Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to bringing the power of mentoring to youth from traditionally underserved communities. Through the following programs, we  target specific populations and communities.

Youth Emerging Strong! (YES!)/Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents

Research shows that 70 percent of children of incarcerated parents will themselves at some point be incarcerated – unless they have positive adult intervention.That is why mentoring children of prisoners is a key component of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ goal to reach more kids, especially those who may face significant risk factors.

We screen and match volunteers with children who have been enrolled by their custodial parent or guardian. One Support Specialist handles the matches and provides special training so  volunteers can deal with the Little's special circumstances.

Hispanic Mentoring Initiative

Latinos make up about 14 percent of the nation’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More than one-third of all Hispanics in the United States are under age 18. Over one-quarter of Hispanic children under 18 in the U.S. live in poverty.

We are committed to serving the needs of Hispanic children and families across the country. The Hispanic Mentoring Initiative continues the Big Brothers Big Sisters tradition of outreach to all at-risk youth by emphasizing connection with Hispanic communities and recruitment of Latino volunteers and Littles.

Native American Mentoring Initiative

In New Mexico Native American communities are among the most underserved populations. Statewide Big Brothers Big Sisters is expanding services to Native American communities and schools. Currently Central New Mexico has matches in Laguna Middle School and is striving to increase the number of matches. In 2008 the program will expand into Acoma Pueblo. A key element is supporting existing structure that sharing Native American  heritage with the children. Big Brothers Big Sisters is only providing an addition to something  that is already an integral part of their history.

Elev8

Elev8 is an innovative approach to enhancing the middle school environment through integrated services and extended day learning. One-to-one mentoring is one component of the extended day learning. In 2007 this initiative was piloted in three New Mexico School sites: Wilson, Grant, NACA, Gadsen and Laguna Pueblo Middle Schools. The student populations at these sites come from low-income areas, so the wrap-around services enhance financial literacy, access to healthcare and health education, and individualized support from an adult mentor.

Studies show that supportive relationships with non-parental adults have the potential to powerfully influence the course and quality of adolescents' lives, and are a key ingredient in young teens' healthy psychological development.  Mentoring a child in middle school can greatly increase their success rate during this transitional time between primary school and high school.

www.InspireAChildToDream.org/BecomeABig

OASIS

OASIS is a Site-based program for mature adults to enhance the social and academic envioronment in the classroom though one-to-one attention

Crossroads

Crossroads is special Community Based Program to serve the teenage population on our waiting list. These kids comprise 40% of our waiting list and wait the longest to be matched. Crossroads was developed to create special activities and support for volunteers matched with teens to take some of the pressure off. At least one group activity is planned per month in the areas of community service, math/science, fitness/recreation, career development, and cultural/diversity development. Other matches participate in these activities providing interaction and support from other Volunteers.

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