Big Brothers Big Sisters has been bringing a little magic into the everyday lives of children by matching them with adult volunteers in fun and rewarding relationships since 1904. Currently, 470 BBBS agencies across the country serve over 230,000 children and teens each year in on-to-one mentoring relationships. The Humboldt affiliate of BBBSA, North Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters, has served over 3,500 children since it was founded in 1969 by a Juvenile probation officer and other community service leaders. Our mission is to help all children who need and want a mentor reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships.

North Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters is staffed by professional case managers and other helpful staff who maintain regular contact to supervise and share resources with mentoring matches. NCBBBS is a non-profit agency that receives 75% of its funding through our annual fund-raiser, “Bowl for Kids’ Sake”. The remaining 25% comes from state and federal grants (7.5%), United Way (1.5%), and other fund raising activities (16%).

	Who Our Littles Are

• Children from our community who need and want a positive adult role model.

• Children who lack the care and consistency of one or both parents, or who are facing significant challenges.

• Age 6-16.

Most children in our community-based programs come to us through their parent or care-giver.  Most children in our school-based programs come to us through a teacher or counselor.  We also reach out to involve children through youth service agencies, social services and other concerned individuals in our community. All children and their parents must want to be in our program.  

	The Difference We Make

It’s pretty simple.  By building a trusting friendship with a child, research shows that mentors can make a powerful impact in his/her life.  A volunteer mentor can:

• Broaden a child’s horizons

• Show a child that other ideas and ways of living are possible

• Help a child feel good about herself or himself

• Inspire new interests in a child

• Teach a child new skills- from communication to woodworking to problem solving