Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth, serving a 10-County Footprint including Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands and Hardee Counties. We serve young people from age six through young adulthood in mentoring friendships. Moving forward, the agency will continue to grow and strategically focus on education, workforce readiness, and health and wellness. These core areas will ensure that every young person served is not only ready to dream big but also equipped to achieve their full potential.

All services are free, and youth are mentored in two primary settings, through Site-Based mentoring and Community-Based mentoring. Site-Based mentoring takes place at a designated location such as an after-school center, school, or library. “Bigs” or mentors, may choose to do arts and crafts, help with reading or homework, or may also shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. It is all about creating a friendship, having fun, and providing guidance and inspiring youth. In Community-Based mentoring, the Bigs and Littles arrange their own outings after-school or weekends to enjoy activities such as walking on the beach, enjoying a Farmers Market or museum excursion, or going to the park. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them. The agency recruits volunteer mentors, or “Bigs”, from local businesses, community organizations, clubs, and churches, and they are thoroughly background screened, interviewed and trained prior to matching. Each Big-Little pair, or “match” is determined and vetted by all parties based on common interests, personalities, distance, and scheduling availability. All matches are supported by a dedicated, certified staff member who provides ongoing training, support, resources and case management guided by National Big Brothers Big Sisters Standards of Practice. The agency also partners with the school district, other community agencies and youth service organizations to facilitate referrals and enhance services.