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Unfiltered insights and hard-hitting questions that challenge the status quo in law, life, and everything in between.
Join Travis Patterson, Fort Worth's straight-shooting personal injury attorney, as he tackles the tough questions nobody's asking—but should be. In "Driving Change," Travis brings his signature blend of legal savvy and real-world experience to challenge the status quo in law, life, and everything in between. From practical safety tips for your family to navigating the complexities of modern parenting and entrepreneurship, each episode delivers unfiltered insights and actionable advice. Drawing on his unique perspective as a seasoned lawyer, entrepreneur, and changemaker, Travis offers a legal lens on everyday scenarios, breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand, actionable steps. Whether you're a busy parent looking to protect your kids, an entrepreneur seeking fresh perspectives, or someone who wants to be better prepared for life's curveballs, "Driving Change" equips you with the knowledge to make smarter decisions and safeguard what matters most.
[00:00:00] Travis: Hey there, I'm Travis Patterson and welcome to Driving Change. Here you're gonna find unfiltered insights and hard hitting questions that challenge the status quo in law and in life. As a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas, I see firsthand how challenges like distracted driving another just general family safety issues really impact our community every single day.
[00:00:20] Travis: But I refuse to accept these problems as inevitable. In this podcast, we're gonna dig deep into real world problems, bringing you practical solutions from my experiences and practicing law. Raising a family and running my own business. I'm not here to preach to anybody. I'm here to simply ask questions and start conversations that make you think differently and provide you actual advice that you can use right away in your own life.
[00:00:41] Travis: So welcome to Driving Change. Let's get to it. All right everybody. Welcome to another episode of Driving Change. The Driving Change podcast. This is a cool one because this is our first ever Ozzy. I dunno if I told you this first. Ever. We've ever done a outdoor remote podcast at an event like this, so congratulations.
[00:00:56] Travis: Oh, thank you. Hey, this is pretty cool, isn't it? I'm excited, man. [00:01:00] Oh, we are out here at Rockwood Golf Course here in Fort Worth, Texas, raising some money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, uh, Tarrant County. Yes. Uh, which is led by you, correct?
[00:01:09] Ozzie: Correct.
[00:01:10] Travis: All right. Tell me your story, Ozzy.
[00:01:12] Ozzie: Wow. It's a kind of weird, rocky, windy story.
[00:01:16] Ozzie: So, um Right. Those, those are the best times. Let's get started. So, uh, originally born in east Texas, Uhhuh, Texarkana, Texas. So I'm a Texas native. Um, relocated for a while to Michigan, uh, with my mother and kind of finished, uh, high school and college up that, that way. And so, you know, I went up there with my accent and got quickly learned that I had to, you know.
[00:01:36] Ozzie: Remove my y'all uhhuh Uhhuh and replace it with you guys. So, so learned all the lingo for, uh, living up north in the Midwest. Um, after college relocated to Florida, uh, where I, 'cause I studied engineering, so I landed a great job, um, with Siemens Energy. Okay. Um, in Florida. So as an electrical engineer, did a lot of work around the globe, uh, installing power plants.
[00:01:56] Ozzie: Oh, cool. Crazy enough. Um, but was doing a lot [00:02:00] of, um, nonprofit work. Volunteer work. Um, always had a passion for working with youth. And education. So I, uh, ran a track club, um, in Orlando for about 12 years, um, helping kids, you know, get to that next level. Oh, cool. So that kind of connects me to this phase of my life, um, after kind of corporate America, you know, I went back to graduate school, um, studied, you know, non-profit management, things of that nature.
[00:02:26] Ozzie: Um, landed a great job consulting. So I consulted with Accenture for about six years, um, focusing on non-profit and government clients. And then my wife led me here, ah, back to Texas. So she was here and she was like, um, I don't want to uh, leave. I got a good job. You should come this way. So we were engaged and we moved out this way and okay, been here and I said, you know what?
[00:02:47] Ozzie: I don't wanna go back to corporate America. Kind of doing that, traveling all over the place. I wanted to get some roots. So, yeah, you know, I found this opportunity applied and was just blessed to get it.
[00:02:57] Travis: Okay. So you went straight into leadership at Big Brothers Big [00:03:00] Sisters. You, you weren't a part of the organization?
[00:03:01] Travis: No. You weren't a no. Were you a big Uh, I was not. I was not at any point. Wow. So, I,
[00:03:05] Ozzie: I didn't have any experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Um, but I think my resume just had so much youth mentoring Uhhuh that it just, it really aligned and, you know, I really wanted to bring some of my business knowledge.
[00:03:17] Ozzie: Expertise into the nonprofit space. Yeah. Which I've been doing as a consultant for some time. And so I think that's what really aligned me to this opportunity.
[00:03:25] Travis: Very cool. So you've been the president of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tarrant County, correct. Now for six years or so? Almost
[00:03:30] Ozzie: six years. Six years in September.
