Enrollment announcement

We are currently enrolling Littles in our Alpha Forum and BIG L.Y.F.T group mentoring programs in Tacoma and Pierce County. We are also seeking an additional Credible Messenger to add to our team.

Site Based Programs
Group Mentoring Programs

An Innovative Solution

Group mentoring is a powerful tool for community connection and violence prevention. Identified as a unique new solution for increasing community violence, group mentoring creates safe spaces for young people and redirects youth toward healthy outlets. It’s about equipping young people to create healthy relationships, make less risky choices, and improve their own lifelong outcomes. We survey young people as we build these programs to determine areas where they need additional support or intervention.

 

Our group mentoring programs are partnerships between BBBSPS, Credible Messengers, the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Tacoma Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Credible Messengers have lived experience in the justice system and have changed their lives for the better, devoting their time to helping divert young people toward healthier paths.

Mentoring Makes a Difference for Kids

Supporting Our Community

Violence Prevention & How to Get Involved

Whether you’re a parent or guardian of a young person in need of support or a community member looking for a way to be part of the solution – you’ve come to the right place.

Our group mentoring programs are open to all young boys between the ages of 6-17 in Tacoma and Pierce County, with a focus on young people experiencing a high degree of systemic barriers. Two of our group mentoring programs are led by Credible Messenger Will Hausa and Rashad Norris, and Alpha Forum is hosted by members of the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. It’s simple and easy to sign up to join our BIG L.Y.F.T or Alpha Forum programs.

How it Works

1
Sign your child up for a group mentoring event
2
Drop them off at monthly program sessions
3
See their confidence and positivity grow

VIEW OUR Group Mentoring Programs

Alpha Forum

Alpha Forum

Each monthly session provides a safe place for youth to speak about what’s on their minds and explore ideas. Sessions are led by men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Join us to learn about:

  • School success
  • Career pathways
  • Learn financial wellness
  • Build peer-to-peer relationships
  • Build self-confidence
Student is playing chess

BIG L.Y.F.T

L.Y.F.T’s program goal is to come together as a community to support boys in building resilience and forging a healthy path for the future. In this program, boys attend weekly group mentoring sessions with Credible Messenger Mentors, Will Hausa and Rashad Norris to:

  • Build social-emotional skills
  • Learn about health & wellness
  • Build financial wellness

Credible Messenger

This program serves young men currently incarcerated at Remann Hall or Oakridge Juvenile Justice Facilities. Credible messengers work with each facility to identify youth most in need of support, and then provide advice and guidance on topics like:

  • Avoiding negative influences
  • Building healthy relationships
  • Skills on finances and employment
Community Partnerships

PARTNERS MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Alpha Phi Alpha logo

Tacoma Alphas

Since its founding in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has supplied voice and vision to struggle of African Americans and people of color globally.
City of Tacoma logo

City of Tacoma

We proudly lead the city’s Community Advisory Committee, holding quarterly meetings with local stakeholders to prevent and reduce youth violence.
Pierce County logo

Pierce County

As part of their initiatives to support young people, the county funds our BIG L.Y.F.T and Credible Messenger programs.
Our Testimonials

What People Say

“It’s not really that we’re [Bigs] helping them, its that we are assisting them in accessing the resources they need to make stuff happen. These kids now; they know whats good. They are brilliant and creative. They’re link: Give me an opportunity and I’ll run with it.”

Darnell Big Brother

“My Little has the crayon box, and she just needs help to identify the colors. Yes, being in the corner as a Big is important, but kids are doing the thing. […] Whatever she does next is going to be brilliant. It doesn’t even matter if it takes her a while … like the opportunity to witness that was just like … oh, my gosh.”

Anonymous Big Sister

“Having a Big is awesome! It’s like having this incredible friend who’s got my back, helping me navigate the world, and teaching me valuable life lessons.”

Anonymous High School Little

“Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a blessing in my life. All 3 of my children have had Bigs, and each Big has been just the right person to connect with them.”

Chavela Parent of 3 Littles

More Info on The Credible Messenger Model

The Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3) was created to help break the cycle of justice system involvement for youth and families. Credible Messengers are trusted, community-rooted leaders who have overcome their own experiences with the justice system and share similar life journeys with those they serve. Their unique perspective allows them to provide healing, restoration, and transformative support to individuals, families, and communities.

 

The concept of credible messengers is not new. Throughout history, in times when people were marginalized, those most affected by oppressive systems have stepped up to lead movements focused on healing and change. These leaders have consistently passed down a legacy of service, inspiring new generations to continue the work of transformation and justice.

 

FAQ’s

How long is a typical wait time?

This can vary depending on your location and preferences; you will likely be looking at a 6-12 month wait time following your child becoming “Ready to be Matched” in our program.

How long do matches usually last?

We require all Bigs, Littles, and Parents/Guardians to commit to at least ONE year in the program, but many matches last a lifetime!

How often can my child see their Big?

We require a minimum of 4 hours per month. Schedules vary – some mentors meet with their Littles once a month, some twice, and some even more often.

When my child meet with their Big?

Community-based programming is designed to fit with your family’s and the mentor’s schedule; we take this into consideration during the matching process and will ask about your availability during the interview.

Eligibility: Children must be between the ages of 6 – 17 (or in high school for a full year when they are 18), consenting to their enrollment and reside within Pierce, Kitsap or King County (or have immediate plans to move to one of these counties) for AT LEAST one full year to be eligible. If youth have separated parent/guardians with shared custody, BOTH must consent to their child’s enrollment.

Contact Us to Learn More

groupmentoring@bbbsps.org