• programs

    IT STARTS
    WITH A LITTLE

    CBBBS is dedicated to improving the lives of children of all beliefs and backgrounds reflecting the diverse fabric of Los Angeles County. The core of our success is our “BIGS and LITTLES” one-to-one mentoring program, with a well-documented record of helping children with making better choices to succeed in school and life, while enhancing the lives of our dedicated volunteers.

COMMUNITY
BASED PROGRAM

Adult mentors, BIGS, are matched with LITTLES, at-risk youth, who meet one-to-one, from four to eight hours per month (at least two times per month) during the course of a minimum one-year period. Specific activities are determined by each mentoring pair and typically include: museums, movies, help with homework, Dodger games, sports, playing in the park, hiking, outings for ice cream, help with chores, etc.

SCHOOL
BASED PROGRAM

School Based Program In the CBBBS School-Based Mentoring Program, Bigs go to local schools to provide support and encouragement to Littles who have been identified by their teachers and counselors as children who can benefit from a caring mentor. Littles meet their Bigs weekly, during a lunch or afterschool, and engage in activities that nurture the child’s social development and academic performance. When a caring adult is able to spend quality time with their Little, talking, reading, working on personal or education projects, or engaging in sports activities they give the child a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem, as well as the support they need to stay in school.

WORKPLACE
BASED PROGRAM

In the Workplace Mentoring Program, young people are connected to opportunities to learn about various professions and trades. At the same time, generous executives and business people can cultivate a culture of corporate service by opening up their worksite offices and staff (as BIGS) to CBBBS LITTLES. Littles go to the worksite once a month to meet with their Bigs to learn about the organization and participate in a CBBBS facilitated curriculum that encourages academic achievement, life skills and professional development. Bigs and Littles then meet one-to-one with each other for follow-up discussions. If you are interested in donating some time and space for get-togethers, where our Littles can meet with their Bigs and learn more about the business world together, you will find that it will have a lasting impact in the lives of both our Littles, your staff Bigs and the culture of giving at your office.

COLLABORATIVE
PROJECTS

CBBBS has collaborated with academic and nonprofit institutions to help improve the lives of low-income and at-risk youth including: the First Star UCLA Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy (BGSA) to provide high school foster youth with a four-year college preparatory program, along with one-on-one mentoring support by a caring adult; the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Latinas Public Service Academy to provide government and public policy training and instruction to 25 female high school juniors and seniors; and with with the USC Caruso Catholic Center to develop a mentoring partnership among schools in the USC area.

BIGS
WITH BADGES

We are so proud to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department a program partner. CBBBS works with LASD and other local law enforcement agencies, pairing sworn and civilian personnel with youth in one-to-one mentoring relationships for the mutual benefit of all and the community.

LIVE
BIG

In memory of Jimmie Carmack and supported by the St. John’s Health Center Foundation, CBBBS plans activities for active matches and families in areas such as college and career, fitness and sports, arts and culture, and community service. Exposure to these activities offers a holistic approach to youth wellness and success.

MENTOR
BEYOND

This pilot program extends the traditional match to help graduated youth to navigate the transition into adulthood. CBBBS professional program staff continue to provide match support with access to job postings, resume-building, speaking opportunities, college resources, community service opportunities, and more. CBBBS continues to track youth success.

ROAD TO 100
LEGACY CAMPAIGN

Founded in 1925, Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters has served the greater Los Angeles communities for 92 years. The agency will focus on developing sustainable funding through a Legacy Alliance of major donors.

JUNIOR
PARTNERS

The Junior Partners are an indispensable volunteer network of young professionals, 21 years or older, who support CBBBS programs through friend-raisers, fundraisers and volunteer activities. They put together match activities for Bigs and Littles such as sporting events and “Big For A Day” activities. In addition, they organize social gatherings and networking opportunities with both Bigs and Junior Partners, assist with mentor outreach, recruitment and recognition and The BIG Holiday Party at the end of the year.