2024 Year in Review – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound   

Christmas group photo with caption review 2024

This year has been an incredible journey of growth, connection, and resilience for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. We’ve expanded our programs, deepened our partnerships, and witnessed the transformative power of mentorship in the lives of youth. Here is a look back at some of our news and highlights from 2024. 

Key Milestones: 

  • We moved our office to Bellevue, broadening our reach and reinforcing our commitment to the community. 
  • Our staff achieved 100% certification in Mental Health First Aid Training, reflecting our dedication to improving mental health outcomes and professional development. 
  • We launched a new website to provide a more user-friendly platform for sharing our program impact. 

Program Highlights: 

1. Community-Based Mentoring:

Our community-based programs create opportunities for Bigs and Littles to connect and build meaningful relationships. With the support of BBBSPS staff, volunteers, and sponsorship from our partners, our matches enjoyed a variety of activities, including skating, laser tag, board game nights, and snowshoeing this year. 

Kraken Skating Event
Kraken Skating Event

Laser Tag
Laser Tag Activities

Board Game Night
Board Game Night

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing

Our Matches of the Year: 

Carly and Averionna

Carly and Averionna’s journey is a beautiful story of sisterhood and resilience. Matched when Averionna was just 8, Carly has been her biggest cheerleader. During their nearly 10 years as a match, Carly has helped Averionna build her confidence, they have shared joyful moments, and Carly has stepped in as family during difficult times. Their bond has only grown stronger through life’s ups and downs. This is a true example of what it means to be family forever.

Carly and Averionna selfieCarly and Averionna selfieCarly and Averionna selfie2024 Match of the Year Carly & Averionna
Precious and Bethany 

Beyond the monthly celebrations, many of our matches were recognized as Match of the Year 2024. We celebrated the enduring bond between Precious and Bethany, a match that has blossomed into a profound friendship over the past three years. Precious has grown in her interpersonal skills and self-confidence, while Bethany has found fulfillment in making a difference in Precious’ life.  

Precious Gathuru Bethany playing
Kris and Virginya 

We also recognized the extraordinary seven-year journey of Kris and Virginya “Shine”, a match that has provided Shine with countless opportunities for growth and exploration. Over the years, Kris and Shine have created meaningful traditions that will last a lifetime.    

Kris and Shine selfieKris and Shine selfieKris and Shine selfieKris and Shine selfie
Seth and Malachi 

To showcase the impact of the matches, we featured the inspiring story of Seth and Malachi, a match that has also thrived for seven years. Their journey exemplifies how consistent, caring mentorship can transform lives, build confidence, and guide Littles toward success. 

Seth and Malachi photo

You can make a difference in our community, become a Big (Mentor) today: https://inspirebig.org/become-a-big/  

Our Community Events: 

In 2024, we successfully created BIG Futures events to empower Seattle youth through real-world entrepreneurship connections. Through these events, we connected youth with small local business owners, providing them with insights into career possibilities and helping them build essential skills for the future. Here are our three main focuses for the events: 

  • Real-World Exposure: We connected and provided unique access to industry professionals and first-hand insights into career paths. 
  • Guided Learning: We created structured sessions to help youth gain confidence, network, and understand the steps needed for various careers. 
  • Actionable Steps: From resume workshops to shadowing opportunities, youth gained tools and experiences that set them up for future success. 

Learn more about BIG Futures: Link to Instagram

2. Site-Based Mentoring: 

Our Site-based programs are collaborations between schools, workplaces, volunteer mentors, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound (BBBSPS). These opportunities connect youth with one-on-one or small group mentoring during scheduled sessions in schools and workplaces during and after school. The programs help youth explore and connect with Bigs in various industries, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and meaningful life experiences. 

  • In 2024, Bigs in Tech continued to connect tech professionals with 6th to 8th graders, introducing youth to careers in technology and fostering strong mentor-mentee relationships. We successfully organized events to bring together Bigs from tech companies and Littles from ORCA K-8, McClure Middle School, and Broadview-Thomson Elementary. 

This year, BBBSPS hosted 28 school-based events over nine months, in addition to 3 events at Amazon. The results were impressive—153 Littles were matched, with each mentor contributing over 40 service hours during the school year. That is 6,120 total hours of building connections and supporting young people! Some matches marked their very first meeting, while others celebrated their second or third year together. Regardless of the stage of their journey, all participants shared joyful moments and expressed excitement about their Littles’ growth and potential. 

