Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and The Inland Empire

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and The Inland Empire is dedicated to helping children in need reach their potential through professionally supported, one-on-one mentoring relationships.

Why do we exist?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSGLA) is one of the largest youth mentoring organizations in California based on the number of children who are in active, quality relationships with a mentor.  As one of the largest affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, BBBSGLA has more than 55 years of experience in matching profoundly disadvantaged children (ages 6-17) with caring, professionally screened and supported volunteer mentors. In 2009, BBBS served over 4,500 constituents: 1,511 children, 1,511 volunteer mentors, and over 1,511 parents/guardians.

The children BBBSGLA serves are among the most economically disadvantaged youth in Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.  Almost 100% of the children in our programs live in a household that is either poor (<100% of the Federal Poverty Level), or low income (<200% of the Federal Poverty Level). A third are living in foster care or with a grandparent, great-grandparent or other relative.  They are 27% African-American; 46% Latino; 3% Asian, and 5% identify as multi-ethnic.

Through two core programs — Community-Based Mentoring and School-Based Mentoring — BBBS creates mutually beneficial relationships that result in meaningful, high impact changes for youth who are challenged by a myriad of social, emotional and economic issues. Our programs vary in requirements and physical settings, but share a fundamental purpose, to help young persons attach to a caring adult who will help them develop assets in life to succeed.

What have you accomplished?

For over a century, the Big Brothers Big Sisters model has defined mentoring programs and services for at risk children and youth.  An independent survey conducted by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) showed the Big Brothers Big Sisters model to be the only proven strategy for serving children and youth.  After 18 months of following the progress of a group of children with a Big Brother or Big Sister, researchers found that these children were:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip a class

More important than the statistics are the individual lives that are touched through participation in the Big Bothers Big Sisters Program.  Bigs and Littles work together to create Little Moments of Big Magic.  The average Community-Based match at BBBSGLA lasts 36 months, which is the longest in the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Network.  Even after they have “graduated’ out of the program at the age of 18, many Littles stay connected to their Bigs, and build life long friendships.  Stories like the one below show the profound impact a mentor can have on the life of a Little.

“My first impression of Leslie was that she was a woman of immense grace, sophistication, kindness, and extreme understanding.  She took what was an over active child, and exposed her to a world of new and exciting possibilities. She also proved time and time again that no matter how outrageous my childish antics were she would not give up on helping me grow into a well rounded woman.  She demonstrated a firm love, and always astounded me by having a reserve of patience even when I thought I would have surely broken the camels’ back by now. 

And not only through my childhood, but my adolescence Leslie proved as always to be an invaluable friend. During this time, I felt the pressures of life were coming at me rapidly one after the other, with no sign of stopping. More than once, I honestly considered ending everything, since I felt that I had no reason to be here. When I couldn't turn to family, or friends there was one person who would always receive me with open arms. That person was Leslie. From midnight phone conversations to random check up emails, Leslie would always do something to make sure I knew someone was thinking of me, and held me dear.

The sense of knowing that no matter what you go through in life and where it stations you, there is always; someone who is just a phone call, or email away, and who will tell you it's alright, and you can make it, cannot be measured by any physical means. The love and warmth given to me by Leslie is immeasurable, and I know for a fact that I would not be here, or be the person I am today had it not been for her. And she continues to here for me, always supporting me to this very day. Leslie has been so much more to me than just a mentor, she’s been a confidant, a saving grace, and most importantly after ten years she has, and still remains one of the best friends I will ever have. I am so grateful to have been allowed the privilege of being a Little Sister.  I feel that if in my life, I can impact one person in just a fraction of the way Leslie has helped me, then I will have accomplished one of my life’s greatest goals.  Thank you

Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization, all our donors, and especially you Leslie!” –Ashley, Little Sister

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