Big Pals-Little Pals of Greater Columbus: Mentoring Youth Toward Success

Big Pals-Little Pals of Greater Columbus (BPLP) has been a cornerstone of mentorship in the Columbus community for more than fifty years. The organization pairs children ages 6–16 with caring adult mentors, creating meaningful relationships that boost confidence, improve academic performance, and support mental health. Through weekly one-on-one meetings and monthly group activities, Big and Little Pals build lasting bonds that enrich children’s lives and encourage them to reach their potential.

Kars4Kids was proud to award a small grant to Big Pals-Little Pals of Greater Columbus in recognition of the caliber of the services it provides children. This program stood out to us because of the safe, nurturing, and transformative experiences it creates for youth in need—children from single-parent homes, foster care, or guardianship who benefit greatly from consistent mentorship. We are inspired by the way BPLP empowers young people to grow, learn, and thrive through guidance, encouragement, and community support.

We put some questions to BPLP Executive Director Aimee Heesacker to learn more about this work.

Kars4Kids: Who are the children you serve—like their age, family situation, and community?

Aimee Heesacker: We enroll children from ages 6-16, and they age out of the program at age 19. We serve children in need who come from single families, blended families, biological families, foster families, and youth being raised by guardians.

Kars4Kids: Your main program matches “Big Pals” with “Little Pals.” Can you walk us through how that relationship starts and grows?

Aimee Heesacker: Once a Big Pal completes the enrollment process and is approved, we pair them with a child of the same gender who shares similar interests. This way, they have plenty in common to enjoy together. We provide ideas for activities they can do, but they’re also encouraged to come up with their own based on what they like. They meet weekly, and once a month, they have the option to join a fun and educational group activity organized by the program. The more time they spend together, the stronger their bond grows. The Little Pals really look forward to their special time with their Big Pal!

Kars4Kids: What kind of difference have you seen from these matches—maybe through stories or observations?

Aimee Heesacker: Over the years, we’ve heard countless inspiring stories about how our program and Big Pals have helped children flourish. One memorable example is a Little Pal who was very shy and uncertain about continuing his education. His Big Pal, a lawyer, guided him through college tours and enrollment. Our program also provided a scholarship to ease the financial burden. To support him further, the Big Pal offered a part-time job at his law firm, helping the Little Pal grow professionally and manage college expenses. Today, this once shy boy is a thriving young adult, full of promise. Stories like this truly warm my heart, showing how much potential can blossom with the right support.

Kars4Kids: Safety sounds important—how do you ensure each Big Pal is a good fit and every match feels secure?

Aimee Heesacker: Our top priority is the safety of our little pals. That’s why we carry out extensive screenings on every Big Pal volunteer, checking driving records, offender lists, criminal backgrounds, and abuse registries. We also verify references and inspect homes to guarantee a safe space for every child. We don’t stop there; periodic rechecks help us ensure ongoing safety. It’s essential to us that every youth in our program is matched with a caring and trustworthy role model. We believe communication is essential, so we stay in regular contact with the parent or guardian to ensure the match is going well and to address any concerns they might have.

Kars4Kids: Many kids in the mentoring world get a boost in confidence or outlook. What kinds of positive changes do families or community members notice most?

Aimee Heesacker: Mentoring has the power to boost school attendance, enhance academic performance, and it supports mental health. We see young people come out of their shells. It also encourages better behavior and builds confidence. The Little Pals are always learning and exploring new experiences, which broadens their perspective and helps them see the world through a fresh lens. We often hear from Big Pals, parents, guardians, and school counselors about the positive changes they notice in the Little Pals after joining the program. I’m also lucky enough to witness these changes firsthand during our monthly events.

Kars4Kids: How do local volunteers—your Big Pals—get involved, and what makes them stick around?

Aimee Heesacker: We’re always looking for Big Pals, so we do a lot of outreach to spread the word about our program. Our monthly match activities are a lot of fun, and both Big and Little Pals really look forward to them. Plus, several local businesses offer free opportunities for Big & Little Pals to enjoy together. Over time, the bond between mentor and mentee grows stronger, and many choose to stay connected even after the child ages out of the program.

Kars4Kids: You’ve been part of the Columbus community for over 50 years. How has the organization—and the needs of kids—changed over time?

Aimee Heesacker: Over the years, we’ve grown and adapted to better support our Little Pals. Recognizing the rising need for mental health support, we’ve provided training and emergency resources. We’ve also assisted families facing financial challenges by offering a comfort closet stocked with personal hygiene items. Additionally, we’ve helped address food insecurity and supplied back-to-school essentials. Our monthly fun and educational experiences promote problem-solving, teamwork, and a strong sense of community, all while enhancing important life skills. Through these efforts, we continue to evolve, to make a meaningful, positive impact.

Kars4Kids: What have you learned from the families you serve—parents or guardians—that influenced how you structure or support matches?

Aimee Heesacker: Listening to the voices of our youth, parents, guardians, and mentors is very important to us. To gather their thoughts, we send out surveys through Google Docs, allowing participants the option to respond anonymously. We carefully consider all feedback because it helps us ensure the program runs smoothly and that everyone feels included in making positive changes. As times evolve, we adapt to new situations, and we’re proud that our program remains a fun, safe, and well-run organization.

Kars4Kids: What personal experiences or community insights led you to this work and shape your leadership at Big Pals–Little Pals?

Aimee Heesacker: I have always had a special place in my heart for children in need. Growing up in this community, I was familiar with the program and its incredible impact. Having faced my own challenges as a child, including losing a parent at a young age, I deeply understand how meaningful a mentor’s presence can be. About 15 years ago, I was honored to join the board of directors, and soon after, I became a Big Pal myself. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of mentoring several Little Pals, and every moment has been truly rewarding. When the opportunity arose to become the executive director, I felt it was a calling I couldn’t ignore. I’ve cherished every day in this role, especially seeing the children learn, laugh, and grow during our monthly match activities. It’s an absolute blessing to be part of their journey.

Kars4Kids: What’s next for Big Pals–Little Pals—where do you hope to go in the coming years?

Aimee Heesacker: We aim to expand our impact in the community by bringing on more mentors and offering additional educational opportunities to support our youth’s success.