Legacy Match Spotlight: Little Carsten and Family Match Nichole, Jake, Mack, and Savi

Little Carsten and Family Match Nichole, Jake, Mack, and Savi

For more than three years, Nichole and Jake Johnson along with their two children, Mack and Savi, have shown what true mentoring legacy looks like. From day one of their match with Carsten in September 2022, they have been a constant, steady presence—showing up month after month, often going above and beyond what’s expected of a Big Family Match.

Whether they’re cheering him on at basketball games, hosting him for family dinners, helping him navigate school challenges, or welcoming him into their home as one of their own, the Johnson family has created a space where Carsten feels safe, seen, and celebrated. Their consistency has not only strengthened his confidence but has also supported his entire family, becoming a reliable extension of his support system.

Nichole and Jake embody the heart of our mission: those who didn’t just show up— they stayed. Their commitment, compassion, and unwavering belief in Carsten make their match a shining example of the lasting impact mentoring can have on a child’s life.

Their impact also stretches beyond their match relationship. Nichole uses her social media platform as a local realtor to raise money for Bowl for Kids’ Sake every year, rallying her community and using her voice to strengthen the mission of BBBS in Central Iowa. Her advocacy and how she champions mentoring publicly truly exemplify what it means to show up, stay, and build something that lasts.