Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County

Our recent workshop, Aligning Ambitions: Mapping Your Career to Your Ideal Lifestyle Workshop empowered young adults to explore different career options guided by their Bigs.

Participants received insights into salary, education requirements, and projected take-home pay. They then budgeted for real-life expenses like housing, student loans, and entertainment to see how their chosen careers align with their future goals.

A highlight was hearing from Big Brother Erik Mattern, Managing Director at Wells Fargo, who shared valuable tips on investing and financial planning. It was an eye-opening experience for all, as Littles learned how to balance lifestyle aspirations with practical financial decisions.

Thank you to ECMC Foundation for making this workshop possible for our youth!

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters and make a difference through mentorship!

With our Community Mentoring, you can build a one-on-one relationship with a mentee by planning fun outings and activities 2-3 times a month.

With Sports Buddies, connect through sports with your mentee and participate in pre-planned group activities 1-2 times a month.

No matter which path you choose, you’ll create meaningful memories and make a lasting impact!

Learn more at ocbigs.org

Little Sister Elizabeth and Big Sister Cristina have been matched for eight years, growing together and building a bond that feels like family. Recently, Cristina helped her Little's family plan her 15th birthday party, making it a truly special celebration. Cristina has proven to be a constant pillar of support, always present for Elizabeth's life events and guiding her through every step of her journey.

We're excited to share our first billboard at the Outlets of Orange, showcasing our message: 'BE THE MVP IN A KID'S LIFE.' Whether you have time for traditional mentoring or prefer our flexible Sports Buddies program (where we plan the meet-ups for you), there's an opportunity to make a real impact. Sign up today and be the change in a young person's life. 💚

Visit https://www.ocbigs.org/volunteer to learn more and sign up!

Thank you for joining us for BBBS Day at the OC Fair! Our matches had a fantastic time, from racing on the bumper cars to winning at carnival games. Seeing a sea of lime-green BBBS hats throughout the fair was incredible!

When Big Brother Paul and Little Brother Brandon first met, their connection was immediate. Paul recalls their first outing as one that "could not have gone better," filled with easy conversation and a quick bond. They spent time together regularly, and their relationship flourished.

But as time went on, things became more challenging. Brandon's mom faced challenges that made it difficult for him to stay connected with his Little, making outings less frequent. During this tough period, Brandon struggled with behavioral issues at school.

Yet, Paul never gave up. His patience and persistence kept the bond alive, even when it seemed hardest. Today, thanks to Paul's unwavering support, Brandon is back on track, finishing high school, exploring part-time job opportunities, and working towards earning a welding certificate.

This match story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of staying committed, even when the road gets tough. With determination and a strong support system, challenges can be overcome, and new paths can be forged. 💪

We urgently need more volunteers to help us reach the many youth eagerly waiting for a mentor. By referring your friends to join us as volunteers, you can help us expand our reach and make an even greater impact in your community.

Plus, you'll both win BIG! When your friend completes their volunteer interview, you'll receive a $100 thank you, and they'll receive $50! Use these rewards to plan your next (or first) outing with your Little!

Get started at ocbigs.org/refer

Fiona and Chris have been matched with Gabriel for an incredible four years. During this time, they have shared countless adventures that have helped Gabriel grow and embrace new experiences. By collaborating closely with Gabriel's mom, Fiona, and Chris have become not just mentors but champions for Gabriel and his entire family.

The Pacifica Christian High School Baseball Team recently hosted an amazing baseball clinic for our matches! ⚾️ Bigs and Littles practiced their throwing, catching, and batting skills at three different stations. The day ended with a fun game where everyone participated, cheered each other on, and offered support. It was a fantastic opportunity for Littles to bond and make new friends. We wrapped up the event with delicious pizza! 🍕 Thanks to everyone who made this day special!

Show us your summer moments! Our Bigs and Littles are always looking for fun activities to do together, so we're asking YOU, our community, for inspiration. Share a pic of your favorite summer outing by Friday, August 23, to be featured in an upcoming highlight reel! Be sure to include a caption with your names and the activity.

And don't miss Big Brothers Big Sisters Day at the OC Fair on Thursday, August 15!

Recently, a group of our matches toured Montage Laguna Beach. Little Sister Brianna's reaction illustrates the impact of outings and exposure to new experiences.

"My favorite moment was probably when [Angel] said she started working at McDonalds and she got to where she was; I think that that was really a moment where [we learned that] you can start at the bottom and really make it to the top."

We create connection. When Bigs and Littles come together, something truly magical happens, and the potential is unlimited! Summer is the perfect time for community events that spark those special bonds.

Mark your calendars for August 15—we’re teaming up with the OC Fair for Big Brothers Big Sisters Day. Bigs, Littles, and our amazing Champions, we want you to join the fun! Swing by the Blue Gate when you arrive to snag some exclusive swag, and wear it with pride!

