About BBBS
Our mission is to enable life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people. BBBS mentoring programs take place in the community and in schools, and match children and youth who are need of an additional, supportive relationship with a caring adult or teen volunteer mentor. These critical Developmental Relationships help young people facing adversity gain confidence and critical thinking skills, learn to connect with a caring individual, and look positively to the future.
Our Impact
The BBBS mentoring model is the right intervention for youth facing adversity but who are not yet in crisis. We are a “midstream” agency adding positive supports and improving skills and abilities for those we serve. Our programs can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, preventing them from ending up further “downstream”, with higher needs, and in need of more intensive and costly interventions.
Brain science research shows that the presence of just one positive adult relationship in a young person’s life can change their brain chemistry, allowing them to develop resilience and the social-emotional competencies that will help them overcome life’s adversities and reach their full potential.
How Your Gift Will Be Used
Compared to pre-2020, young people are still arriving at our agency with higher levels of adversity and mental health challenges. In FY2024, 76% of clients in our Community Mentoring program reported four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), compared to 64% in 2019. Additionally, today’s economic realities mean that many families are teetering on the edge of crisis. Now more than ever, young people need a community of support to help them thrive.
Your generosity will help create positive mentoring relationships that empower young people to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. All donations to our agency ensure we can continue to provide these critical services at no cost to the families we serve. Your investment will support the following activities:
WE TARGET – We focus on helping at-risk children and youth before they slide into crisis.
WE RECRUIT – Volunteers at all stages of life, from teen to senior, can help make a difference for young people in need of additional supports
WE TRAIN – Our volunteer mentors are given the tools they need to help ensure a successful and rewarding match.
WE SUPPORT – Our dedicated Service Delivery staff monitors matches and supports families, mentees, and volunteer mentors throughout the entire process, from waitlist to close.
WE EVALUATE – We conduct baseline and follow up surveys to help us measure the impact of our work.
How You Can Help
· Become a monthly donor
· Become a volunteer mentor