Watch more about Bigs in Tech interview: https://youtu.be/LI9rgVTI6o4?si=mm6n_BcxaRavBwL4 

Mentor and mentee are building spaghetti tower with marshmallow, it is an activity in Big in tech program

 

BBBSPS will continue to grow and expand our program, you can help us by Becoming a Big in Tech today at: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5003213  

  • Lunch Buddies is a new hour-long midday mentorship program where adult mentors connect with 1st-grade students during lunch time at Stanley Elementary School in Tacoma’s Hilltop Neighborhood. The program supports 8 matches this school year and has quickly become a favorite part of the students’ activities. Bigs have shared how grateful they are and how rewarding it is to be involved. Teachers and parents often talk about how much the students look forward to their time with their mentors. Following its achievements in 2024, this program’s success is presenting a strong partnership with the school and demonstrates the lasting impact mentorship can have. 
  • MentorU leverages the proven power of mentoring to support teens in creating a plan for their future. Partnering with a local high school, the program has grown from zero matches to 8 MentorU matches this school year. With a redesigned college and career-focused curriculum, MentorU introduces students to valuable resources such as the Level All app. This app helps students explore colleges, apply for scholarships, and build resumes. MentorU is empowering young people to take meaningful steps toward preparing for their future. 

3. Group Mentoring:

BBBSPS group mentoring programs offer unique opportunities for youth to connect with peers and mentors in a supportive environment. These programs’ goal to create safe spaces for young people, equip them with skills and knowledge to build healthy relationships, make safer choices, and improve their lifelong outcomes. 

  • BIG L.Y.F.T. empowered young boys to build resilience and forge a healthy path through monthly sessions focused on social-emotional skills, health and wellness, and financial literacy.
  • The Alpha Forum is a group mentoring program co-hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity of Tacoma. It is primarily for young men aged 10-15 who identify as African American. The program provides a safe place for young people to share their thoughts about current events and freely explore ideas with BIPOC leaders.  

In 2024, Alpha Forum introduced the first Business Literacy session, which kicked off in August. During this session, mentors used a creative “Shark Tank” strategy to help youth explore business ideas and concepts. The Alpha Forum’s Business Literacy session has been a truly impactful experience for these young men. It’s more than just a learning opportunity – it’s a chance to spark creativity, encourage entrepreneurship, and nurture the next generation of leaders. 

Read more about Alpha Forum: https://inspirebig.org/2024/11/how-alpha-phi-alpha-partnership-makes-a-difference-for-boys-in-tacoma/  

  • Credible Messenger program continued to transform the lives of young men at Remann Hall and Oakridge Juvenile Justice Facilities. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is proudly a community partner that offers guidance, support, and essential life skills through group and one-on-one mentoring. Learn more about the City of Tacoma and Credible Messenger program: https://inspirebig.org/2024/11/the-city-of-tacoma-mentoring-relationships/  

4. Partnerships 

Our partnerships are crucial to our mission of empowering youth through mentorship. We are grateful for KPMG and Microsoft of their continuing support on the groundbreaking AI Match Recommendation Engine. This initiative is aimed at optimizing mentor-mentee matching, supporting our effort to connect Bigs with Littles based on their shared traits. We are also thankful to the Deloitte Foundation for their generous support, which has enabled more youth to access educational opportunities. 

The Seattle Times has long been an incredible partner for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through its annual ‘Fund For Those in Need’ campaign, The Seattle Times highlights a Big and Little match, encouraging their readership to give in support of mentorship and spreading the news of mentorship’s positive impact. 

Unico Properties and KeyBank deepened their commitment to our community by providing donation bins in multiple locations and supporting various fundraising events. Our partnership with Starbucks continues to grow. Starbucks supported us by hosting an engaging fireside chat event that connected our youth with industry professionals. Additionally, they donated 500 gift cards at $20 each for every new match to enjoy their first outing together.  

Check out this link: https://inspirebig.org/partnership/ to become our partner today! 

5. Event Highlights 

Our events bring the community together to celebrate our mission and raise funds for our programs. We held 3 BIG Events in 2024. These events directly fuel our ability to create and support life-changing mentoring relationships for kids in our community. The funds raised ensure that we can: 

  • Match more Bigs with Littles: Expanding our reach to meet the growing need for mentorship. 
  • Provide ongoing support: Offering training and resources to mentors, families, and staff, ensuring each match is set up for success. 
  • Elevate stories of impact: Showcasing the transformative power of mentorship to inspire more people to get involved as Bigs, donors, or advocates. 

Big Impact, our annual celebration of mentorship, honored our Matches of the Year, highlighting the profound impact of these mentoring relationships. We had 170 participants and raised over $60,000 in 2024. 

Big Impact resultBig Impact result

 

BIG Gala, our signature fundraising event, brought together over 300 community members to invest in the future of our youth. We raised impressive funds, surpassing $800,000 in total. 

 

BIG Invitational golf tournament raises valuable support for local youth. The golf tournament also serves as the premier networking opportunity for the commercial real estate community in South Puget Sound. In 2024, together, we raised over $100,000. These funds directly support the work for recruiting and training volunteer mentors to accompany young people through the joys and challenges of growing up.  

You can get involved in 2025 by participating in this event: https://inspirebig.org/event/big-invitational-golf-tournament/  

Looking Ahead 

As we move into 2025, we are energized by the progress we’ve made and the unwavering support of our community. We will continue to expand our programs, deepen our impact, and empower every young person to reach their full potential. We invite you to join us on this journey today! 

Category:
View Our

Related Blog