[00:03:32] Travis: Alright, so tell us about Big Brothers Big Sisters. Right. For folks who don't know, obviously a lot of people out here know about the organization. We have volunteers everywhere. Lot of passionate people, uh, but people kind of stumbling upon this charity for the first time. What is it, what is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
[00:03:44] Travis: What does it do? How does it work and why does it work?
[00:03:47] Ozzie: Yeah, so Big Brothers Big Sisters is really just, uh, based in mentoring. So, you know, our focus is really one-to-one mentoring relationships, and that's what we do. And, you know, we've been doing it, this organization has been doing it for about a hundred years.[00:04:00]
[00:04:00] Ozzie: Uh, we've been doing it, uh, over 80 years here in Tarrant County. So, uh, when it comes to youth mentoring, I, you know, I like to brag and say we are the experts. We are the gold star, uh, for youth mentoring. And really, uh, when you boil it down, it's about relationship building. That's what we aim to do is build relationships, connect people, and you know, really change the trajectory of kids' lives.
[00:04:21] Ozzie: You know, we talk about driving change. I think that's what, you know, big Brothers Big Sisters is really focused about trying to drive change of that trajectory for youth and give them the opportunities and experiences that they probably wouldn't see in their normal day to day. And so what we, uh, hope to do is, you know, just work with the community.
[00:04:39] Ozzie: Um. Get volunteers, allow those volunteers that are really focused on service and community engagement mm-hmm. To, uh, transfer those talents and skills to youth that are looking for an opportunity to shine and grow and ex explore their potential.
[00:04:54] Travis: I love that you even worked the name of the podcast in your answer.
[00:04:57] Travis: What a pro. Hey man, I can see why they picked. [00:05:00] You've been doing some research, man. This guy's good. Um, one of the things I love about Bigger Brothers Big Sisters is that, you know, there's a lot of amazing nonprofits here in Fort Worth and. All over the place. Um, but what's cool about this organization is it's, you know, there's, if you want to help out, it's not just giving, you know, writing a check.
[00:05:19] Travis: Correct. It's, if you can, you can give your time in a very meaningful way. I mean, I saw on your, on your, on your data there that we have about 700 matches here in Tarrant County alone.
[00:05:27] Ozzie: Yes, correct. We are just under, just under 700. But, um, that number fluctuates. Um, but, you know, we are really looking to grow that number kind of post covid again.
[00:05:37] Travis: Okay, so we took a hit during Covid.
[00:05:39] Ozzie: Yeah, definitely took a hit. Um, you know, when schools closed, we had to close a lot of our school-based programs. Right. Um, you know, just to kind of comply with regulations and things that were going on in the community. But, you know, now things have come back. Um, we're seeing uptick again, also because a lot of corporations are doing their return to office policies.
[00:05:55] Ozzie: Mm-hmm. So. Just having people back in the office, um, it's a little easier to [00:06:00] engage and get connected with them. So we're excited about our growth trajectory. We grew 14% with new matches over last year, and we have a, a target to grow. 15%. We, so we just really want to climb back up that ladder of new match growth.
[00:06:12] Ozzie: I.
[00:06:12] Travis: So the traditional program at Big Brothers Big Sisters is the one-on-one mentoring the matches, the classic big brother or big sister, you know, relationship, uh, to a little. Mm-hmm. Um, but there are other programs you mentioned some school-based ones. Yes. Can you talk, can you talk about those?
[00:06:25] Ozzie: Yeah, definitely.
[00:06:26] Ozzie: So, um, just so everyone knows out there, you know, we kind of fall in two categories of our, our programming. The, what we call traditional or the original mentoring relationship was one-to-one out in the community. So a volunteer or what we identify as a big mm-hmm. Will come and pick that little up at their home and then go engage with them out in the community.
[00:06:44] Ozzie: I. Um, our other flavor of program is school-based and we have several different kind of tiers in our school-based programming. Um, but that's where a big goes to the school and connects with the youth. Sometimes it's before school, sometimes it's during lunch or during a specific period, and then [00:07:00] sometimes during after school, uh, programming.
[00:07:02] Ozzie: And so within that school-based program, you know, we really try to, um. Meet the needs of the youth that we're serving, and also meet the needs of other stakeholders like our school populations, uh, uh, school, uh, partners rather, and see what, what are some of their needs when they identify youth that need mentoring.
[00:07:19] Ozzie: So, um, you know, some of our youngest mentees are six. Yeah. All the way up, you know, to graduating seniors. So, uh, we have, we have a full range in full spectrum. And we just try to figure out what the needs of that, uh, partner and the youth is. And sometimes, you know, we do reading partners, we do sports buddies.
