Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County

Our community-based program creates strong and enduring relationships by connecting vulnerable local youth with volunteer adult friends. Volunteers are thoroughly screened and professionally trained in order to ensure child safety. Volunteers and children spend at least six hours a month exploring shared interests and developing positive stable relationships. Volunteers enrich children's lives by modeling healthy choices and providing connection with their community. Our professional staff provides individualized case management to each match relationship and hosts educational and enriching group activities for all program participants. The agency conducts regular baseline and follow up surveys to ensure long-term positive results.

Our school-based program allows us to double impact, serving two children with every mentor relationship. A group of carefully selected high school and college students travel to their partner elementary school once each week for the entire school year. Older and younger students are paired for ongoing relationships built upon one-on-one interactions and occasional group activities such as doing homework, playing sports, or making crafts. The younger students gain confidence while the older students build leadership skills. The exposure to new ideas and opinions offered by both the mentors and elementary students from differing backgrounds expands both groups' horizons.