Big Brothers Big Sisters

Youth today are growing up without the support and guidance they need to be successful. Without access to positive role models, they too often fall prey to the dysfunctional cycles of poverty, delinquency, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, failure and incarceration that characterize their neighborhoods and schools. Boys of color, particularly Hispanic and African American boys, face overwhelming obstacles that limit their potential. Mentoring is an evidence-based approach to addressing positive youth outcomes.

Youth in our mentoring programs experience a wide range of factors that limit their ability to achieve their full potential. These interrelated stressors have a cumulative effect of making youth more vulnerable to negative behaviors and delinquency. BBBS serves youth who are struggling academically, who lack self-esteem, who have been abused, who have family members in prison, who are living in single parent homes or with grandparents, and who are living in poverty. Having access to a caring, positive role model who inspires the potential of these youth has been proven effective.