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  • 50 Years
  • Be A Big: Volunteer
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
      • Military Mentoring
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • Requirements
    • FAQs
    • Resources
  • Get A Big: Enroll
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
      • Military Mentoring
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • FAQs
    • Resources for Families
  • About
    • Impacts
    • Leadership
    • Our Team
    • Facilities
    • Agency History
    • Careers
  • Events
    • BBBS Events
    • Bowl For Kids
    • Scholarship Ceremony
    • Ice Ball
    • SantaCon
    • Community Events For Matches
  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Fund A Friendship
    • Giving Society
    • Donor Advised Funds
    • Corporate Partners
    • Employee Matching Gifts
    • Create Your Own Fundraiser
    • Ice Ball
    • Bowl for Kids
    • SantaCon
  • Shop

Bennett-Rathgeber Mentoring Center

 Giving Back: Voting at BBBS

Giving Back: Voting at BBBS

October 30, 2020

Since the plans were initially drawn up for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Bennett-Rathgeber Mentoring Center over 5 years ago, the goal has always been to collaborate with the community by offering [...]

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     Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Center Receives Sustainability Award

    Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Center Receives Sustainability Award

    December 3, 2017

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ new Bennett-Rathgeber Mentoring Center has won an Austin Energy Green Building 3-star energy award. The award honors community structures that support a [...]

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       BBBS’ Spooktacular BIG Fall Carnival

      BBBS’ Spooktacular BIG Fall Carnival

      November 2, 2017

      It was a weekend filled with tasty treats, spooky costumes and exciting carnival games! On Saturday October 28th Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas hosted its annual BIG Fall Carnival. The [...]

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         Big Brothers Big Sisters Opens New Mentoring Center

        Big Brothers Big Sisters Opens New Mentoring Center

        February 3, 2017

        Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas celebrated the opening of its new Bennett-Rathgeber Mentoring Center on January 25th at Rathgeber Village in the Robert Mueller Development. Several [...]

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          Grand Opening Comments, Stories and Reflections

          February 3, 2017

          As part of our grand opening celebration, guests were invited to share their favorite BBBS stories or memories, or to tell us why they are excited about our new mentoring center.  We received [...]

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             Please Join Us for the Grand Opening of our New Mentoring Center

            Please Join Us for the Grand Opening of our New Mentoring Center

            January 8, 2017

            As Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas marks its 46th year of service in Central Texas, the agency is pleased to announce the grand opening of the organization’s new Bennett-Rathgeber [...]

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               A Message of Gratitude From Our CEO

              A Message of Gratitude From Our CEO

              November 12, 2016

              “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” —William Arthur Ward  Greetings, As we approach this [...]

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                 Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette on Building Capacity

                Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette on Building Capacity

                August 5, 2016

                Mentoring matters. Just ask Huston-Tillotson University President Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, who is nearing her one-year anniversary as head of the Austin institution. Having benefited from the [...]

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                   Joe Morales on New Beginnings

                  Joe Morales on New Beginnings

                  April 15, 2016

                  Work has begun on the second story of the BBBS Bennett-Rathgeber Mentoring Center. As the new building takes shape, it represents the next chapter in BBBS’ story as well. Few people understand [...]

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                    Participants and Supporters

                    • “With my Big Sister’s help I am doing better in school.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “My son is consciously making the right choices now to set himself up for whatever he decides to do.”

                      Family

                    • “As a Big, I can commit to a consistent volunteer opportunity where I feel like I’m giving back to my community, and I’m rewarded with a meaningful relationship with an awesome Little who has so much to offer as well.”

                      John, Big Brother

                    • Sponsors

                    • “As a Big, I’m able to pay it forward by providing my Little with some of the opportunities that I’ve been lucky to have in my life – companionship, encouragement, confidence and trust. “

                      Jeremy, Big Brother

                    • Sponsors

                    • “My Big Brother has taken me to visit several colleges and I’m excited to start applying.”

                      Little Brother

                    • “It’s a privilege to be able to help kids recognize the potential within themselves and illuminate the opportunities they have in their lives.”

                      Jeremy, Big Brother

                    • “Becoming a Big is by far one of the best decisions I’ve made. My Little is constantly surprising me with her eagerness to try new things. Having the opportunity to mentor and see her grow has been not only rewarding, but also lots of fun!”

                      Reyna, Big Sister

                    • “Whenever something is bothering me, I can talk with my Big about it.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “My relationship with my Big Brother is very important to me.”

