Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc.

Organizational Overview

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast’s (BBBSSC) One to One Mentoring Program is the only evidence-based, research-driven, one-to-one mentoring program for at-risk youth in Collier County. BBBSSC serves youth ages 5-21 with a demonstrated need and desire for additional adult support. By supporting disadvantaged youth through high school graduation, and guiding them toward higher education and/or a career that fosters financial independence, BBBSSC helps clients establish a solid foundation for a secure financial future. Within the umbrella of its One to One Mentoring Program, BBBSSC developed initiatives to target the specialized needs of the Agency’s clients and to develop a continuum of educational mentoring services. They include the following: Reading Bigs, fostering a love of literature and aiding in the development of grade-level reading skills for students reading below grade level; Gateway to Success (GTS), supporting students as they transition from middle to high school; Decisions to Win (DTW), a dropout prevention program which helps high school students achieve grade level promotion and graduation; Juvenile Justice Mentoring Initiative – reducing juvenile justice contact through prevention, intervention, and diversion options; Beyond School Walls (BSW), providing high school students a hands-on opportunity to experience what it means to work in a business setting; and Big Futures, helping to place high school clients through age 21 on a career pathway to sustainable independence, as these clients navigate their new young adult responsibilities and choices. This continuum of educational mentoring services for at-risk youth leads to timely grade level promotion and high school graduation, avoidance of risky behaviors, and improved socio-emotional competencies. Through its engaging and innovative programming and initiatives, the Agency’s clients graduate from high school with a viable plan for higher education (including trade certification options) or workforce entry that will lead to a productive, financially stable life.