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  • Get Involved
  • Be A Big: Volunteer
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • Requirements
    • FAQs
    • Resources
      • Match Discount Partners
  • Get A Big: Enroll
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • FAQs
    • Resources for Families
      • Match Discount Partners
  • About
    • Impacts
    • Leadership
      • Executive Board
      • Advisory Council
      • Big Impact Group
      • Foundation Board
    • Our Team
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    • BBBS Events
    • Bowl For Kids
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    • Scholarship Ceremony
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  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Fund A Friendship
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    • Donor Advised Funds
    • Corporate Partners
    • Employee Matching Gifts
    • Create Your Own Fundraiser
    • Ice Ball
    • Bowl for Kids
  • 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 […]

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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. [...]

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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 […]

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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 […]

                  Read More 0

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                    Categories

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                    Participants and Supporters

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

                      Little 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

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

                      Ben, Big Brother

                    • “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

                    • “I love reading with my Big Sister.”

                      Little Sister

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

                      Little Sister

                    • “I’m really proud of the empathetic and thriving adult my Little has become. We’re so thankful that BBBS connected and supported us throughout the years.”

                      Big Brother Tom

                    • “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

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

                      Little Sister

                    • “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

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

                      Family

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

                      Family

                    • “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

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

                      Little Brother

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

                      Family

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

                      Natasha, Mom of a Little

                    • Sponsors

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

                      Little Brother

                    • Sponsors

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

                      Little Sister

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

                      Little Sister

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

                      Family

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

                      Little Sister

                    • “My Big makes me feel important.”

                      Little Brother

                    • “Ben’s mentorship changed my life! As a long-time supporter of your organization, it’s always inspiring to see the amazing work you’re doing to support the youth in our community. Your commitment to empowering the next generation is truly admirable, and I am proud to be a part of this mission. Keep up the great work, and continue making a positive impact!”

                      Little Brother

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

                      Donor

                    • Sponsors

                    • “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

                    • 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

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

                      Little Brother

                    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
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                    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

                    Ben Bufkin
                    Endeavor Real Estate Group
                    Principal

                    Clayton Christopher
                    Entrepreneur

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

                    Rachel Deaton
                    Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
                    Financial Advisor

                    Greg Dettman
                    Southwest Courts & Floors Inc. – Sport Court Southwest
                    Owner

                    Chris Ellis
                    Endeavor Real Estate Group, Ltd.
                    Managing Principal

                    Gary Farmer
                    Heritage Title Company of Austin, Inc.
                    President

                    Elizabeth T. Gershoff, PhD
                    The University of Texas at Austin
                    Amy Johnson McLaughlin Centennial Professor

                    Kristie Gonzales
                    KVUE
                    President & General Manager

                    Kerry Hall
                    Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
                    Advisory Board Member

                    Amy Jones
                    O’Connell Robertson
                    President

                    Nyle Maxwell
                    The Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships
                    Dealer Principal

                    Dick Rathgeber
                    Rathgeber Investments
                    President

                    Dr. Richard Rhodes
                    Austin Community College District
                    Chancellor

                    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.

                    Lara Burns Boyda
                    Urbanspace
                    Chief Operating Officer

                    Zachary A. Carroll, Secretary/Treasurer 
                    RSM US LLP
                    Austin Audit Leader, Partner

                    Brandon Christensen
                    SHI International Corp
                    Enterprise Sales Account Manager

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

                    Denver Dunlap
                    Denver Dunlap Real Estate
                    Owner/Broker

                    Art Guerra
                    Guerra Underground
                    Owner

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

                    Pamela Hurley
                    Philanthropist

                    Nicholas Johnson, PhD
                    McKinley Technologies
                    Founder & Principal

                    Lonnie Limon
                    Dieste, Inc.
                    Managing Director

                    Albert Swantner, Chair
                    Betterleave
                    VP of Engineering

                    Karen Vilches
                    Kojo
                    Executive Assistant

                    Jason Vitanza
                    Shadow IT Services
                    Chief Technology Officer

                    Meet Your Little

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

                    Training

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

                    Apply

                    Complete our Volunteer Application, which includes references and a thorough background check.

                    Talk With Us

                    Learn more about the commitment and if it’s right for you. Call us at 512-442-4646 or email volunteer@bigmentoring.org.

                    Talk With Us

                    Learn more about the commitment and if it’s right for you and your child. Call us at 512-442-4646 or email info@bigmentoring.org.

                    Big Impact Group

                    The Big Impact Group (B.I.G.) is a diverse collective of dedicated Bigs and community members who volunteer their time, talents, and energy to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ mission, further its programs, and establish themselves as future leaders for BBBS CTX and in our community. Together, members volunteer, fundraise, and participate in events that support BBBS CTX’s 700+ matches.

                    B.I.G. members enjoy many activities and benefits including:

                    • Networking at quarterly happy hours and events with Big Impact Group members
                    • Joining volunteer opportunities like the Ice Ball, Bowl for Kids, and Amplify Austin
                    • Serving on the Big Impact Group Leadership Team to help direct the BIG strategy
                    • Supporting efforts that raise awareness and recruit new Bigs, including volunteer info sessions
                    • Providing opportunities for Bigs to engage with each other and the agency to strengthen matches and build community among our network of volunteers
                    • Receiving exclusively priced tickets to BBBS CTX signature events

                    Learn more about the Big Impact Group here.

                    Match Development & Support

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

                    Interview

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

                    Wait/Get Ready 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. Once a potential Big is found, you’ll learn about them and move forward if you approve the match.

                    Apply

                    Complete the online enrollment application.

                    Preparing Parents

                    Our top priority is the safety and well-being of your child. During our parent training, we will teach you how to keep your child safe within or outside of our program.

                    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

                    Brandon Jones, PhD
                    The University of Texas at Austin
                    Director for Student Learning & Development

                    Pamela Hurley
                    Philanthropist

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

                    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.

                    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.