CANTON, KS — McPherson-native Maddie Clark has an older brother, but now, at 27 years old, she also has a younger sister.
A teller at the State Bank of Canton in Canton for the past five years, Clark recently volunteered with the Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters organization based out of Newton. The program aims to connect adults with youth who need a positive and caring mentor in their lives.
“It’s been rewarding to give back and know I’ve been a positive impact on a kid’s life,” she said.
Initially, though, Clark said she was just looking for a way to fill her time after graduating from Wichita State University with a degree in business and no longer working multiple part-time jobs.
“I realized I had so much time in my hands, and I was kind of bored,” she said. “I was thinking I wanted to volunteer. I worked in childcare throughout college and in high school, so I’d always been around kids.”
A co-worker suggested she look into the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, so she did and decided she’d like to pursue it and become a mentor — or a Big, as volunteers are referred to — to a youth — or a Little, as the children are referred to.
Becoming a Big was painless for Clark. She was interviewed by BBBS staff, had a background check done, and completed an interest form that allowed her to share her interests with the program. That information was used to help narrow down possible matches for her Little, and she and the Littles both looked through their potential matches to find the perfect fit.
Anyone else interested in becoming a Big would go through the same process. They just have to be at least 18 years old, commit to being matched for at least one year, and follow BBBS ground rules and safety guidelines.
“We have Bigs of all ages and at all different life stages, and I think that diversity is one of the things that makes our program so successful,” BBBS Match Support Specialist Lindsay Anderson said. “Every kid is unique, and we need all kinds of people to make best-fit matches, where personalities, interests, and preferences all line up to ensure that we’re making meaningful and lasting matches.”
Clark found her match in 10-year-old Olivia from Galva.
“I’m an extrovert, and she’s very much an extrovert as well,” Clark said. “She’s very sassy, like in a funny way. That’s pretty much on par for me, so it turned out to be a good fit.”
After four months, Clark said the pairing is going well, and Olivia is liking it, even calling Clark her sister and talking about having Clark help her paint her parking space when she is a senior in high school.
“That’s so cute,” Clark said. “She tells me we need to hang out more.”
Scheduling is the most difficult part, especially since Olivia participates in competitive cheerleading. Between her school and practice schedules and Clark’s work obligations, finding time to get together can be tough.
Luckily, Clark lives in McPherson, so she can pick Olivia up on her way home from work in Canton.
This is handy because Clark said Bigs are expected to meet with their Littles at least twice per month, but the length and activities of the visit don’t matter. A visit can be as simple as going for a walk or shopping at the grocery store. Crafting and cooking can fit the bill, too.
“It doesn’t have to be elaborate stuff,” Clark said. “I can just see that she values us hanging out. She enjoys the time. I think it’s good for her to get away.”
In Olivia’s case, her brother has health problems, so she just needs a bit more attention. In other cases, the reason for being a Little depends on the child.
“Our Littles face things like issues at school, loneliness, bullying, poverty, abuse, and other
situations where they could use another positive influence and supportive person in their life,” Anderson said. “We serve kids ages 5-17. Our goal is to help youth reach their potential. Having a mentor for that extra support and guidance helps kids grow in self-confidence and build self-esteem, provides a strong friendship and listening ear for whatever they may be facing, teaches life and social skills, and gives kids an opportunity to have fun in a safe and supportive environment.”
Filling those needs and being a non-parent ally are important to Clark.
“There are a lot of kids who need a good role model,” she said.
It’s also beneficial to Bigs.
“It’s good to volunteer,” Clark said. “It’s good to have a responsibility that’s of your own free will.”
Anderson agreed.
“So many of our Bigs say their Little feels like family, and they can’t imagine their lives without them. Building that connection with someone else is special and life-giving and will more than likely teach you things about life, too,” she said. “It’s great to be able to share your wisdom and energy and experiences with someone else, make a real difference in a child’s life, and gain a really amazing friend all at the same time.”
This is why BBBS is trying to get more involved in McPherson County.
“We would love to get a thriving program going in McPherson County and be a part of the community support system for families there because we believe what we do truly makes a difference,” Anderson said. “Currently, in McPherson County, we have four active matches and approximately 20 youth on the waitlist.”
For more information on becoming a Big, visit https://www.kansasbigs.org/.
Clark recommends it.
“I know I’m doing something good. Doing something for someone else always feels good,” she said. “It fills my cup.”
NOTE: This feature story was written for the Santa Fe Way newspaper serving the central Kansas communities of Canton and Galva. It was published Dec. 5, 2025.
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