[00:07:37] Ozzie: Uh, we have a big outdoors program as well. That's awesome. Well, with our youth, so lot, a lot of different things, but we just really try to meet our partners where they are. Yeah. And try to bring our program, not change it too much, but just tailored a little bit for those partners.
[00:07:49] Travis: Yeah. That's, that's amazing.
[00:07:50] Travis: I think it's. Important for folks to know if they want to get involved as a volunteer. It's not just that traditional program. Correct. Because I don't know if you know this, but I used to be a big myself back when I was [00:08:00] in Dallas. Okay. I started my legal career in Dallas, Texas. I lasted about five minutes out there.
[00:08:04] Travis: But, um, no, but, but when I was out there before I had kids, I had a little, and we'd go hang out on the weekends and, uh, for yeah, for people. I mean, it was a blast. I mean, we went to Harlem, Globetrotter games, we went to the park, we went fishing. We did all sorts of cool stuff. Now I've got, you know, four kids and so obviously my time is a little bit more, uh, yeah.
[00:08:21] Travis: Spread out, uh, than it used to be. Uh, but I like those school-based programs now because you might just be able to go, hey, go during your lunch break. Yeah. Once every couple weeks and go read a book or talk or, or do something. Cool.
[00:08:32] Ozzie: Definitely. So, you know, we, we really want to, we try to look at all our stakeholders, right?
[00:08:37] Ozzie: So our stakeholders includes kids, obviously, you know, their families, um, the school partners and the volunteer. We have to take into consideration the volunteers. Um, and so when we look at that, you know, volunteers, you know, their time is limited. Yeah. So we try to make sure those programs work for them.
[00:08:53] Ozzie: Uh, we also have another program which we call Mentor 2.0. Um, that program is, uh, focused on, um, high school age [00:09:00] kids and it's really preparing them for post-secondary success. Um, but this one is technology enhanced. And so what we try to do with this program is allow the youth. To connect with their mentor.
[00:09:12] Ozzie: At this age, we, we kind of removed the name big and little. Okay. But at the high school age, you know, the mentee connects with their mentor and they do that via an app, on a platform, a secure platform that's, you know, that we can monitor, but they connect using the app. That gives a lot of flexibility and that program was very successful, you know, throughout, uh, COVID.
[00:09:32] Ozzie: Uh, where the big and the little, just most of their communication is done on that application. Oh, wow. That platform. And we do prompts, you know, we send them information about, you know, filling out it's time to fill out your fafsa, FAFSA form for college, and then the big and little communicate about that.
[00:09:47] Ozzie: And then probably once a month they will connect at the school for an evening, you know, meal or dinner. So.
[00:09:52] Travis: Oh, wow. That's cool. So if you just have that. You know that thought in your head, I'm just too busy. I don't have time for this, but I really wanna help there. The [00:10:00] chances are there's, Lindsay's got some kind of program
[00:10:02] Ozzie: for, there's a program for you, and if you come to us and say, Hey, these are my constraints, we'll try and figure out a program that'll fit your needs.
[00:10:08] Ozzie: That's great. Um, so.
[00:10:11] Travis: For the littles, how do, how do we, how do you identify who needs a mentor? Where are these kids coming from? Um, and, and what's that process like?
[00:10:19] Ozzie: Yeah, so there's a lot of ways that youth, uh, connect with us. Um, sometimes it's just the parents may have seen an, an advertisement, whether on a billboard or on Facebook, and they, you know, call us and say, I wanna sign my kid up.
[00:10:33] Ozzie: You know, I want my child to have a mentor. Um, other opportunities come through us, come to us through schools. Um, a lot of counselors, um, really know our program and know some of the benefits of our program. And we laugh because even when those counselors move around to different school districts, you know, they, they immediately reach out and say, Hey, I have one or two youth I think that will benefit from your program.
[00:10:54] Ozzie: And so they identify their youth that they feel are needing, um, someone, um, in their life Yeah. To help them reach [00:11:00] that potential. Um, and then other ways we just kind of market out at various fairs and, you know, festivals, um, around Tarran County and we reach youth that way as well.
[00:11:10] Travis: And then I imagine once you have the youth, the applicants there, there's some pretty extensive.
[00:11:15] Travis: Matching kind of process. So you pick the right big for the right little.
[00:11:19] Ozzie: Correct? Correct. I mean, one thing I will say, you know, one of our core values is safety. And so we're committed to safety for, for our youth, um mm-hmm. Primarily, of course, but we are committed to safety for everyone involved in our program.
[00:11:31] Ozzie: So that's the little, their parents, their family members, siblings, but also that volunteer. We don't wanna leave that volunteer, you know, feeling, you know, kind of out on an island. So we support them as well. So, um. Everyone goes through, uh, uh, interview, an extensive interview. Um, and our volunteers all go through an extensive background check.
[00:11:51] Ozzie: We do criminal background, ground checks as well. So just mainly committed to safety as a core value. We try to make sure that everyone in the program feels safe and trustworthy. [00:12:00]
[00:12:00] Travis: So how does it, I mean, does it work? I mean, what are the results? I mean, what do you guys see that, that might be a softball question, but I mean, 'cause you know, when I spend one-on-one time with.
[00:12:11] Travis: You know, when I did it with my little, I just saw that growth. Yeah. But what is it about that time together, that mentorship that leads to these successful outcomes?
[00:12:19] Ozzie: Yeah, I, I, I, I mean I definitely, you know, obviously didn't found the organization. Yeah. But it has been around for so long, which is one testament, you know, to the success of the program.
[00:12:30] Ozzie: Um, but I feel like, um, you know, a lot of times, and you may have witnessed this, our volunteers get. Sometimes more out of the program I know, than our actual littles. You know, just that ability to connect and just, you know, provide wisdom, you know, and just help people, you know, through obstacles and over heels that they can't see.
[00:12:49] Ozzie: But you being a volunteer, you may have experienced. And so I feel like that is a big part of the, uh, program and part of the success of the program. And I feel, um, [00:13:00] you know, a lot of times our program is. Mainly individuals asking, you know, they're raising their hands to say, you know, I want better for myself.
[00:13:08] Ozzie: Yeah. I want to be successful. And I think that that is a positive, you know, they're self-selecting. That's a good point to say that I want something else. And then we try to provide that to them. And then sometimes it is, you know, like I said earlier, you know, a teacher may say, mm-hmm. Or counselor may say, you know what, I, I have faith that you can do more.
[00:13:26] Ozzie: Let me, uh, introduce a program that help, may help guide you through that.
[00:13:30] Travis: I mean, the results, you know, speak with themselves. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Yeah. I saw on y'all's website 85% show an improvement in depressive symptoms. Correct. Uh, 96% either report improvement in academics or at least maintaining academics.
[00:13:44] Travis: Um, 93% reporting less, um, are just increased sense of belonging with their peers. Yeah, that's huge.
[00:13:51] Ozzie: We, we have strong youth outcomes. You know, when sometimes when you're in this so long I forget about, you know, those stats that are, you know, yeah. Like, wow, they, they [00:14:00] are amazing. So you have to sometimes pause and reflect, because a lot of times, you know, I'm looking at the stats, you know, kind of on a year by year basis and saying, oh, we're at 93%, we're, we're down 1%.
[00:14:11] Ozzie: What happened? You know, these KPIs are down. Exactly. So you have to step back and say, no, that's still success. That's amazing. Yeah. That is really a great outcome. So we, our, our program is evidence-based. Um, there's been so many, you know, great research, um, done around our, uh, program, long-term studies, double blind studies, so, you know, we have had that level of influence and impact that, you know, has been studied by, you know, great scholars and they see the proof in our program.
[00:14:35] Travis: Yeah. What about, so beyond the, the data and the stats, you know, the nerdy stuff, like what are your favorite stories, right? Like, I love a good story and I know you've had a ton of them. I mean, I've read a couple blurbs. Like for example, not to steal your thunder here. No, go ahead Sarah and Jamie. This is so cool.
[00:14:54] Travis: Sarah was a shy seventh grader, shy seventh grader. Struggling with her confidence. Entered [00:15:00] Jamie, her big sister, who helped Sarah discover her passion for science this year. Sarah earned first place in her school, science fair, a milestone. She credits to Jamie's guidance and encouragement. Together, they show how mentorship builds brighter futures.
[00:15:13] Travis: Uh, you know, that's just, I'm one of probably a hundred. You have ready to go, but. What are some of your kind of favorites that kind of come to mind?
[00:15:19] Ozzie: Yeah, yeah. There are so many, and I, and I think our team does a great job of, you know, kind of supporting these, uh, these matches and making sure that, you know, they try to get to success.
[00:15:29] Ozzie: Um, I'll just share before I go into the story that, you know, the way our program is structured is, you know, you come together as a match, but we have what we call match support specialists that really guide and support you through that, you know, entire time and building that sense of engagement, uh, between the big and the little and connectivity.
[00:15:46] Ozzie: Um, I. As you mentioned, so many stories. Um, I remember one story of, you know, a youth that, uh, and forgive me, I forget the names. I get so many of them. Yeah. But this is early on in, uh, my [00:16:00] tenure at Big Brothers Big Sisters. But, you know, we had a match support specialist that came to us and say, you know, it's like they're not really connecting yet.
[00:16:07] Ozzie: I really gotta find something, you know, for them. And I heard, you know, somewhere through one of the conversations, I believe the, uh, match support specialist had with the mom. That, you know, the sun doesn't like to do anything physical, doesn't play sports, anything like that. Um. But he, he saw something and I think he saw something about, you know, rock climbing.
