"Who was that one person that made you feel special?"

Jack and Kris

Jack Wu, 36, of Newport Beach knows the challenges that face a teenage boy growing up without a father.  When he was 14, his 40-year-old father died suddenly of a heart attack.

Years later, when he was accepted into the Big Brothers program, he was given a choice of potential Little Brothers from which to choose.  He selected Kris, a 14-year-old whose father had died before he was born.  After nearly three years, it has proven to be a good choice.  Jack and Kris are close, talking frequently and spending about four hours a week together.  When Kris celebrated his 17^th birthday in November, he paid Jack the ultimate compliment.

“He has lots of friends, but he wanted to spend his birthday with me.”

Jack learned early on that the role of a Big Brother is not that of a parent, but a friend and mentor.  He also looks to engage his “Little” in more educational and interactive activities than watching movies or playing video games.  Recent outings have included viewing a Black History Month exhibit at the Nixon Library and volunteering to feed the homeless at Thanksgiving. 

Jack has also helped Kris to get a job and learn to drive.  Future goals include helping Kris secure his driver’s license and get a car.

“These are big steps, but I trust him.  He’s a responsible kid and respectful of others.  In fact, I’ve worked with him to develop these qualities.”

Their relationship will change in the upcoming months as Kris approaches adulthood and Jack and his wife await the birth of triplets.  However, Jack says it will continue.  Jack quips, “I’ve been helping him, when the babies come home he better start helping me!”