Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 14, 2024 Malden father raises adopted children with help from adult mentors G rowing up with 10 siblings, Paul Nelson learned the importance of mentorship early on from his brothers and sisters, who taught him valuable lessons and guided him in the right direction. Today, Nelson and his husband, of Malden, carry that same support to their two adopted children: Anthony, 12, and Amaya, 11. The brother-sister duo are matched with mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM), allowing each child to have a trustworthy, consistent adult from outside of the home for support. Anthony and Amaya are enrolled in BBBSEM’s signature community-based program, in which adult mentors – referred to as Bigs – are paired with youngsters and meet for two to three hours, a couple times a month, for outings of their choice. This one-to-one mentoring program helps youngsters to fulfill their fullest potential while giving their guardians/ parents, like Nelson, the reassurance that others have their children’s backs. “We’re constantly learning as parents,” says Nelson, who adopted Anthony and Amaya, who are mixed race, when they were three and two years old, respectively. “Our kids had a different life than we did, and they have different hair than I have. It was important for us to have caring role models for our kids that listen to them and celebrate diversity. Especially for our daughter, who has two dads, having a consistent female adult in her life has helped her build confidence and empathy. For my son, he’s now become a mentor to younger kids. Both are more social and more accepting of adults since being matched Forestdale Park Celebrates International Firefighters’ Day F orestdale Park, a Volunteers of America Massachusetts Senior Community, recently hosted members of the Malden Fire Department in honor of International Firefighters’ Day. Residents enjoyed connecting with the firefighters over coffee and muffins while hearing about their work and exchanging stories. Paul Nelson and husband with children Anthony and Amaya at family wedding. (Courtesy photo) in the program. Mentoring has had a huge positive impact on our family.” “It’s important that youth get their information from trustworthy people in every part of their lives,” says Nelson. “As parents, we’re worried about the future of our kids, from the way they are educated to the way they socialize. Having positive role models in their lives creates consistency and provides another avenue for them to express themselves. Our kids look forward to spending time with their Bigs.” With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. The organization fosters connections between communities and community partners, helping to address larger social issues, such as race and education gaps. “Our programs are made to transform families,” says BBBSEM President/CEO Mark O’Donnell, who walks his talk as a two-time former Big Brother. “Paul is an exceptional guardian in our program, like so many others. The community-based program allows youth to make healthy choices, thrive socially and emotionally and have stronger relationships with peers and other adults.” In 2024, BBBSEM celebrates 75 years of service across the region. Throughout its seven decades, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youngsters. For more information, to become a volunteer or to register your children, visit www.emassbigs.org. Friends of the Malden Public Library Wine Tasting Gala Fundraiser T he Friends of the Malden Public Library is hosting a Wine Tasting Gala fundraiser to benefit the Malden Public Library on Friday, June 21 from 7–9 p.m., in the historic Converse Library and Art Galleries at 36 Salem St. in Malden. Enjoy a variety of wines, food selections from Malden’s finest establishments, live piano music, a silent raffle and a VIP tour of the art galleries starting at 6:30 p.m. The Friends’ Wine Tasting has been a tremendously popular event – first held in 2002 – selling out annually until the pandemic interrupted all in-person gatherings. This year, in coordination with the City of Malden’s 375th anniversary celebration and Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits (746 Main St. in Malden), the Friends are reviving this tradition. The theme for this year’s gala is Dressing through the Decades, and attendees are encouraged to dress in the style of their favorite decade. The Friends are hoping to bring back the Wine Tasting Gala as a yearly event. Tickets are on sale at the Malden Public Library (cash or checks only, please) or can be purchased online at LocalWineEvents.com. Tickets for the fundraiser are $50 per person, and $75 per person for the VIP early entrance, which includes a tour of the Art Galleries – our hidden treasure! This is a 21+ event. Call the Library at 781-324-0218 for more information. The Friends of the MPL is a volunteer, fundraising organization – working with our diverse community to benefit the Library – and is always looking for new members! Shown from left to right: Forestdale Park Executive Director Sarah Starkweather, Director of Community Relations Mike Giurleo, members of the Malden Fire Department, EnrichedLIFE Director Molly Spindler, Director of Building & Grounds Eric Field, Director of Business Michelle Spindler, and Director of Compass Programming Emma Burke. Shown from left to right: Forestdale Park residents Carmen Ledbury, Nancy Durand, Diana Gorman, Carla McCormack and Paul Carrier chat with members of the Malden Fire Department. Friends of the Malden Public Library Wine Tasting Gala Fundraiser
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