot of joy to everyone," said Mrs. Kosmack.

In fact, when their own kids come home, they always ask when they can see Taylor.

"We are carrying on from when our kids were young," said Mr. Kosmack.

Mr. Henderson feels that Taylor's Big Couple has also brought some of his late wife's values into his daughter's life.

"Darlene, Peter and Taylor have done some charity work together, which was very much a part of my wife's life," said Mr. Henderson. "They have taught Taylor the importance of giving, and that is something her mom would have done."

Mr. Henderson has been very pleased with the outcome of the Big Couple experience.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters came into my life when I needed support for my daughter," said Mr. Henderson. "After losing her mother, Taylor lost some of her sense of security, with Darlene and Peter she has gotten that back. She now feels safe, secure and comfortable. She is more open about new relationships in her life."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington provides mentoring relationships to children in need. The agency is always seeking volunteers to alleviate long wait times for children in need of a match. There are many programs available to accommodate a volunteer's time availability. Visit www.callbigbrothers.com for more information .