This September, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (BBBSCO), a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is celebrating Big Brothers Big Sisters Month and the powerful impact mentorship has on young people throughout Central Oregon.
Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters Month provides an opportunity to recognize the people at the heart of the organization’s mission—volunteer mentors, known as Bigs; the young people they mentor, known as Littles; as well as families, staff, supporters and community partners.
This year, BBBSCO will serve more than 220 young people across Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties through one-to-one mentoring and additional programs designed to help youth build confidence, develop meaningful connections and create brighter futures.
“September is a chance for us to celebrate everyone who makes this mission possible,” said Jenn Davis, program director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon. “We celebrate our Bigs who continue to show up month after month, our Littles who inspire us every day, the families who trust us, our staff who pour so much into supporting our matches, and a community that continues to stand behind our young people. Mentorship may begin with one relationship, but its impact reaches so much further.”
For BBBSCO, mentorship is about more than spending time together. Bigs provide young people with another caring, consistent adult in their corner. Someone who listens, encourages them, celebrates their successes and helps them navigate challenges.
Behind every match is a dedicated team of BBBSCO staff who recruit and enroll volunteers and youth, thoughtfully create matches, provide ongoing professional support, plan activities and experiences, and connect families with resources. Their work helps ensure that Bigs, Littles and families have the support they need to build strong, lasting relationships.
Throughout the year, BBBSCO also provides opportunities that extend beyond one-to-one mentoring. Through programs such as CARES and Big Futures: Graduation & Beyond, young people and families can access academic support, career and post-secondary planning, basic-needs resources, enrichment activities and experiences designed to help youth thrive.
While September is a month of celebration, it is also a reminder of the continued need for mentors in Central Oregon. Over 80 area young people are currently waiting for a mentor.
“You don’t have to be extraordinary to be a great mentor,” Davis said. “Our Littles are looking for someone who will be consistent, spend time with them and believe in who they are and who they can become. A few hours a month can build a relationship that has an impact for years.”
BBBSCO encourages the Central Oregon community to celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month by learning more about mentorship, sharing the mission with friends and family, supporting local mentoring programs or taking the first step toward becoming a Big Brother or Sister.