[00:16:27] Ozzie: And so, you know, that that match support specialist taking that, you know, in Intel, if you will, you know, told the big Yeah. You know, and said, Hey, you know what, the little, you know, said something about rock climbing that, you know, they weren't really communicating well. And so that little nugget of information from our match support specialist, and then she went a next another step.
[00:16:46] Ozzie: And found a location mm-hmm. That did rock climbing and called them and said, Hey, you know what, we have this person that, you know, would really love to, you know, participate and experience this and got them kind of some free, uh, trial. Oh, cool. This. And so [00:17:00] gave that to the big, the big and the little, um, connected and went to this rock climbing session.
[00:17:05] Ozzie: And you know, the kid just opened up. Yeah, that was, that was the key. That was that spark that unlocked. Wow. You know, that match and you know, they stay together and they go rock climbing together now. Oh, cool. And they're, you know, um. Elevating to like more of a professional level of rock climbing, all the elevating Nice, nice
[00:17:23] Travis: pun there.
[00:17:23] Travis: By the way, Ozzy,
[00:17:25] Ozzie: that's good, smart. Um, and you know, and getting all the equipment and so it's just those little small things Yeah. That kind of give you the chills, you know, when you hear them. Um, and that's what gets excited. And I, I love that our team, you know, we try to. Always keep those mission moments in front of us.
[00:17:39] Ozzie: And so, you know, every week we'll bring a highlight. Our match support specialist or team will be a high, bring a highlight about a match. And those are the things that just give me the warm fuzzies and reminds me after I look at all the data and see trends maybe going down a percentage that I want to go up a percent point or something like that.
[00:17:55] Ozzie: It's those moments that's like, you know what, this is why we do this and this is why it's important.
[00:17:59] Travis: Yeah. That's, that's [00:18:00] a life we're talking about and that's way more. Important than a 1% KPI or something. Indeed, indeed. Um, alright, so let's talk about the local level, uh, here in Tarrant County in Fort Worth.
[00:18:08] Travis: What's going on here locally that you're proud of? Obviously we're out here today raising money for the golf, uh, with the golf tournament. Uh, it's chaired by my law partner, Tennessee Walker. Yes, we can talk about him probably. Um, but I know we were out here last year doing this, uh yes. And raised a bunch of money.
[00:18:24] Travis: So let's talk about the golf tournament and what, what other, uh, kind of fundraisers we have going on.
[00:18:28] Ozzie: Yeah, so this is our second year for the golf tournament. We're really excited. I mean, Tennessee has just been an amazing advocate for our program. When I joined, you know, you just immediately saw the enthusiasm and Yeah.
[00:18:39] Ozzie: You know, activity level of Tennessee in our board and our program. And so, um. As, you know, an executive director or president of a market, it makes it so much easier when you have that level of engagement and excitement. Um, so, you know, always kudos to Tennessee. He gets it. Uh, he's been a big, his wife has been a big, yeah, so he knows our mission, you know, inside and out.[00:19:00]
[00:19:00] Ozzie: Um, but this, like I said, this is our second annual, and Tennessee came and said, he's, you know what? I want a golf tournament, you know, for us, you know, something that I like to do and I know a lot of people would enjoy it as well. So he hit the ground running. You know, worked with our staff and put this thing together last year rather late for, you know, kind of a programming, getting it off the ground.
[00:19:18] Ozzie: But I mean, Tennessee's just amazing in that way and he, he got it done and so, you know, started immediately after the last year planning for the second one. Yeah. And so here we are, um, had great growth last year. Uh, I'm sorry, a great target. We hit, our target, exceeded our target. On revenue for last year, and Tennessee's kind of doubled it this year.
[00:19:36] Ozzie: So we were a little nervous on that, but we've already sold out prior to the event, you know, and then, you know, thanks to, you know, supporting partners. So I would say that, you know, in Fort Worth, um, it is growing, but it still has that small community feel. Yeah. And I think that's what, you know, is so important for a nonprofit to be able to connect and engage in the community.
[00:19:58] Ozzie: So having, you know, great board members [00:20:00] that are connected in the community. And then being able to reach out and talk to those potential partners, corporate partners, um, is important. So we are, you know, really driving, you know, new creative, um, events to kind of hit our revenue targets, um, sponsorships from new corporations.
[00:20:16] Ozzie: That's another piece I think that is so, uh, dynamic about here in the Fort Worth community is just the level of growth of new corporations coming in. Um, high growth in that alliance corridor that, you know, we're trying to connect with and tap into for volunteer and, and, uh, corporate sponsorships. Yeah.
[00:20:33] Travis: And Fort Worth is a very fast growing town. It is. It, it is crazy to keep up up. So we have a lot of needs here. Uh, well, you can see it in the eyes of your staff and just the passion when they are out here, or just planning events like this. You know, I work six feet away from Tennessee, obviously, so I, I'd see the work that goes into planning something like this.
