Gresham Mentor Wins Award for 18 Years With Two Brothers

Some of the best friendships are built one walk at a time. For Jeff Holmes and his mentee Cian, those weekly strolls along the Springwater Corridor Trail have turned into an 18-year family legacy.

Holmes, a Gresham resident for 38 years, has been volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest long enough to mentor two brothers from the same family. He spent years with Cian's older brother from fifth grade through high school graduation, then matched with Cian in September 2019.

The mortgage broker didn't set out to win awards. He just wanted to keep being a dad after his own sons moved out.

"I enjoyed being a dad and wanted to keep that going," Holmes said. But his consistency and commitment earned him recognition as Big Brothers Big Sisters' 2026 Big and Little of the Year, plus a Community Hero honor from The Outlook.

Holmes and Cian, now 16 and captain of Reynolds High School's debate team, have found connection in everyday moments. They play chess, read the same books and host mini book club discussions. They cook together, go shopping, and watch for beavers along Johnson Creek.

"It's not just quality time, it's time," Holmes explained. "You have to be consistent and commit, become more comfortable with each other."

For Holmes, who describes himself as an introvert, the one-on-one format works perfectly. The pair talk about current events, spot nature, and simply enjoy each other's company without pressure.

Cian is already thinking about his future in law, hoping to help his community. He credits Holmes with making him feel welcome and supported through challenging academic courses and debate competitions.

Sunny's Take

Holmes lives by a powerful motto: "Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone." That philosophy extends beyond his mentoring. He volunteers as an ambassador for the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce, does pre-marriage counseling through his church, and regularly presents on reverse mortgages at the Gresham Senior Center.

But it's those quiet moments on the trail that matter most. Watching beavers, talking about books, just being present.

After 18 years with one family, Holmes proves that showing up consistently can change generations.