Don’t forget to join us for a group photo later in the evening. Let’s make some unforgettable memories together!

Celebrating one year of friendship and growth! 🎉

Little Sister Vanessa and Big Sister Connie have reached their one-year match anniversary, and their bond has been strong from day one. Vanessa has been open to Connie’s questions and advice, while Connie has shown a genuine interest in Vanessa's interests and goals, sharing her wisdom along the way.

Thanks to Connie’s positive influence, Vanessa’s family is now more united and even enjoying dinner together again. Cheers to many more years of growth and inspiration! 🌟

We're thrilled to welcome our newest volunteers to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County family. Together with our Match Support Specialists and Mentor Success Manager, our Bigs have a dedicated community supporting them every step of the way on their mentorship journey.

Here's to creating life-changing friendships and brighter futures!

Behind every high school graduate is a support system—family, friends, teachers and mentors—that helps shape their bold path to a bright future.

When you support our mission, you become the support system our future graduates need.

Congratulations to the class of 2024!

Did you know that last year, more than $4 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed? Don’t leave your money on the table for college, technical school, or community college — now and get help paying for college. Start your application at https://bit.ly/DoTheFAFSA

In partnership with ECMC Foundation

Our brand-new BBBS Ambassador Referral Program was designed specifically for champions like YOU. With volunteerism on the decline statewide, we need the help of every person in our village to grow our Big community and shrink our Little waitlist.

Not only will you be helping your friends find a meaningful way to give back, you'll also be accelerating your own journey to making a difference!

🏆 Sign up and get your own unique referral link
🏆 Share your link, and your story, to encourage others to become Bigs
🏆 When a friend completes their volunteer interview, you receive a $100 thank you and they'll get $50! The more friends you refer, the more you earn.

When Annissa was in second grade, her mom enrolled her in Big Brothers Big Sisters, hoping for a mentor to guide her. A decade later, Annissa graduated from high school, thanks to her Big, Estela.

Estela has been a source of strength and inspiration, supporting Annissa through life's challenges. From organizing outings to offering words of encouragement, Estela’s impact earned her the title of California Big Sister of the Year in 2021.

This year, Estela proudly attended Annissa’s Senior Night and graduation, marking 10 years of incredible mentorship. As Annissa heads to college this fall, we celebrate their journey of growth and connection, showcasing the power of mentorship.

“Annissa dreams big because she has a strong support system,” says Estela. “My dream for Annissa is that she finds fulfillment and achieves all her goals.”

Their story is a beacon of hope and potential ignited. 🌟

Meet Paul and Jesus! Paul joined our program looking for a positive male role model, and in 2020, he was matched with Big Brother Jesus, a grad student at UC Riverside.

Together, they’ve grown and thrived. Jesus has guided Paul in becoming a responsible, mature, and respectful adult, and has been a constant support during tough times. Thanks to Jesus's mentorship, Paul graduated high school early and is now excitedly exploring his future paths. We’re so proud of you both! 💪🎓✨

🎓✈️ Isaiah found a love for aviation after visiting the March Airbase Museum with his Big Brother on an outing. Since then, Isiah became the youngest docent there and joined the Air Force ROTC. Now, he's off to Penn State to major in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics. The sky's the limit, Isiah! 🚀📚

Give back to your community with Sports Buddies!

Volunteer 1-2 times a month and change a child's life. We handle the details; you bring the fun!

Learn more and sign up at https://www.ocbigs.org/programs/sports-buddies/

Thanks to a dedicated group of mentors, students from Katella High School in Anaheim are stepping confidently into their bright futures!

Over the past three years, Disneyland Resort Cast and Community members have inspired local students through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire Workplace Mentoring Program.

These mentors have supported their studies, professional development, and more, forging lifelong connections. Together, they remind each other to "keep moving forward.

Disneyland Resort Mentorship Program - Disneyland Public Affairs The Magic of Mentorship: partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters benefits Disney mentors and mentees.

Happy Fourth of July from Big Brothers Big Sisters! 🎆

Today, we celebrate the spirit of freedom, community, and togetherness. As we gather with family and friends to enjoy fireworks, barbecues, and parades, let's also remember the importance of mentorship and support in building a brighter future for our youth.

Thank you to all our Bigs, Littles, volunteers, and supporters for being a part of the mentorship movement. Have a safe and fun Independence Day! 🇺🇸

We’re honored to be recognized as one of the Orange County Business Journal's “Best Places to Work” for the second year in a row!

As a community leader in volunteer-based mentorship, we believe there’s more than one way to be a mentor. We’re pioneering youth mentorship programs, to meet current and future needs, with initiatives like Workplace Mentoring.

Interested in changing the world and being part of the largest mentoring organization in the state? Join us!