[00:20:47] Travis: Yes. Um, he couldn't do it alone, obviously. And the passion of your staff kind of just speaks volumes.
[00:20:53] Ozzie: No. Yeah, I, I appreciate my staff. I mean, they, it's, it was a little different for me coming from kind of that corporate American [00:21:00] nine to five job. Oh yeah. Uh, this team doesn't do that. Right. You know, when they call for their match supports, when they're reaching out to bigs and things like that, sometimes, often it's in the evenings when they're putting on events, they're working in the evenings.
[00:21:10] Ozzie: So, um, you know, we try to just maintain a very flexible schedule for that reason. Um, and I think. That just shows the level of commitment from this staff to making everything work. I mean, you know, so many of them are social workers. You know, they do this not for some great high pay, but just for the love of making people's lives better.
[00:21:30] Ozzie: I know it sounds a little cliche, but Oh, that's way better than money. It really does. That's way better than money.
[00:21:35] Travis: Um, that's great. So Ozzy, you've been doing, running this organization for six years. You said you had some nonprofit, uh. Graduate education prior to that, so you know what you're doing. What advice do you have for other nonprofit leaders in different sectors?
[00:21:50] Travis: Whether, whether it's for young people or whatever the need is. Because like I said, there's so many nonprofits. Yes. Um, and which is, which is awesome. Um, there's some startup nonprofits and then there's one [00:22:00] that ones that have been around for a while, like y'all have. Uh, but what's your go-to advice when you talk to other leaders?
[00:22:05] Ozzie: Yeah, I, I would say a couple things. Uh, first of all, I would say depending on your program, if it's similar to like Big Brothers Big Sisters where you can engage and volunteer in the program, I think that was the best thing for me was to, you know, when I joined, you know, I was just looking at this as a business.
[00:22:20] Ozzie: I always gotta get numbers. I gotta focus on this. The mission was there and I knew it was a good mission, but I hadn't really connected to the mission. Not until I went through the process and got my own little mm-hmm. You know, and that's when I was like, okay, that helped me a lot. You know, I went through the process just like any normal volunteer, saw some opportunities to change things and say, you know, let's elevate our, you know, level of service in this way.
[00:22:42] Ozzie: And so I think that was supported for my team and supported for me to really understand what they went through and kind of the. Time and level of effort it took to get to, you know, a match. Um, and so I think if a leader can get engaged with the program and definitely do, don't sit on the sidelines and just talk about it.
[00:22:58] Ozzie: Yeah. Um, the other [00:23:00] piece is partnership. I think, you know, sometimes there's so many nonprofits and we feel like we're all competing for the same resources that, you know, partnership is key. And I think, you know, big Brothers, big Sisters, we do it very well when we're trying to get a lot of those wraparound services that we know our youth need.
[00:23:16] Ozzie: Um, so we don't worry about mission creep, you know, it's like they do that. Well, we're gonna partner with them to get those, you know, maybe it's mental health services Right. That we may need. So
[00:23:25] Travis: mission creep, meaning we need to like dilute ourselves and now we try to do too many things. Yeah. We're trying to
[00:23:29] Ozzie: be everything to everybody.
[00:23:31] Ozzie: Yeah. And that, I've
[00:23:32] Travis: seen that before. That's
[00:23:32] Ozzie: a real problem. That really takes away from Yeah. Uh, an organization. And so sometimes also going for, you know, funding. Um, you know, we've started looking at, you know, with other, you know, foundations and, uh, partners here in the Tarran County community of how we go in for grant funding together.
[00:23:48] Ozzie: Yeah. You know, you may need two or three resources to kind of solve or address an issue. And so partnering and learning those other nonprofit leaders, um, in your community, I think is critical. And then after [00:24:00] that, you know, just, um, you know, we talk about nonprofits, but they're still businesses. Mm-hmm. And so just really kind of honing your business skills to see how you can improve, how to be a strategic thinker.
[00:24:10] Ozzie: Um, looking at the finances to, you know, especially if you're kind of that startup, uh, nonprofit, you know, you really want to target and make realistic goals on setting that funding and revenue. And then, you know, making sure that, you know, when Rocky Roads come, kind of like Covid was, that you're kind of financially set and have some money in the bank to, you know, yeah.
[00:24:26] Ozzie: Tide you over.
[00:24:27] Travis: Yeah, that's good advice. I mean, you gotta start with the big heart, but you've also gotta have, gotta have that business mindset too Indeed, to keep the lights. Keep the checks clear and keep the lights on. Indeed.
[00:24:36] Ozzie: I agree.
[00:24:36] Travis: Um, well that's great. Now, if folks hear this and they want to help and they wanna get involved, how can they do that?
