In celebration of PRIDE Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County is proud to announce that The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County’s Growing Together Initiative Fund awarded Big Brothers Big Sisters a $5,000 grant in support of their community based youth mentoring programs. These funds will be used to make one-to-one mentoring matches between adults and LGBTQI youth ages 5 to 15 years of old.
The Community Based program applies research based, one-to-one mentoring techniques to match youth between the ages of 5-15, and support them through age 25. Volunteer role models undergo a rigorous selection process, are independently screened and professionally trained before qualifying to be mentors. They conduct safety trainings, interview and assess applicant families to determine their circumstances and needs – all to create long-term relationships with positive outcomes. Mentors spend a minimum of six to eight hours per month with the young person they befriend and stay in touch by phone on alternate weeks. This consistency builds a trusting and stable relationship between the child and adult.
“Every young person should be accepted and included in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to help ensure that our youth are accepted and thriving, so that they can reach their full potential. Many LGBTQ youth face challenges that affect their long-term well-being. Our goal is to help them develop the tools to be confident, contributing, members of our diverse community,” says CEO, Jenny Luciano.
“Statistics show that LGBTQI teens are at a higher risk for bullying, harassment, and discrimination,” shared Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation. “Our Growing Together Initiative Fund understands that supporting our LGBTQ youth with one-to-one mentoring is crucial for their self-esteem, and we know these funds will be impactful in showing support for these youth.”
About Big Brothers Big Sisters:
Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The local, volunteer and donor funded organization provides targeted recruiting, screening, training and matching, as well as ongoing support, safety training and supervision for volunteers, children and families. For more information on volunteering or contributing to Big Brothers Big Sisters, call 805-781-3226, or visit SLObigs.org.