James Hyde

There are benefits to the environment as well, as grass-fed cattle naturally fertilize the soil in the fields they graze in, according to James Hyde, a soil conservationist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Hyde, who works in the department's service center in Torrington, consulted with the Morosanis as they prepared for the opening of their business.

"They have a plan for their land and are taking a smart approach to managing their resources," Hyde said.

Jim Hyde works for the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, planning farms in Litchfield County.Secure and successful, Jim searched for a way to "pay it forward".A former professor and employer inspired Jim so much, that he was determined to help someone else.

Jim's opportunity came when he heard about Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters.He learned about the mentoring organization through La Via Latina, a non-profit that advocates for Hispanic residents in Connecticut's Northwest Corner.La Via Latina introduced Jim to Edgar*, a 12-year-old Ecuadorian boy very much in need of positive influence.

"When I first met Edgar in April of 2005," Jim recalls, "he was withdrawn, suspicious and socially awkward."After almost two years of movies, restaurants, sporting events, personal conversations and academic help, Edgar is a young man with increased self-esteem on the threshold of a promising adulthood.Edgar can always depend on Jim Hyde as a friend, confidant and role model.

Jim says, "More people should help youngsters fulfill their dreams through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
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The insecure boy Jim Hyde met two short years ago has grown into a more confident young man who can carve out his own destiny.