IGNITING PASSION WITH THE RIGHT MATCHES: BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SWCO PROVIDES MENTORSHIP FOR KIDS

By Zach Hively Photos courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters

For nearly 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado has been pairing “bigs” and “littles” in one-on-one mentorships to bolster the promise of our community’s youth. The program continues to evolve with the times to support the needs of bigs and littles alike, yet the mission stays the same.

“We started in 1984 in this community,” says Jenn Bartlett, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado. “We’ve ridden the ebbs and flows of life, and we’re at a place where we’re able to build for the community’s needs.”

Certain changes have accompanied that growth. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) used to do school-based pairings; now practically all matches are community-based. The big and little decide together where, when, and how they want their mentorship to work. (BBBS encourages 4-6 hours a month for the greatest impact.) The organization also schedules social programming where bigs and littles can come together for movie nights, soccer games, and other lighthearted events.

Plus, contrary to a relatively common belief, BBBS is open to all kids. When Geno Trujillo joined the board of directors, he moved beyond the stigma of thinking the program is only for at-risk youth. “It’s not just for littles who experience something wrong at home,” Trujillo says. “A lot of business mentorship goes on, other kinds of mentorship for kids who want it.”

There is never a shortage of children wanting to participate, Bartlett says, so BBBS is always looking for volunteer bigs to match with them. The organization conducts background checks, reference checks, home visits, and multiple interviews to vet their volunteers. It’s about more than safety – the thoroughness ensures that the right big is matched with the right little.

The program runs year-round, year after year. And once a match is made, it’s often for the long haul.

“We enroll littles as young as six,” Bartlett explains. “When they turn eighteen, we transition them out of the official program. But if those matches are going to eighteen, most of the time they become lifelong relationships.”

Even as the executive director, Bartlett finds herself startled at just how many bigs, former littles, and littles-turned-bigs are walking around in our southwestern Colorado communities. Every single one of them has a story about the impact the program has made.

“Talking to them allows me to realize how much passion is inside of this organization,” she says. “Everyone is committed to these kids.”

To learn more, to donate, or to volunteer as a big, visit bbig.org, email mentor@bbig.org, or call (970) 247-3720.