We’re honored to name Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County as the Rylee + Cru Foundation Grant Recipient for the month of July. Since 1961, BBBS has been creating and nurturing one-to-one mentoring relationships that empower children and youth from diverse backgrounds to thrive. Their work provides vital, meaningful support to help every child realize their full potential. Learn more about their impactful mentoring model and the programs they offer in our Q&A with CEO and President Tina Rose.
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Q&A
Q. Can you share the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego and the inspiration behind the work you do?
A. Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is for all youth to achieve their full potential.
Since 1961, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County has matched volunteer Bigs with at-promise Littles, ages 7-21, nurturing them through long-term mentoring relationships. Mentoring has been shown in numerous studies to be one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways to help youth overcome complex challenges, as well as a key strategy to influence numerous aspects that can alter their entire life’s trajectory. For the widening gap between youth who begin with vastly different resources, networks, and opportunities, the role of a mentor can open significant doors and introductions, building valuable social capital that will have immeasurable impact for a child. The bond forged with someone who “gets them” and seeks to know them better can have a life-changing impact.
Q. What does the process look like for becoming a Big or enrolling a child as a Little? How do you ensure that each match is meaningful and supportive for both sides?
A. We interview and screen volunteer "Bigs", mentees "Littles" and their families to make the best match based on their personalities and preferences, as well as how close they live to one another, so that getting together at least twice a month is easy and fun! Our professional team strengthens the Big/Little relationship with frequent check-ins on youth and their family, offering culturally responsive, comprehensive case management and referral services for youth dealing with trauma, grief, depression, gangs, bullying, learning problems, and other pressing issues affecting the family. We provide multiple training opportunities for volunteer Bigs with a goal to improve their skills in working with a diverse, at-promise population. We also host events and activities throughout the year to make match outings as simple as going to a Padres game or fishing in the bay.
Q. Can you give us an overview of the different mentorship programs you offer and how they serve various needs within the community?
A. Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County provides one-to-one mentoring through our Community Based program where the foundational model is: one child (“Little”) intentionally matched with an adult volunteer (“Big”) in a long-term, professionally supported mentoring relationship. And regardless of what age a child enters, there’s no limit to where they can go. Our traditional one-to-one mentoring program takes place in neighborhoods and communities where volunteers and children live. Children ages 7-16 can enroll at no cost. Volunteers and children commit to at least 6 months and get together at least 2 times a month for 2-5 hours each time.
Targeted initiatives within our Community Mentoring program support specific populations, including:
- OPERATION BIGS: Serving children with an active duty, veteran or Gold Star parent/guardian(s)
- SPORT BIGS: Uniting mentors and youth through sports, while laying the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. Participants gain exclusive access to sports and health clinics and complimentary or discounted event tickets.
- BIG COUPLES: By mentoring a Little as a team (two adults in a committed relationship), you’ll offer consistent support, shared experiences, and double the encouragement.
- BIG FUTURES is a special initiative for teenagers in our program, which promotes transitioning to adulthood, high school graduation, career exploration, and workforce readiness.
Q. Is there a memorable success story you can share with us that captures the impact of your work?
A. View our recent video: It Takes Little To Be Big
And for me personally, after 21 years I can say I've heard countless stories from Alumni Bigs and Littles about how their lives were transformed because of the relationship that started at Big Brothers Big Sisters. It's truly the most impactful volunteer experience that I've ever seen.
Q. For individuals or organizations inspired by your mission, what are some of the most meaningful ways to get involved beyond becoming a mentor?
A. Join the Match Maker Society, a group of consistent monthly donors whose quiet generosity sustains our program's direct services. Learn more here: Donate Monthly to Support San Diego Children Through BBBS
Join our Young Professionals Committee, a group of emerging leaders who leverage their collective skills, networks, and resources, to raise vital funds and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.
Join us at our 64th annual Gourmet Dinner gala: Gourmet Dinner | Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego
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We are proud to support organizations that are making a positive impact in the lives of children, youth, and families. 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 important work.
