About Big Brothers Big Sisters

"Expanding horizons through the power of one-to-one friendships."

Big Brothers Big Sisters: 100 Years of Youth Mentoring

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. In 2004, the organization served more than 225,000 youth ages five through 18, in 5,000 communities across the country, through a network of 470 agencies. National research has shown that the positive relationships between Big Brothers and Big Sisters and their Littles have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children’s lives. To experience the difference Big Brother or Big Sister can make, read about real life matches.

The local community mobilized to bring BBBS to Thurston County in 1983. In 1985 we were incorporated. We have recently expanded out to serve multiple counties in the area. In late 2008, our name officially changed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington. Currently, we have offices in Thurston and Lewis counties. Our goal is to expand to provide mentoring services to Grays Harbor, Pacific, and Mason counties.

Research and anecdotal evidence show specifically that BBBS one-to-one mentoring helps at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face. Little Brothers and Sisters are less likely to begin using illegal drugs, consume alcohol, skip school and classes, or engage in acts of violence.¹ They have greater self-esteem, confidence in their schoolwork performance, and are able to get along better with their friends and families.

In 2003, Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top ten charities, making the publication’s “gold star” list of charities which it believes are worthy of donor consideration, in its annual survey of 200 large charities. The magazine surveyed 200 non-profits and rated them on how efficiently they collect and distribute dollars. Forbes looked at three categories: charitable commitment; fundraising efficiency, and donor dependency.