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  • Be A Big: Volunteer
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
      • Bigs in Blue
      • Military Mentoring
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • Requirements
    • FAQs
    • Resources
  • Get A Big: Enroll
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
      • Bigs in Blue
      • 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
    • SantaCon
    • Bowl for Kids

Big Stories

 Jared Wynne: On Being A Big Brother

Jared Wynne: On Being A Big Brother

March 26, 2021

Every year, we select a Big/Little Brother and a Big/Little Sister match as our Central Texas matches of the year. These matches then go on for consideration as matches of the year at the state [...]

Read More 0
     Stefan Sinclair: On A Roll For BBBS!

    Stefan Sinclair: On A Roll For BBBS!

    March 12, 2021

    He’s been a Big Brother, part of the Big Impact Group, and this year, he’s chair of the Bowl for Kids Host Committee – a year that marks Stefan Sinclair’s 10th anniversary of participating in [...]

    Read More 0
       Karen & Syrianna: The Power of Connection

      Karen & Syrianna: The Power of Connection

      March 4, 2021

      When thinking about mentoring, of Bigs and Littles, or mentors and mentees, it is easy to think of it in terms of teacher and pupil. What is often missed is the growth and change in the [...]

      Read More 0
         Jason & Jestek: Building A Foundation For Lasting Success

        Jason & Jestek: Building A Foundation For Lasting Success

        March 4, 2021

        In reflecting on his match, Little Brother Jestek says, “My Big Brother Jason teaches me way more than I know, as a kid.” And he adds, “Plus, you get a lot of special opportunities that you [...]

        Read More 0
           Susan & Jayniah: Gaining A New Perspective

          Susan & Jayniah: Gaining A New Perspective

          March 2, 2021

          When signing up to be a mentor, it’s easy to focus only on the changes happening with your Little. Bigs are quick to point out however, that they experience many changes due to the relationship [...]

          Read More 0
             Promoting Youth Mental and Emotional Health

            Promoting Youth Mental and Emotional Health

            February 12, 2021

            It’s been almost a year of dealing with COVID, but dealing with the fallout, the isolation, hasn’t necessarily become any easier to handle, especially for children. Especially for children like [...]

            Read More 0
               Central Texas Bigs & Littles of the Year 2021

              Central Texas Bigs & Littles of the Year 2021

              January 29, 2021

              January 2021 marks a milestone for BBBS – our 50th anniversary. But it also marks a recurring milestone as well. Every January is National Mentoring Month – a time when we honor the amazing [...]

              Read More 0
                 Celebrating Fifty Years

                Celebrating Fifty Years

                January 15, 2021

                It began as the dream of a few concerned men in Austin who wanted to help fatherless boys reach their true potential, rather than end up in the juvenile justice system. From these humble [...]

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                   More the Same Than Different

                  More the Same Than Different

                  December 30, 2020

                  They may be different ages, different backgrounds, different income levels, but Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Bigs and Littles are connected by the things they find they have in common – they focus [...]

                  Read More 0
                     Jessica & Analia: The Gift of Connection

                    Jessica & Analia: The Gift of Connection

                    December 26, 2020

                    The holiday season often reminds us of family, and sometimes it’s not only a family we’re born into, but one we’ve chosen. This is the case for Big Sister Jessica and her Little Sister Analia. “I [...]

                    Read More 0
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                      Blog Categories
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                      Participants and Supporters

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

                        Little Sister

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

                        Family

                      • This is a great organization that makes a difference in the lives of Austin-area kids.

                        Stefan Sinclair

                      • “My Big makes me feel important.”

                        Little Brother

                      • Sponsors

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

                        Little Brother

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

                        Donor

                      • I’m proud to support BBBS because it has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact on a child’s life at a time when it’s needed most. Providing encouragement, guidance and mentorship to my “Little” has been equally as rewarding for me, as I’ve been able to watch her grow into a more confident, and successful young adult. Simply spending time together has been fulfilling for both of us!

                        Katie Joyce

                      • “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

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

                        Little Sister

                      • We are proud to support BBBS because of the powerful, positive impact they have on young people! We’ve experienced the results firsthand and continue to be impressed and therefore supportive! It’s a great organization!

                        Greg and Loyce Dettman

                      • “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

                      • “I love reading with my Big Sister.”

                        Little Sister

                      • I’ve been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 1991, not in the conventional sense but rather as an active participant in the annual fund raiser, Bowl for Kids. I believe in the program. BBBS has proven that one of the best ways to help kids is through mentoring. Pairing a child with a caring adult volunteer builds a bond that they both will remember the rest of their lives.

                        Steve Chodorow

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

                        Little Sister

                      • “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

                      • Mykayla is an excellent student and has been in Advanced Placement classes. She loves to sing and is in her school’s most accomplished choir. She has many other great attributes, such as her amazing ability to stay focused and calm, as well as her sense of humor. When I think back to the shy 10-year-old girl I met on that first day, and the amazing 18-year-old young woman I know today, I can hardly believe she is the same person. I am so proud of who she has become.

                        Shannon Mouser

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

                        Ben, Big Brother

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

                        Natasha, Mom of a Little

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

                        Little Brother

                      • “I love seeing the difference that mentoring makes for our children and our community.”

