Mentoring – Real Life Stories
Our Programs
Active in Richmond since 1962, Big Brothers Big Sisters provides youth in our community with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Make a BIG impact by mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Travis Mickens & London
2018 Big Brother of the Year
Travis and his Little, London! Travis and London have formed a close bond since they’ve been matched – they enjoy hiking along the James River, watching sunsets, working out, bowling, and going to the movies. No matter what activity they have planned for the day, Travis makes sure there’s time to sit down to eat and talk about how London’s doing. When London was having some trouble reading, they started skipping other activities and spent time in the library. When London was having a difficult time with his math, Travis helped him find fun ways to study! London also does his part in teaching and inspiring Travis – sometimes, Travis says, he feels like London’s the Big and he’s the Little!
Kayleigh Hentges & Taleya
2018 Big Sister of the Year
Community-Based Mentoring
2-3 hrs/week | One Year Commitment
Traditional one-to-one mentoring during out-of-school time hours. Spend a few hours with your Little each week during the evenings or on weekends. Go on community-based outings like exploring a nearby park, learning a new skill together, or helping your Little to achieve their goals.
Site-Based Mentoring
1 hr/week | Three Semester Commitment
Richmond, Tri-Cities, and Newport News Areas Only
Traditional one-to-one mentoring during school hours. Spend an hour a week with your Little at their school during their lunch hour playing board games, creating art projects, or spending time outside on the school grounds.
Community-Based Mentoring
Community-based Mentoring for Military Youth
Hampton Roads Area Only
One-to-one mentoring for youth of military families. Military kids and their families face unique challenges that may include separation and loss in addition to the stress of military life. If you live or work in Hampton Roads, give us a call to mentor a military youth today. No military experience needed for Bigs!
Interested? And want to learn more?
Big Brothers Are Needed Now, More Than Ever
We are looking for men who are ready to do something BIG.
More than 70% of kids on our waitlist are boys looking for a Big Brother. And a majority of those boys are African-American or Hispanic. The need in our community for youth to have a role model is more urgent than ever.
All it takes is a couple of hours each week to help someone realize their potential, and go on to achieve their brightest possible future.
Join the thousands of Bigs across the country who are standing with us. Be Big today. Call us to learn more at (804)261-4940.
Highlight Your LIttle
You know how amazing your Little is, now tell others! Share with us a favorite story, or follow the monthly prompts for inspiration.
Click “Share Here” and complete the survey. Then we will highlight you and your Little on our social media platforms @BeaBigVA. Please note: Prior to sharing your story, BBBS staff will confirm all parties have signed the Photo Release Consent form.
LGBTQ Support
We are committed to making sure our programs are inclusive of LGBTQ youth and volunteers. Our goal is for all LGBTQ youth to have access to a safe and supportive mentoring relationship with a caring adult.
