We are honored to name Big Brothers Big Sisters as the Rylee + Cru Foundation Grant Recipient for the month of September. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential through meaningful, supportive relationships with caring adult mentors. By connecting youth with positive role models, the organization helps build confidence, strengthen life skills, and create opportunities for long-term success.
Read our Q&A with CEO & President, Tina Rose, to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters' mission and impact.
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Q&A
Q. For readers who might be new to your work, how would you describe the core mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and what makes your one-to-one mentoring model so uniquely powerful?
A. Our core mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. What makes the 1:1 model so uniquely powerful is its intentionality. By pairing one youth (a "Little") with one dedicated adult mentor (a "Big") it builds a deep, individual trust. Having one consistent person showing up solely to listen, guide, and champion a young person builds emotional resilience and lifelong confidence. This consistency leads to proven, measurable outcomes. We know that Littles are 20% more likely to attend college, and are projected to earn 15% more over their careers, demonstrating that a one-to-one connection fundamentally shapes a young person's future.
Q. Can you share a memorable story or moment that illustrates the impact a mentor can have on a young person’s life?
A. Look no further than Little Sister Tay, who will receive one of our two 2026 Courage Awards at our
Gourmet Dinner gala on October 1st. Tay has displayed extraordinary resilience while navigating severe h
ealth battles, frequent hospital stays, and an organ transplant. Supported by the steady presence of her Big Sister, Tay turned those immense challenges into deep personal purpose, prioritizing her well-being, caring for her younger sister, and channeling her experiences into a passion for medicine. As Tay prepares to start community college this fall and pursue a career in medicine, her journey shows how the steady support of a Big Sister can help a young person overcome even life’s toughest challenges and step confidently toward their full potential.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges young people are facing today, and how does your organization help address them?
A. Young people today are dealing with heightened rates of anxiety, loneliness, and opportunity gaps for those with limited resources. We address this by offering a stable, caring mentor. Bigs help Littles process stress, develop social-emotional skills, explore new interests, and realize their possibilities extend far beyond their present circumstances.
Q. What do the kids (the Littles) usually say they love most about having a Big Brother or Big Sister?
A. Littles share they love having a trusted friend who is "just for them." Whether it’s trying new hobbies, grabbing ice cream, or simply talking about their day, they value having a non-judgmental adult who genuinely listens and makes them feel seen.
Q. If you had to describe the impact of your organization in just three words, what would they be?
A. Igniting Youth Potential.
Q. September is officially Big Brothers Big Sisters Month! How is your organization celebrating this month, and do you have any special regional campaigns, challenges, or promotions happening that our community should keep an eye on?
A. We are celebrating #BBBSMonth across our community by spotlighting inspiring match stories like Tay’s and planning events focused on inviting people to learn about what it means to be a "Big". Keep an eye on our social channels for recruitment events aimed at matching the young people currently on our waiting list. And don't miss our next two big events,
Gourmet Dinner on October 1
st at a beautiful ocean-view estate in Point Loma and
Golf Marathon on October 30
th for a Halloween-themed day of golf.
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We are proud to support organizations that are making a positive impact in the lives of the youth across the nation. Submit an application to recommend a 501(c)(3) non-profit making a difference in your community and each month we’ll select one to receive a $10,000 grant in your name.
Thank you for joining us in this meaningful work.
