Mark S. Tillman: Detroit 2020 Person of the Week

Jan 26, 2012   //   by Mark Tillman   //   12. January 2012, Messages from Brother Tillman  //  No Comments

For his commitment to mentoring, Brother Mark S. Tillman was recognized and featured as the “Person of the Week” by WXYZ Channel 7 News in Detroit, Michigan. Listed is the news story prepared by WXYZ and located at the following website: Detroit 2020.

Mark Tillman and his little brother, Elijah, spent the afternoon at the Southfield Public Library.

The two aren’t related by blood. What brings them together is Mark’s commitment to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He has been a Big Brother since 2001. Elijah is his third “little” in the last 11 years. His first is now 20 years old.

Mark and Elijah have been together for a little more than a year. Mark’s goal is to help boys grow into successful men. He told us, “We have a saying that to be a man, they must see a man. So I want to do my part so they can see a man and become a productive and responsible citizen to society.

For Elijah, it’s not about growth, it’s about fun, new experiences. Elijah says he’s excited when Mark picks him up. And he’s always curious about what Mark has planned for them. The pair have been to the movies and to the fun arcade. But it isn’t all about fun. Sometimes they just share a meal and talk.

During Christmastime, Mark took Elijah with him to deliver food for Meals on Wheels, “Because I wanted him to have the opportunity to give back to the community.” Elijah told us what he learned from that experience was, “Sharing and caring about others.”

Mark says he also wants Elijah to learn “How to be a man, how to be respectful of women, how to be respectful within the society.” He says being a mentor doesn’t take a lot of time.

For anyone interested in making a similar commitment, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit has just launched its 100 Mentors in 100 Days Campaign. The goal is to inspire individuals and organizations to donate, participate and a mentor and spread the word about Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Mark Tillman has been able to make a difference in the lives of three young men. He is our Detroit 2020 Person of the Week.