                      Little Brother

                    • “My Big Sister is always there for me when I need her.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “I love reading with my Big Sister.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “My son has a stronger focus on his future as a result of his match.”

                      Family

                    • Sponsors

                    • “Being a Big Brother has enriched my life.”

                      Ben, Big Brother

                    • “My Big Brother has helped me discover new things.”

                      Little Brother

                    • “My Big makes me feel important.”

                      Little Brother

                    • Sponsors

                    • “My son’s relationship with his Big Brother has had a big impact.”

                      Family

                    • “Children are our future. I like helping them realize their potential.”

                      Donor

                    • “I can tell my Big Sister anything and she listens without judging me.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “Thanks to my amazing Big Sister, I knew from early on how important my education would be.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “As a Big, I get to spend time with my Little doing things I loved doing as a kid – exploring, going out to eat, cooking, visiting book stores, and being there as another ear and voice as she tries to navigate her world.”

                      Audra, Big Sister

                    • “Now, oh my gosh, how my daughter has changed. She just has a better outlook on life.”

                      Family

                    • Sponsors

                    • “If it weren’t for her, I know that I would have ended up in an environment that I should not have been in.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “My Big Brother appreciates me for who I am.”

                      Little Brother

                    • “My husband is gone a lot on military assignments, and I wanted our daughters to have another responsible adult in their lives that they could have fun with and talk to if they didn’t feel comfortable talking to me.”

                      Family

                    • “Having a Big in our lives has helped my whole family.”

                      Natasha, Mom of a Little

                    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas | 4800 Manor Rd, Bldg K, Austin, TX 78723 | Mail: PO Box 4555, Austin, TX 78757 | Phone: 512-472-5437 | Fax: 512-472-5460
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                    Match Development & Support

                    We will be there to provide ongoing support for your match!

                    Training

                    Join other prospective mentors to learn the essentials for being a great volunteer Big.

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                    Complete the Volunteer Application (following Step 1), which includes references and a thorough background check.

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                    Big Impact Group

                    The Big Impact Group is a diverse collective of dedicated men and women who volunteer their time, talents and energy to support BBBS of Central Texas’ mission, further its programs, and establish themselves as future leaders for BBBS by engaging constituents, recruiting volunteers. and raising funds.

                    Jenny Alperin, Connect 4 A Cause – Chair
                    RosePOP Parties
                    Owner & Event Planner

                    Jeff Burton, SantaCon – Chair
                    Burton Strategy Group
                    President

                    Ashley Cureton
                    Texas Assoc. of Counties
                    Wellness Consultant

                    Alejandro Espinoza
                    JB Goodwin Realtors
                    Real Estate Agent/Broker

                    Nicholas Johnson
                    OpenJAUS, LLC
                    Chief Technology Officer

                    Brandon Jones
                    The University of Texas at Austin
                    Assoc. Director for Student Learning & Development

                    Sarah Lozano
                    The University of Texas at Austin
                    Graduate Student – Plant Biology

                    Nell McKnight
                    Driftwood Recovery
                    Case Manager

                    Niyoshi Mehta
                    Miracle Foundation
                    Director of Global Programs

                    Rena Muñoz
                    Hawk Contracting Services, LLC
                    Owner

                    Ali Nichols
                    Bound
                    Customer Success Manager

                    Kellyn Platek
                    KIPP Texas Public Schools
                    Manager, Teacher Career Pathways

                    Shawna Reding
                    KVUE Media
                    Director of Digital Content

                    Lauren Roche, Vice President
                    Google Cloud
                    Professional Services

                    Stefan Sinclair
                    Certain Affinity
                    Software Development Engineer

                    Jenna Sliter
                    Yeti
                    Creative Operations & Resource Manager

                    Karen Vilches, Treasurer
                    Agora Systems Inc.
                    Executive Assistant

                    Jared Wynne, President
                    WIN
                    Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief

                    Yagiz Yildiz
                    Dell
                    Principal Electrical Engineer

                    Foundation Board

                    The Foundation Board’s purpose is to oversee all aspects of BBBS’s Scholarship Program, including managing the endowment and distributing scholarship funds to institutions.

