The History Behind Big Brothers Big Sisters

For over half a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada (BBBSN) has been at the forefront of a transformative movement, changing the lives of at-risk youth, one mentoring relationship at a time. This organization, which is part of the larger Big Brothers Big Sisters of America network, has had a profound impact on children's lives, their communities, and their prospects for a brighter future. But the history of Big Brothers Big Sisters goes back much further, with a mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

A Legacy of Mentorship

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America traces its roots back to the late 19th century, when Ernest Coulter, a court clerk in New York City, saw a growing need for positive adult role models for young people who found themselves without guidance and support. Coulter believed that by matching children in need with caring adult mentors, he could change their lives for the better. This vision laid the foundation for the BBBS organization we know today.

What is the Big Brother Big Sister Program?

The heart and soul of the BBBS program lies in its one-to-one mentorship relationships. But what exactly is the Big Brothers Big Sisters program? BBBS is a nationwide organization with a rich history of providing mentorship to children and youth. Its mission is to ignite the potential within every child and foster positive change within communities. 

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These connections that are formed between "Bigs" and "Littles" are built on trust, care, and shared experiences. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentors act as positive role models, offering guidance, support, and friendship to children, who may come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This mentorship goes beyond merely offering advice; it's about instilling higher aspirations, boosting confidence, and nurturing better relationships.

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The heart of BBBS beats in the local chapters that dot the national landscape. Big Brothers Big Sisters , for example, represents just one of the many branches dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. By offering localized mentorship opportunities, BBBS ensures that the programs and services are tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of the community they serve. This localized approach enables them to address the unique challenges faced by the youth. 

Community Impact and Helping Local Youth 

The impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters extends well beyond the mentorship relationship. BBBS recognizes the importance of involving parents, guardians, and the community at large in supporting the child's journey. Together, they help steer at-risk youth away from risky behaviors and towards educational success. The result is not just individual growth, but also the strengthening of communities as a whole.

Mentoring Programs for Youth Near You

One of the hallmarks of BBBS is its local presence. Whether you're in Las Vegas or any other part of the country, there's likely a BBBS chapter near you. This localized approach ensures that the organization can effectively address the specific needs and challenges faced by youth in each community.

Volunteer Opportunities With Big Brothers Big Sisters

Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters offers a unique chance to make a lasting community impact through our youth mentoring programs. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to become a positive influence in a young person's life, guiding them toward a brighter future. Bigs and Littles, aged five through young adulthood, form one-to-one friendships by spending quality time together doing everyday activities.

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These volunteer matches are carefully curated, using a volunteer match process that ensures compatibility and shared interests between mentors and mentees. Whether it's watching a movie, working on homework, playing games, grabbing a meal, or simply hanging out, these moments foster trust and friendship that can last a lifetime.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters' dedicated Match Support Specialists provide guidance and resources to make each mentorship meaningful. By becoming a mentor, you empower Littles to boost their self-esteem, achieve better grades, and establish lifelong friendships. By volunteering with BBBS, you’re joining us on the incredible journey of mentorship, and helping shape a brighter future for the youth in Southern Nevada.

Donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters

One of the most accessible ways to support the BBBS mission is by making donations, including clothing donations, which have a profound impact on the lives of the children we serve. When you donate your gently used clothing and small household items, you’re contributing to both the betterment of children's lives and environmental sustainability. These items are given directly to families in need, and any surplus is sold to our charity partner, Savers Thrift Stores. The proceeds from this partnership are channeled back into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada program.

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Beyond clothing donations, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers other avenues to help support, including planned giving and the donation of stocks and securities. These options provide significant advantages to donors, such as tax breaks and potential income increases. By choosing these paths, you’re investing in the future of children in your community, allowing them to benefit from the organization's mentorship programs.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada has earned a strong reputation for our efficiency, accountability, and impactful results. No matter how you choose to contribute to BBBS, your generosity will assist in positively shaping the lives of at-risk youth in your local community.

The Future of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada and its nationwide network continue to evolve and expand their reach. The organization's vision is simple yet profound: All youth should achieve their full potential. With the dedication of countless volunteers, donors, and advocates, BBBS has been making this vision a reality for over a century.

The future of Big Brothers Big Sisters is brighter than ever, and you can be a part of this inspiring journey. Join us in making a difference in the lives of youth all across Southern Nevada. Together, we can help them achieve their full potential. Whether you're interested in becoming a mentor, a donor, or an advocate, your support is invaluable. Take the first step in shaping a better future for our youth — get connected with Big Brothers Big Sisters today and be a part of the positive change we're creating together.