Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff's mission is "to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever." Our vision is "that all children achieve success in life."

Since 1967, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff (BBBSF) has been investing in the potential of thousands of youth in Flagstaff and Williams, Arizona. BBBSF's three mentoring programs Community Based, School Based, and STEP UP Mentoring, provide evidence based, professionally supported, monitored mentoring services. As an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), and part of a network of 240 agencies across the United States, BBBSF strictly adheres to well-developed standards of practices established by our national organization. BBBSF is committed to developing the confidence, competence and caring of youth through our mentoring programs. It is our vision that all children achieve success in life. We served 642 Bigs and Littles last year.

Positive youth development is the heart of our mission. We help youth achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, avoidance of risky behaviors, and educational success. We accomplish these goals by providing youth with professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships. These relationships are essential to the success of our youth. It ignites their power and potential. By providing evidenced-based mentoring programs we are committed to fostering positive relationships for youth in our community. Our mentoring programs connect youth to caring adults and help them develop positive relationships. At BBBSF we have three mentoring programs: Community Based Mentoring where matches participate activities in the community, School Based Mentoring where elementary aged Littles participate in a facilitated group and 1-to-1 sessions within the school environment, and Step Up Mentoring that provides group mentoring sessions for at-risk youth that are incarcerated or on probation. Each program uses an evidence-based mentor model created by BBBSA which focuses on the strengths of youth. Each program is proven to build skills and resiliency in youth.

Testimonials

"Little" Justin and "Big" Mike have been matched for over six years. Weekly, Mike has taken the time to meet with Justin, who never knew his father and struggled with school and self-esteem. Mike was there for Justin when he lost his older brother and supported him through tragedy. Justin's mother describes Mike as "part of the family." Their friendship with one another began in the Big Brothers Big Sisters School Based Mentoring group and continued after Justin transitioned to middle school and then high school. Mike has been there as Justin has grown up, and this month Justin turns eighteen. Meeting two hours each week has benefitted both Mike and Justin and has given them a chance to establish a unique and supported match relationship. Mike expressed his experience as a volunteer in the following statement: "spending time with Justin is my favorite thing that I do." Justin explained his feelings of gratitude for the program and stated that "Mike has always been there for me. He's an amazing person." Mike reported that he has seen Justin explore new interests, has become engaged in school, and has developed a strong sense of purpose. Mike is an avid outdoorsman and has enjoyed bringing his passions into his match with Justin. Justin has become interested in fire science, and thanks to Mike's influence Justin will be attending Coconino Community College. Mike and Justin were able to sustain their match with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff.