By Robin Layton, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters
For Lucy Papas, becoming a mentor wasn’t just about giving back—it was about making a meaningful difference in a young person’s life. A single mother raising her daughter, she had always admired the idea of mentorship. Although she couldn’t commit to it then, the seed had been planted.
Years later, with her daughter grown and her career thriving, Lucy felt ready to step into the role she had once dreamed about. Remembering Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters (YBBBS), she reached out to become a Big Sister, prepared to make an impact.
“I think if everyone knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there was someone in this world who was in their corner, they would be able to grow, evolve, succeed, and fail freely,” explained Lucy.
“Knowing there was someone out there to hold them up, help them, or just listen can bring peace to your heart. Imagine that! I think the world would be a better place. My Little Sister, Cassie, is lucky to have a loving and caring family. I am lucky to be just one more person in her corner.”
That unwavering support is something Lucy now provides for her Little Sister, Cassie. Though Cassie already has a strong and loving family, Lucy is honored to be one more person standing by her side, encouraging her as she navigates life’s challenges and triumphs.
A Life Rooted in Care and Connection
Originally from New Jersey, Lucy fell in love with the Southwest in her 20s and knew she wanted to raise her daughter in Arizona.
Family remains at the heart of her world, with her mother and sister joining her in the same town. Their close-knit bond includes frequent gatherings, shared meals, and traveling together.
Her passion for mentorship extends beyond her relationship with Cassie. When her daughter was young, Lucy became interested in child development. She started volunteering at her daughter’s Head Start program, and that experience set her on a path toward a career in Early Childhood Education.
Over the past 15 years, she has worked as an Early Childhood Education coach, helping educators create supportive and enriching environments for young learners.
Shared Heritage, Shared Adventures
One of the things that strengthens Lucy and Cassie’s bond is their shared Greek heritage. From baking traditional Greek treats to celebrating Greek Easter together, their cultural connection deepens their friendship. But their adventures don’t stop there.
“We love hiking and rock hounding,” Lucy said. “We’ve found crystals, arrowheads, and fossils on some of our early trips together. It’s always exciting to see what we’ll discover next.”
These days, Cassie is balancing the demands of high school while pursuing a cosmetology degree—an achievement Lucy is incredibly proud of. With Cassie’s busy schedule, their outings have shifted to catching up over a meal or coffee, but their bond remains as strong as ever.
A Lasting Impact
The team at Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters has witnessed firsthand the connection between Lucy and Cassie, describing them as a perfect match.
“Lucy is the perfect Big for Cassie. As a caring, generous, and inspiring role model, she consistently supports Cassie. In turn, Cassie embodies kindness, curiosity, motivation, and a wisdom beyond her years,” shared the YBBBS Program Team.
“Together, this dynamic duo enjoys sharing cultural experiences, exploring new activities, and discovering the world around them. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Cassie, and we’re so happy she has Lucy to lean on as she begins each new chapter of her life.”
For Lucy, being a Big is more than just mentorship—it’s about creating a lifelong connection. For Cassie, having Lucy in her corner means having one more person who believes in her unconditionally.
Together, they exemplify the transformative power of mentorship, proving that someone standing in their corner as a game changer can help a young person flourish.
About YBBBS
For information on Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters’ youth mentoring mission, visit azbigs.org or call the Prescott office at 928.778.5135.
The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit is another way for you to help ensure we can continue our vitally important mission, with no additional cost to you. The new amounts you can give and get back as a dollar-for-dollar credit on your state tax are now $470 filing single and $938 filing as a couple.