Eric & Lyle
– Rachel Carson, Biologist
Lyle spent years on the waiting list for a Big Brother. He hoped to find a mentor to share his passion for aircraft, spacecraft, cars, ships and World War II history. A shy, disconnected young man, he continued to further isolate himself. That changed in October 2017 when his Mom received a phone call from Big Brothers Big Sisters sharing, “We found a Big Brother for Lyle!”
Lyle’s life has transformed. Lyle always expressed interest in learning to weld, and Eric gave him the encouragement to start taking classes. He even gave him a hands-on demonstration aboard the USS Edson where Eric is a volunteer guide. Their adventures took them to Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge factory, and the Soo Locks, exploring their common interests in cars, aircraft and ships. Eric helped Lyle become comfortable interacting with strangers and even taught him how to drive—in a Corvette no less.


Lyle’s life has transformed. Lyle always expressed interest in learning to weld, and Eric gave him the encouragement to start taking classes. He even gave him a hands-on demonstration aboard the USS Edson where Eric is a volunteer guide. Their adventures took them to Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge factory, and the Soo Locks, exploring their common interests in cars, aircraft and ships. Eric helped Lyle become comfortable interacting with strangers and even taught him how to drive—in a Corvette no less.
“Eric has been a positive male role model for Lyle,” his mother Ida said. “Big Brothers Big Sisters has given Lyle the opportunity to learn things he wouldn’t learn outside of his family, and offered him new experiences beyond his comfort zone.”
Lyle and Eric look forward to a lifelong friendship. Eric is grateful for helping him gain greater confidence, spark interest in a future career and be that important role model he desperately needed.
Invest in Potential
Help us create more life changing matches like Eric and Lyle’s. When you invest in Big Brothers Big Sisters, you change the lives of at-risk youth in your community. Potential starts with you and your gift.


Invest in Potential
Help us create more life changing matches like Eric and Lyle’s. When you invest in Big Brothers Big Sisters, you change the lives of at-risk youth in your community. Potential starts with you and your gift.

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