                    Carlos Barbosa
                    Wells Fargo
                    SVP/Loan Supervisor-Middle Market Commercial Banking

                    Loraine Brown, Foundation Board Chair
                    Vino Veritas Ventures
                    Founder & Owner

                    Kori Hattemer
                    Foundation Communities
                    Director of Prosper Programs

                    Shellie Hayes-McMahon
                    Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
                    Deputy Exec. Director of Operations & Development

                    Pamela Malunat Hurley
                    Philanthropist

                    Guillermo Martinez III, PhD
                    Austin Community College
                    Interim Vice President, Student Affairs

                    .

                    Advisory Council

                    Composed of high-visibility individuals and organizations, the Advisory Council provides BBBS with a lasting influence and cross-community reach. Convening at least twice per year, the group provides input on strategic issues as needed, influences others to support our mission and contribute resources, and recruits new members for our Executive Board.

                    Blake Absher
                    Broadway Bank
                    Executive Vice President – Austin Market President

                    Darrell Bazzell
                    The University of Texas at Austin
                    Senior Vice President and CFO

                    Kyndel Bennett
                    Cayetano Development, LLC
                    Chief Executive Officer

                    Clayton Christopher
                    Entrepreneur

                    Hector De Leon
                    De Leon Washburn & Ward, P.C.
                    Founder

                    Chris Ellis
                    Endeavor Real Estate Group, Ltd.
                    Managing Principal

                    Gary Farmer
                    Heritage Title Company of Austin, Inc.
                    President

                    Kristie Gonzales
                    KVUE
                    President & General Manager

                    Kerry Hall
                    Texas Capital Bank
                    Advisory Board Member

                    Amy Jones
                    O’Connell Robertson
                    President

                    Nyle Maxwell
                    The Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships
                    Dealer Principal

                    Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette
                    Huston-Tillotson University
                    President

                    Dick Rathgeber
                    Rathgeber Investments
                    President

                    Lawrence Speck
                    Page Southerland Page, Inc.
                    Senior Principal

                    Carl Stuart
                    Registered Investment Advisor

                    Tom Taylor
                    Taylor Investments
                    Principal

                    Executive Board of Directors

                    The Executive Board is a group of community-focused leaders invested in improving the lives of Austin youth. Their main responsibilities involve raising funds to support our agency, reviewing and approving agency policies, and generating awareness of, and support for, BBBS.

                    Evan Spaulding, Board Chair
                    Lithified Technologies Texas, LLC
                    Chief Financial Officer

                    Becky Bonham
                    Hargill Growers Gin & Grain
                    Real Estate Developer

                    Lara Burns Boyda
                    Urbanspace
                    Chief Operating Officer

                    David Cardona
                    Strangeworks, Inc.
                    COO and General Counsel

                    Jayna Duke
                    O’Connell Robertson
                    Principal: Interior Design Practice Leader

                    Denver Dunlap
                    Denver Dunlap Real Estate
                    Owner/Broker

                    Art Guerra
                    Guerra Underground
                    Owner

                    Scott Haigler, Treasurer
                    RSM US LLP
                    Office Managing Partner

                    Shellie Hayes-McMahon
                    Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
                    Deputy Exec. Director of Operations & Development

                    Pamela Malunat Hurley
                    Philanthropist

                    Nicholas Johnson PhD
                    OpenJAUS
                    Chief Technical Officer

                    April Justice, Past Chair
                    Charles Schwab
                    Vice President

                    Lynette Perkins
                    Bohemian Innovation, LLC
                    Chief Executive Officer

                    Pippa Song
                    ForestCircle Partners
                    Managing Partner

                    Albert Swantner, Chair Elect
                    Clerk Retail
                    VP of Engineering

                    Jason Vitanza
                    Shadow IT Services
                    Chief Technology Officer

                    Learn More

                    Complete an Interest Form online & sign up to attend an Info. Session.

                    Meet Your Little

                    We’ll set up a Match Introduction meeting to get your match started!

                    Interview

                    We’ll set up a time to get to know you so we can find the best match for you!

                    Talk With Us

                    Learn more about the commitment and if it’s right for your child. You can reach us at 512-442-4646 or via email: info@bigmentoring.org.

                    Meet With Us

                    We will visit with you in your home or in our office. Help us get to know your child so we can find the best match for him or her.

                    Get Ready/Wait for a Match

                    We’ll search carefully for a Big for your child. Try to be patient. It takes time to find a great match.

                    Get Matched

                    Learn about a potential Big and move forward if you approve the match.

                    Meet Your Child's Big

                    We will introduce you and your child to your new Big. They will start spending time together and getting to know each other.