Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra (BBBSNS), established in 1977, is a one-to-one mentoring program that provides supportive, positive relationships to local youth who may be facing adversity in their lives.  The goal is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of young people by matching them with mentors.  These mentors serve as role models and provide guidance, support, and friendship.  The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Having a caring mentor can significantly influence a child's development and well-being.  The mentors, known as "Bigs," are volunteers who commit to spending time with their mentees, known as "Littles."  Through these relationships, BBBSNS’ goal is to help youth build self-confidence, improve social and educational skills, develop positive relationships, and achieve their full potential to ultimately improve the quality of life in our communities.

The mentoring program focuses on fostering positive outcomes in various areas, including academic performance, social and emotional development, and avoiding risky behaviors.  By offering consistent support, encouragement, and guidance, BBBSNS helps youth develop the skills and strength necessary to navigate challenges and reach their goals to be successful in life.

Our organization serves all of El Dorado, Nevada and parts of Placer County (Auburn, Colfax and North Lake Tahoe). Tahoe is an exciting and picturesque mountain region.  It is an area that offers outdoor adventures, great schools, sports, and a rich culture and history.  But often unseen in this prosperity, are children who are facing adversity due to circumstances beyond their control, and without a positive role model in their life.  According to information compiled by the Results Scorecard from the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee in 2021; In some neighborhoods 35% of our families are living in poverty.  Our community struggles with high rates of substance abuse and growing mental health concerns.  41% of 11th graders reported chronic hopelessness and sadness, and only 40% of all children and 20% of low-income children read proficiently by the end of third grade, a pivotal point in a child’s education and a gap that affects kids for the rest of their lives.

For the many of our youth who grow up in poverty, a life of crime and troubling family dynamics, it’s a daily struggle to make positive choices.  Self-preservation takes a priority over striving for a brighter future.  It has been said that all a child needs is one caring adult in order to become successful.  But when children take the troubled path, succumbing to crime, addiction or self-destruction, they often become lost and forgotten.  It is our responsibility to shape the future of our community by guiding the youth who live here now. We can do this through mentorship, and what better place to do it, in the mountains with all the exciting activities it has to offer!