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.

How do you help people in my community?

We serve children in Los Angeles County through direct, hands-on mentoring programs.  Over 90% of BBBSGLA budget goes directly towards its child-service programs, and the agency serves more than 1,500 matches each year.  BBBSGLA serves youth who are otherwise overlooked and not benefiting from existing programs or services in the community.

Having a dedicated mentor has an enormous impact on the lives of the youth we serve.  BBBSGLA provides role models, friends and fun to the children it serves.  The Littles themselves express it best:
 
“I am thankful for by Big because I don’t have my father to talk to.  I have Alex to talk to me and help me to do good in school and help me not want to do bad things.” – Justin, Little Brother
 
“I have shared many joyous moments with her and we have a lasting friendship.” – Josefina, Little Sister
 
“She has taught me a lot – how to be strong, to have respect for others and to respect myself.” – Deborah, Little Sister

“My Big is always there for me.  He helps me believe that I am smart and can be anything I really want to be.  I love Justin.”  - Isaiah, Little Brother

Why do you need my support?

BBBSGLA is one of the largest mentoring agencies in California, with a rich history of service, and proven, measurable results.  Your support, be it cash donations, in-kind support, volunteering your time as a Big or a Board Member or attending a special event, helps us achieve our goal of changing the way children grow up in America by providing at-risk youth with mentors.  Supporting BBBSGLA allows us to recruit and train mentors, reach out to underserved children in needy communities, and provide one-on-one support to each match, as well as allowing us to sponsor “match events” that allow Bigs and Littles the chance to play at the beach for a day, go ice skating, learn about art and give back to the community.

BBBSGLA differs from other local organizations because of its strong history of service, its strong track record of success and the fact that independent studies have proven the Big Brothers Big Sisters method is an effective way to improve the life of a child in need.

Our vision is to serve over 5,000 children a year by 2020, while continuing to lead the Big Brothers Big Sisters national network in metrics that measure the quality and effectiveness of our work.  Over the next twenty-five years, we intend to improve the lives of a significant proportion of our city’s at-risk youth and become a potent force for positive transformation of Los Angeles’ most challenging neighborhoods and schools.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles has been serving the community for over fifty-five years.  Our diverse Board of Directors brings together individuals with extensive experience in many different industries and the agency will provide audited financial documents and annual reports upon request.  BBBSGLA is one of the leading affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a nonprofit with over one hundred years experience providing mentors to at-risk youth.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of America received a four star rating from Charity Navigator.com.

Can I Volunteer? How?

There are many ways to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.  Ifyou are interested in becoming a mentor and helping a youth in need grow up to reach their full potential, please check out the “Be a Big” section on our website, www.bbbsla.org for more information and an application to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.  You can also get involved as a member of our Board of Directors, or join our Board Associates group, which provides networking and fundraising opportunities for young professionals.  We also encourage you to attend our special events throughout the year.  At the Big Thank You event in spring, and the Rising Star Gala in fall, you can come and see firsthand the impact a supportive, one-on-one mentoring relationship can have on the life of a child.  To become a volunteer, make a donation or learn more about BBBSGLA, please visit our website or call Anja Kloch, VP of Development at 213-213-2407.