Former McHenry County Man Named Big Brother of the Year

Jeremy Weith, a newlywed from Woodstock who recently relocated to Milwaukee, was matched seven years ago with then 6-year old Harry of Woodstock. 

Even though he moved out of state, Weith consistently keeps up his bi-weekly commitment to Harry. Weith says he volunteered to be a Big Brother after graduating from college to “give back and share some of my good fortune with someone in need.” 

“Jeremy is a long-term mentor whose volunteer service exemplifies how Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring improves the odds for children to succeed in and out of school,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County Executive Director Robyn Ostrem. “Their match has weathered adversity while Jeremy guided Harry through poor choices he was making at school and rallied the community to help Harry and his mom recover from a house fire.”

Harry was being raised by his mom, the youngest of three children with no male role model.  

Weith states “watching Harry grow up over the past seven years has permanently changed my outlook on life.  My risk on my investment has far exceeded my expectations.”

 Harry’s mother is so thankful she learned about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  She is grateful for the good role model and unconditional friendship.  “Jeremy has provided Harry positive reinforcement and stability the past 7 years.  Jeremy has been Harry’s biggest fan at soccer games, been active in his educational goals and welcomed him into his family by having him stand up in Jeremy’s wedding.”

 Harry explains that “Jeremy has been with me for seven fun filled years!  He has impacted my life incredibly since my dad went away.  I am thankful he included me and began sharing this life with me.”

Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters press release