[00:24:41] Ozzie: Yeah, so there's a few ways to, uh, connect with Big Brothers Big Sisters and to get involved. I would say, you know, first is we are always seeking more volunteers and bigs and, uh, in our programs. So if you want to volunteer your time and service, um, you can reach out to us. Um, our website is www.bb [00:25:00] bs.
[00:25:00] Ozzie: tx.org. Um, and long as you're over 18, you know, you can volunteer in one of our programs and we have several different types of programs and our website can help walk you through those. Um. Other ways is donations. Yeah. You may not have the time right now, may not be the best time for you to give that time and service, but maybe share some of your treasures.
[00:25:21] Ozzie: Right? Yeah. And so donating, you can also go to a website and link through to the Tarant website, um, to donate to our program. Um, also we take volunteers. Mm-hmm. And that volunteer, uh, service can come through like we have. So many volunteers out here today at Rockwood. Yeah. Uh, just helping out. They just wanted to help with the golf tournament, you know, and we have board service that you can wanna be a board member.
[00:25:43] Ozzie: Yeah. Like, uh, Tennessee that we spoke about earlier. That's the way to volunteer. Um, we have volunteers that, you know, partner with us through either their corporation and come in for a day of service and help us with, you know, do something in our office. You know, so those are ways, uh, to get involved. And then sometimes, uh, you know, [00:26:00] I, I always talk about, you know, needing ambassadors and.
[00:26:03] Ozzie: You know, sometimes we evangelize. We just need people to spread the word. Yeah. You know, just let, if you see a youth that may need someone or you see a family that may need some additional services, direct 'em our way. Yeah, that's a great point. You know, if we can't help them, you know, maybe we can direct them to some other services, but if definitely see a youth that you feel could use a mentor, um, definitely reach out to us.
[00:26:23] Ozzie: Uh, we would love to try to match them.
[00:26:24] Travis: That's a great point. Um, and Big Brothers Big Sisters is all over the country. We're all over the country,
[00:26:29] Ozzie: so, um, really. You know, some of the smaller communities may be a little bit more challenging, but in most of the metro, larger metro areas were there. Um, some of those, uh, communities that serve kind of remote areas have e mentoring.
[00:26:43] Ozzie: Yeah. So we've really done a lot of things to try to reach the corners of various counties. Um, we had a e mentoring program that we still somewhat offer, but so many of our volunteers and youth like to connect. Now that Covid is over back in person, so, um, reach out. We try to, we also. Oh, [00:27:00] my market identifies with, uh, tart and Denton Counties Uhhuh, but you know, as I mentioned earlier, you know, we're growing so much.
[00:27:06] Ozzie: So we're in Wise Parker Johnson as well. Um, so we get a lot of requests for volunteers out there and so we try to service those counties as well.
[00:27:13] Travis: Yeah. And like we kind of said in the beginning of this, being a big really is a lot of fun. I mean, you see the change in a young person and you just get to go do fun stuff and to me it was kind of like being a practicing for becoming a father.
[00:27:25] Travis: Yes. Almost. I dunno if you hear that a lot. Yes, we
[00:27:26] Ozzie: do.
[00:27:27] Travis: You know, people say like, get a puppy to practice. Like, okay. No, it takes a little bit more than that when you're dealing with an actual human who has kinds of some needs and wants and concerns. Um, that would just, it was a really important time for me to go through that experience for a couple of years.
[00:27:40] Travis: Before I had kids. Yeah. Uh, so, you know, especially for young people with, without kids like. Go get a little, like, it's a really neat, uh, experience and it's gonna help you a lot.
[00:27:48] Ozzie: It is. I mean, we get, we get that a lot, Travis. So, you know, especially for volunteers that are kind of, you know, out of college, that 25 to 35 is really our sweet spot.
[00:27:58] Ozzie: Um, you know, kind of before marriage, [00:28:00] before kids set in. And it does it all. You know, they always say there's no, uh, kind of training manual for being a parent. No, no. Right. But I would say maybe, you know, I, I may take this angle and start marketing Big Brothers, big Sisters in that way, that you do get a little bit of that opportunity to kind of, you know, impress yourself on someone's life.
[00:28:18] Ozzie: Uh, not have all the responsibilities of their day to day, but you know, you really, you know, once you become a. Uh, that big and in that match, you do feel a sense of responsibility. Yeah. And that's, you know, kinda what parenthood is about.
[00:28:28] Travis: Yeah. You have a highly trained match specialist that you can go to for any questions.
[00:28:31] Travis: And when you're a parent, you don't get, you don't get something like that. Luckily I have my wife and she's that specialist for us, but, uh, yeah, you're kind of on your own out there as a parent. Indeed. Indeed. Uh, but yeah, the match specialist, I mean, that, that is a really cool thing that people don't realize until they're in the weeds.
[00:28:43] Travis: Yep. Uh, is just how talented they are and how involved they are in the process. Correct. I remember that from 10 years ago.
