Big Brothers, Big Sisters program helps local teen

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville has made a difference in one local teens life.

Seth Grissett got his drivers license, is involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and is celebrating his one-year anniversary working as a bagger at Riesbecks. But there’s one thing that sets him apart from other teens his age; Seth suffers from autism.

“Autism is a fundamental disorder with people, that makes people have disabilities, like me,” said Seth.

By way of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville, Seth found someone to not only help him with his disorder, but to also be a friend.

Jackie Tellez was named Big Sister of the Year for the organization, but more importantly she’s Seth’s big sister.

“They had a lot of trouble, I guess matching Seth because of his age. He would be graduating from the program soon and a lot of people were worried taking on someone with autism and I said, no, lets do it,” said Jackie.

Autism is defined as a mental condition that is characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction. However, Seth’s participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has helped him make strides in overcoming these symptoms.

“It’s really gave me a big experience, being involved in this. It’s taught me a lot of ways to be part of the community and be able to build a confidence,” Seth said.

Seth explained that confidence was tough for him to develop growing up with autism.

“I had trouble with laughter, from disrupting the class it got me in trouble, I almost got kicked out of my school,” said Seth.

He attends Maysville High School and is involved with the band which he said helps with his autism. Seth said that he feels better about his disorder after his involvement with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

“I feel like I’ve grown up and I understand a lot about it now. It will help me maybe have a happy life someday and get a nice career and socialize with people,” said Seth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered up with the United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties to put on the local programs.

Katie McNeil, Director of Resource Development with United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties said that Seth and Jackie’s relationship is an example of their investment in action.

“This overall community investment and support that you give to the United Way comes to fruition when you see these great stories and the success of Seth in the program with Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said McNeil.

Now that Seth has overcome some of his difficulties, he tries to help others do the same by working with locals with Down syndrome and other disabilities at the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center and will continue to do so when he graduates.