                        Jamie Avila, Board Member

                      • “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

                      • 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

                      • I’ve noticed Dylan’s confidence grow over time and I love seeing him come out of his shell. Seeing a kid recognize the potential hidden within themselves is one of the most powerful things I’ve ever witnessed. It’s like a light bulb that can only be illuminated by someone who genuinely cares about them and is willing to spend the time and effort to help them turn it on. I can’t say enough about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I think it truly changes the world one relationship at a time.

                        Jeremy Giroir

                      • Sponsors

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

                        Little Brother

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

                        Little Brother

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

                        Family

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

                        Family

                      • “Together we can make an even greater difference.”

                        Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Ph.D., President of Huston-Tillotson University

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

                        Little Sister

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

                        Family

                      • I support BBBS because I believe in the mission to reach out to children who are facing adversity. It is important to help them realize their potential and know that they are special and worthy of care.

                        There are so many children who have a potential for greatness and don’t know it. Sometimes, it just takes one person believing in them to make them believe in themselves. Having a Big Brother or Big Sister to be that person can have a tremendous impact and truly does make a difference.

                        Maggie Johnson, BBBS Big Sister of the Year

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

                        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

                      Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas | 4800 Manor Rd, Bldg K, Austin, TX 78723 | Mail: PO Box 4555, Austin, TX 78765 | Phone: 512-472-5437 | Fax: 512-472-5460
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                      • Careers
                      • Non-Discrimination Policy
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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, Engagement Committee Chair
                      RosePOP Parties
                      Owner & Event Planner

                      Ashley Cureton
                      Texas Assoc. of Counties
                      Wellness Consultant

                      Alejandro Espinoza
                      JB Goodwin Realtors
                      Real Estate Agent/Broker

                      Ryan Fusselman
                      Texas State University
                      Student

                      Scott Gilman
                      Center for Biological Diversity
                      Online Fundraising Director

                      Nicholas Johnson, Vice President
                      OpenJAUS, LLC
                      Chief Technology Officer

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

                      Jessica Keigley
                      Google
                      Cloud Sales Recruiter

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

                      Emily Mailman
                      Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
                      Natural Resources Specialist

                      Nell McKnight
                      Driftwood Recovery
                      Case Manager

                      Niyoshi Mehta
                      Miracle Foundation
                      Director of Global Programs

                      Brooke Mountain
                      NetSuite + Oracle
                      Account Executive

                      Rena Muñoz
                      Hawk Contracting Services, LLC
                      Owner

                      Chris Muyshondt
                      Dell Seton Medical Center
                      Trauma Tech

                      Amanda Nastoupil
                      Accruent
                      Talent Development Leader

                      Ali Nichols
                      Bound
                      Customer Success Manager

                      Tobias Perkins
                      Austin Fire Department
                      Inventory Control Specialist II

                      Kellyn Platek
                      KIPP Texas Public Schools
                      Manager, Teacher Career Pathways

                      Lauren Roche, Treasurer
                      Google Cloud
                      Professional Services

                      Stefan Sinclair
                      TheWaveVR
                      Software Development Engineer

                      Jenna Sliter
                      Yeti
                      Creative Operations & Resource Manager

                      Karen Vilches, Recruitment Committee Chair
                      Noonday Collection
                      Office Manager & Exec Asst. to CEO

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

                      Yagiz Yildiz, Fundraising Committee Chair
                      Dell
                      Principal Electrical Engineer

                      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.

                      April Justice, Board Chair
                      Charles Schwab
                      Vice President

                      Blake Absher
                      Broadway Bank
                      EVP, Austin Market Executive

                      Becky Bonham
                      Hargill Growers Gin & Grain
                      Real Estate Developer

                      Lara Burns Boyda
                      Urbanspace
                      Chief Operating Officer

                      Rajal Dhruva
                      ATX Life Coaching
                      Certified Life Coach

                      Denver Dunlap
                      Denver Dunlap Real Estate
                      Owner/Broker

                      Heather Granato

                      Art Guerra
                      Guerra Underground
                      Owner

                      Scott Haigler
                      RSM US LLP
                      Office Managing Partner

                      Shellie Hayes-McMahon
                      Annie’s List
                      Director of Operations

                      Pamela Malunat Hurley
                      Philanthropist

                      Lynette Perkins
                      Bohemian Innovation, LLC
                      Chief Executive Officer

                      Evan Spaulding, Treasurer
                      The Spaulding Group
                      Financial Executive

                      Albert Swantner
                      Mobile Tech RX
                      Chief Technical Officer

                      Jason Vitanza
                      Shadow IT Services
                      Chief Technology Officer

                      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.

                      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

                      Kerry Hall
                      Texas Capital Bank
                      Executive Managing Director, Regional Banking

                      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

                      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

                      Rajal Dhruva
                      ATX Life Coaching
                      Certified Life Coach

                      Shellie Hayes-McMahon
                      Annie’s List
                      Director of Operations

                      Pamela Malunat Hurley
                      Philanthropist

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

                      Karl Spencer
                      University of Texas at Austin
                      McCombs School of Business

                      Office of the Dean
                      Administrative Associate

                      .

                      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!

                      Training

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

                      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!

                      Apply

                      Complete the Volunteer Application (following Step 1), which includes references and a thorough Background Check

                      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.

                      Apply

                      Complete the online enrollment application.

                       

                      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.