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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
  • Get A Big: Enroll
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • Resources for Families
    • FAQs
  • About
    • Impacts
    • Leadership
      • Executive Board
      • Advisory Council
      • Big Impact Group
      • Foundation Board
    • Our Team
    • Agency History
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    • Careers
  • Events
    • BBBS Events
    • Bowl For Kids
    • Ice Ball
    • Scholarship Ceremony
    • 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
  • Shop

Blog

Tag Archives for: "Mentoring"
 A Match Story: Rebekah & Nicole

A Match Story: Rebekah & Nicole

July 25, 2020

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 [...]

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     Virtual Match Introductions – FAQ’s

    Virtual Match Introductions – FAQ’s

    April 24, 2020

    Virtual Match Introductions allow Bigs and Littles to start their mentoring relationship while practicing social distancing

    Read More 1
    • Making New Connections – Virtual Match Introductions - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas[…] more about Virtual Match Introducti...
     Fact or Fiction? Common Myths About Mentoring

    Fact or Fiction? Common Myths About Mentoring

    March 4, 2020

    Making the decision to become a Big Brother or Big Sister is a big step, one that should not be complicated by myths about being a mentor. Understanding reality versus […]

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       Holiday Wishes & A Special Story

      Holiday Wishes & A Special Story

      December 20, 2019

        As we head into the holidays, our team at Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to wish you, and yours, all the joys of the season. We hope that […]

      Read More 0
         Little Brother. Big Gardener.

        Little Brother. Big Gardener.

        August 9, 2019

        He may be a Little Brother at BBBS, but Ian is giving back to the community in BIG ways.

        Read More 0
           Being a Big – Exceeding Expectations

          Being a Big – Exceeding Expectations

          August 9, 2019

          Being a Big Brother or Sister benefits Bigs just as much as the children they mentor.

          Read More 0
             Spotlight on Nick Vincent

            Spotlight on Nick Vincent

            June 21, 2019

            As a Match Support Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, Nick Vincent’s primary role is to...

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              Arm Lets the Good Times Roll

              March 8, 2019

              They may be dressed as zombies, cowboys, space aliens or pirates, but regardless of the costume, Bart Sasam and his Arm co-workers mean business when it comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters and Bowl [...]

              Read More 0
                 Spotlight on Diana Doria

                Spotlight on Diana Doria

                February 25, 2019

                Diana Doria has evolved naturally into her role as Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Customer Relations Specialist. Committed early on to working in a field that would allow her to help […]

                Read More 0
                   Amplify Austin Starts Next Week!

                  Amplify Austin Starts Next Week!

                  February 20, 2019

                  Help us create more mentoring relationships like the one between Sheri and Kalaina. Read their story here.

                  Read More 0
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                    Categories

                    • Amplify Austin (5)
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                    Participants and Supporters

                    • “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

                    • Sponsors

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

                      Little Sister

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

                      Little Brother

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

                      Family

                    • Sponsors

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

                      Family

                    • Sponsors

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

                      Little Sister

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

                      Little Brother

                    • Sponsors

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

                      Family

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

                      Little Brother

                    • “I love reading with my Big Sister.”

                      Little Sister

                    • “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

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

                      Little Sister

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

                      Little Sister

                    • “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

                    • “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

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

                      Donor

                    • “My Big makes me feel important.”

                      Little Brother

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

                      Natasha, Mom of a Little

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

                      Little Sister

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

                      Family

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

                      Ben, Big 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

                    • “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

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

                      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

                    • Sponsors

                    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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                    • Careers
                    • Non-Discrimination Policy
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                    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

                    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.

                    Learn More

                    Complete a Volunteer Interest Form and sign-up to attend an Online Volunteer Info Session.

                    Match Development & Support

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

                    Meet Your Little

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

                    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

                    Interview

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

                    Training

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

                    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

                    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.

                    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.