On a recent hot and sunny afternoon at the Vista Dunes Courtyard Homes, a group of children laughed and yelled in good fun at each other during a game of football.

The children are part of a mentoring program that has paired them with students from Xavier College Preparatory High School. As part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert program, the Vista Dunes children convene during the week for afternoon snacks and help with homework.

“The Big Brothers Big Sisters foundation has proven to be an amazing opportunity to get involved within my community,” said Taylor Moniz, a senior at Xavier Prep.

Many of these afternoons involve more than games of football. The “bigs” and “littles” build relationships and bonds by getting to dish about everything from homework, boy/girl advice, issues at home or in school. It is a place for the “littles” to talk and learn and for the “bigs” to offer advice on keeping a positive outlook and attitude both in and out of school.

“It started as an assignment for my religion class (at Xavier College Prep), but it's turned into something much more meaningful,” Taylor said. “I've (met) some pretty amazing kids that are looking and hoping for a chance in this world. Being the mentor for my little sister has taught me more about myself than any other community service project I have done.

“It's more than just a few hours spent every week. It's about building a relationship with these kids that will impact them in the long run.”

Xavier Prep officials say their students are gaining benefits from the mentoring relationships as well.

“As the littles find mentors to look up to, the Xavier students' world views expand as they learn of some of the different social realities facing populations across the valley,” said Colin Gilbert, a staff member at Xavier Prep.

The Vista Dunes Courtyard Homes in La Quinta has gained national recognition since it opened and was recently proclaimed the nation's largest multi-family affordable workforce housing project to receive LEED Platinum certification.