Joe (Big) & William (Little). Courtesy photo.
Honoring Mentors During National Mentorship Month
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo (BBBS SLO) is excited to kick off National Mentoring Month this January. National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of mentorship in shaping the lives of young people. The organization invites the community to join in celebrating the countless mentors, volunteers, and supporters who make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in San Luis Obispo County.
This year’s event is even more meaningful because it is also the 30th year anniversary of having Big Brothers Big Sisters in San Luis Obispo County. Over the past three decades, SLO Bigs has been a steadfast advocate for youth development through one-to-one mentorships that inspire positive change and bright futures. To commemorate the impact the organization has had on this community, the agency is asking for community members to sign-up as a recurring donor and give $30/ month in honor of the 30 years of service. With a goal of signing up 100 new recurring donors, the agency hopes to build a sustainable revenue stream that supports local youth into the future,
“We are thrilled to celebrate 30 years of making a difference in the lives of local youth,” said Stacy Salame, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo. “This milestone is a testament to the strength and dedication of our mentors and volunteers, whose commitment to helping young people realize their full potential has been at the heart of our mission. We also want to take this moment to invite community members to step up as 30 for 30 recurring donors, or to sign up to become a mentor—because the need for mentorship has never been greater and joining our village with the gift of your time or treasure will make a BIG difference.”
Over the years, BBBS SLO has provided over 3,000 local youth aged 7-18 with wraparound casework and meaningful, monitored, results-driven, professionally supported one-to-one interactions with screened, trained qualified mentors. These relationships have led to improved academic performance, higher self-esteem, and the development of life skills that help youth navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
As part of its 30th-anniversary celebration, BBBS SLO will host several events throughout the year, including a BIGs Appreciation event on January 16th. This special event be held at There Does Not Exist Brewery and will include pizza from Woodstock Pizza, a guest speaker, and special gifts to celebrate the important work that mentors do all year round. The agency is also encouraging prospective BIGs, or mentors, to attend to learn more about the experience from those who are already involved. SLO Bigs encourages anyone who is interested in making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people to get involved by volunteering as a mentor, donating to the cause, or attending one of their upcoming events.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth in San Luis Obispo County. For 30 years, BBBS SLO has empowered local children through mentorship programs that help build resilience, self-confidence, and life skills, paving the way for their success. For more information on National Mentoring Month, to learn about the programs Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo offers, or to find out how you can become a mentor, visit www.slobigs.org or contact us at (805) 329-1955.