"He kind of acts like a dad with me ... not in a bad way, but in a good way."

The two were matched at just about the same time Big Brothers Big Sisters moved into the Angel Youth Center.

Initially, José sought out the program because his own older brother and younger sister were making use of it.  He was a tad jealous of the great experiences they were having.

"I love children and have none of my own, so I decided to be a part of a solution and give a kid a fighting chance," says Noriega.  "My most personal satisfaction is being a role model and taking on a leadership role."

Thus, he decided to give his time to José, something the teen, who lives with his siblings, mother and grandmother, appreciates every day.

José and David hand out at least once a week.  They go to the movies, hike or just sit and chat about life.  During the summer,  José worked for the Pima County Highway and Wastewater Management cutting weeds and cleaning up brush along the freeway.

It made Noriega proud of his "little brother."

In addition to spending time with his "big brother," José also has participated in other programs at the Angel Youth Center, learning about computers and giving his peers presentations about smoking awareness.  Through the center's recreation program, José has been involved in flag football and basketball.

Both José and David say they feel their lives have been enriched by the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and its Angel Youth Center.

YOUTH ON THEIR OWN

$100,000

During that same year, Angel Charity also donated $100,000 to Youth On Their Own, which provides desperately needed assistance to youngsters who seek permanent shelter outside their parents' home while staying in school and maintaining good grades.  The money provided stipends to 100 students for 10 months.

Adapted from Tucson Lifestyle
December 1998
Portrait Photos by David Fox