Real Stories - Chris, Claire and Dominic

Dominic's wish for a mentor was answered --
two times over.

Even before they became parents, Chris and Claire had already spent a lot of time with a child, thanks to their Couples Match with Little Brother Dominic.

Claire had been a Big Sister when she and Chris were dating. When her Little Sister moved away, she suggested the idea of a couples match to Chris. “I know boys wait longer for a ‘Big’ than girls do,” she explained.

At the same time Chris and Claire were applying to be a Big Couple, Dominic and his mom were praying each night that Dominic would be matched with a Big Brother. Their prayers were answered—two times over—when Dominic was matched with this busy professional couple.

“It’s nice to have someone to talk to about things that bother me besides my mom,” Dominic said.

The three have shared many memorable moments. Dominic even served as the ring bearer at Chris and Claire’s wedding, complete with a tuxedo and “shiny black shoes.”

In addition to recreational outings, the couple has focused on Dominic’s reading skills and social development. The couple took Dominic on a tour of a police station, where he got to try an officer’s walkie talkie and turn on the patrol car siren. The police tour was fun, but Dominic says he wants to be a fireman.

“I want him to finish high school, to stay out of trouble and be a kind, caring person,” Claire said.

As part of their weekly outing, Chris and Claire make sure Dominic focuses on his homework and help him set personal goals. Next up: a train trip to Chicago and a visit to the Shedd Aquarium.