[00:28:49] Ozzie: Yeah. Our, our match specialists are, you know, kind of really that, you know, engine, you know, behind the scenes that you don't always get to hear about or see, but, um, they're really what makes the matches work.
[00:28:59] Ozzie: [00:29:00] Yeah. Um, they're very trained in, in what they do, and we do a lot of training of our staff to just kind of keep them up to date with what's going on. Um, in the communities that we serve. Um, but they take their matches to heart. They learn the challenges of the youth. And so they kind of do a, depending on the age of the match, kind of do a three point check.
[00:29:17] Ozzie: You know, so they check in with the little, they check in with the parent and then they check in with the big. And so with that, you know, they kind of triangulate all the data and just figure out what's best for the little in that situation. Yeah, it's
[00:29:27] Travis: very impressive. Alright. If there's one more thing that you'd want people to know about Big Brothers Big Sisters here in the Tarran County level that they might not know, uh, what would that be?
[00:29:36] Ozzie: Let's see. Um, I would just say that, you know, the biggest thing I can, you know, promote for Big Brothers, big Sisters, I think our mission is definitely worthy. Um, I love what we do. I love the outcomes that we get. Um, the biggest thing I would push is just we need more volunteers. Mm-hmm. That's always our biggest thing.
[00:29:53] Ozzie: And this is, uh, you know, volunteer based organizations. So we don't pay our volunteers. We, we [00:30:00] raise funds to support our mission. Um, through a lot of generous donors and foundations, um, in the area. But we need volunteers and we need volunteers throughout the spectrum of ages. So, you know. It's interesting that, you know, um, the younger generation we're seeing kind of a, a tail off and so I would really kind of encourage some of those.
[00:30:19] Ozzie: But like I said, but our sweet spot is kind of 25 to 35. Yeah. If you're out there and you know, you're looking for something to engage, I don't think you can find anything more rewarding, uh, than supporting a little. Um, but I'll also want, don't want to discourage the top end of those age ranges. Uh, yeah.
[00:30:33] Ozzie: We get a lot of great baby boomers and we have, you know, as I was mentioning, we tailor programs so. We have a program called Generations where we have, you know, seniors that really work with a lot of our elementary school kids, and you should just see, oh, how cool is that? It is awesome. You should see the kids light up.
[00:30:49] Ozzie: Um, and then the seniors light up as well. Um, but so again, that's just an example of how, you know, we look at the whole community. And we find a place for everyone that wants to serve. To serve. Yeah.
[00:30:59] Travis: I'm glad I asked you that [00:31:00] question 'cause I had no idea about that program. Yeah, that's
[00:31:01] Ozzie: really cool. Yeah, it's awesome.
[00:31:03] Ozzie: So we're looking to grow that. Again, COVID, I hate to be kind of this covid, doom and gloom person, but you know, COVID kind of limited that, especially due to the higher risk factors of our seniors. But, uh, now we're, we're back and, you know, those, those seniors, some of those uh, locations have reached out to us and said, Hey, we think it's time, so we're ready to relaunch our generations program.
[00:31:22] Travis: Oh wow. That's really cool. Um, well, yeah, like I said, big if, if you want to get involved, I mean, big Brothers Big Sisters has something for you. We do, we do. I'll bet. I will bet you, uh, five bucks that Ozzy can find you something. Um, I'll put you to work. Yeah, yeah. So get involved. What a great organization.
[00:31:38] Travis: Ozzy, it's been so much fun having you. Our first, uh, remote outdoor podcast. Awesome. What do you
[00:31:43] Ozzie: think? You did great. Oh, this was my first one, so I'm really excited. And who knows, man, maybe I may have a, you know, another side time gig and. Yeah. Radio or something. Big three
[00:31:52] Travis: sisters, Tarrant County Podcast coming soon.
[00:31:54] Travis: Oh, okay.
[00:31:55] Ozzie: Yeah, you, you've taken the edge off, so thanks, Travis. All right. Well, I gotta
[00:31:58] Travis: go join my foursome. We're [00:32:00] gonna go, uh, hit some birdies for, for the kids. I appreciate all you've done today. Have a good time. Thanks a lot, law. Thank you, man. All right. Thanks everybody. Thanks everyone. If you'd like today's episode, please subscribe to the podcast and don't forget to leave us a review.
[00:32:10] Travis: It really does help us get the word out as we dive into these important conversations about safety and about community. I'm reminded of why I became a personal injury lawyer in the first place. Every single day I see people whose lives have been turned upside down because of some accident in one form or another.
[00:32:24] Travis: It's a confusing and overwhelming time, and it can feel impossible for folks to know where to turn. If you or someone you love have been in an accident like that and you need honest guidance, give us a call. We'll get to know you. Get to know your story, and we will be with you every step of the way.
[00:32:38] Travis: Thank you for listening, and we'll see you next time.