Karen & Syrianna: The Power of Connection
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Whether due to a lack of finances, family support, resources or educational access, for many BBBS Littles, the world they experience can be limited. So, when a Little then chooses to close him or [...]
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas has known for a long time that Little Brother Ian McKenna is special—however, the rest of the nation is now discovering this as well. This week Ian was [...]
Sometimes, it’s serendipitous. A small connection that goes from casual, to committed, to life-changing. Sometimes matches begin this way. This was the case for Rebekah, a hair stylist with West [...]
“Over the last few weeks, we’ve ALL had to dramatically adjust how we maintain our relationships and connect with others, how we support our family and friends and overall, how we do life,” says [...]
Sharing coffee and hot chocolate every Sunday. What a great way to begin a friendship. It’s a tradition that...
“My Big Brother has taken me to visit several colleges and I’m excited to start applying.”
Little Brother
“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
“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 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
“I can tell my Big Sister anything and she listens without judging me.”
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
“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
“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
Sponsors
“Being a Big Brother has enriched my life.”
Ben, Big Brother
“I love seeing the difference that mentoring makes for our children and our community.”
Jamie Avila, Board Member
“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
“My Big Brother has helped me discover new things.”
Little Brother
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
“My relationship with my Big Brother is very important to me.”
Little Brother
“Whenever something is bothering me, I can talk with my Big about it.”
Little Sister
“My Big Sister is always there for me when I need her.”
Little Sister
“I love reading with my Big Sister.”
Little Sister
“Now, oh my gosh, how my daughter has changed. She just has a better outlook on life.”
Family
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
“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
“Together we can make an even greater difference.”
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Ph.D., President of Huston-Tillotson University
“Having a Big in our lives has helped my whole family.”
Natasha, Mom of a Little
“My son has a stronger focus on his future as a result of his match.”
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
Sponsors
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
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
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 son is consciously making the right choices now to set himself up for whatever he decides to do.”
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
“Children are our future. I like helping them realize their potential.”
Donor
“With my Big Sister’s help I am doing better in school.”
Little Sister
“Thanks to my amazing Big Sister, I knew from early on how important my education would be.”
Little Sister
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
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
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
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
.
We’ll set up a Match Introduction meeting to get your match started!
Join other prospective mentors to learn the essentials for being a great volunteer Big
We will be there to provide ongoing support for your match
We’ll set up a time to get to know you so we can find the best match for you!
Complete the Volunteer Application (following Step 1), which includes references and a thorough Background Check
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.
Complete the online enrollment application.
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.
We’ll search carefully for a Big for your child. Try to be patient. It takes time to find a great match.
Learn about a potential Big and move forward if you approve the match.
We will introduce you and your child to your new Big. They will start spending time together and getting to know each other.