Steve Friess - Home Page

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Earlier and later: Jamie at age 8 and at age 14.

In 1997, I became a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southern Nevada. The program matches adult volunteers with young boys and girls who live in single-parent homes. I was matched with a 6-year-old boy who changed my life. Jamie Koch, my "Little," is smart and kind -- and boy can he dance! Now, unbelievably, he's almost 15.

During the summer of 2002, a bunch of loser religious right nutcases attacked Big Brothers for allowing gays and lesbians as adult mentors. I slammed back in a column and went on CNN to describe my experience. The links will bring you to the respective items.

Visit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southern Nevada website now and find out more about this crucial program. The Nevada chapter can guide you to a chapter near you.

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Jamie, 14, plays Xbox in my house.
June 2005

Whoa, what hair!
Jamie is 14.
Late 2004

Steve and Jamie, 12, go boating on
Lake Mead in August 2002.

We pose with Steve Wyrick, a magician
in Vegas. With us is Jamie's virtual sister,
JoAnna. This is Early 2003.

SEE VIDEO OF JAMIE, 11,
SHOWING OFF HIS NEW BRACES!
July 2001

Jamie, 12, smushing his face
at the Glass Pool Inn.
Summer 2002.
[Read a related LA Times story here!]

Jamie, 11, prepares for his dance routine
at a show in July 2001.

Jamie, 13, and JoAnna, play clowns for
money at some festival.

Jamie, 13, and JoAnna with parrots from the
Tropicana for a story on the animals of Vegas.
January 2004.
[See related Chicago Trib story here!]

Jamie, 13, and JoAnna under a lion
at the MGM Grand for the same story.
January 2004.

Jamie, 12, washes up at Mandalay Bay.
August 2002

Steve and Jamie, 9, in a boat
on the Everglades in 2000.