Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area 2024 Impact Report
FROM OUR LEADERSHIP: CEO & BOARD CHAIR
Dear Supporters and Friends,
Every day, through the stories, dreams, and achievements of the young people we serve, we are reminded of an undeniable truth—our youth represent the heart of our local communities and the promise of our collective future. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area, we are more committed than ever to empowering that future by encouraging the incredible potential of Bay Area youth through the power of mentorship.
Now is the time for continued action. Young people are navigating an ever-changing world, full of challenges and possibilities alike, and they need consistent, committed mentors to lean on. As you read this report, you’ll see the range of perspectives and backgrounds that define the Bay Area reflected in the stories of our clients and partners. And most importantly, you’ll see how our Bigs, Littles, families, and friends continually learn from one another and grow together—building trust and bonds that transcend backgrounds and creating a stronger, more connected community.
2024’s Impact Report reflects the remarkable growth we’ve built together.
Thanks to your support, our volunteer mentors (Bigs) and youth (Littles) achieved incredible milestones—building relationships that instill confidence, foster resilience, and inspire dreams.
It’s a time of immense growth and accomplishment for our agency, and we’re grateful and honored that you’re a part of our movement:
• 491 Bay Area youth and volunteer mentors formed bonds that will last them a lifetime.
• Thanks to you, 96% of our high school senior Littles graduated, and all of them are moving forward on their unique paths to adulthood.
• With generous support from the Taco Bell Foundation, we launched our Big Futures program. This program extends formal mentorship programming to Littles aged 18-21, and provides critical guidance as they prepare for their college and career journeys.
• As a part of this initiative, we’ve created more new partnerships across the Bay Area – in mental health, wellness, career counseling, and additional areas – than ever before.
We look forward to expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and showing young people they are seen, supported, and believed in. Together, let’s empower more youth to reach their full potential, providing them opportunities to thrive, become leaders, and create a brighter future for us all. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.
With gratitude and purpose,
LILLIAN SAMUEL CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area
LISA PEARSON Board Chair, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area
A YES FROM THE BEGINNING ALVIN & EUGENE
It’s easy to see the close bond between Alvin and Eugene. Once they were Matched in May 2019, they immediately connected over their shared love of sports. Alvin is adopted, and his two moms wanted to give him the chance to spend time with someone who looks like him. Eugene grew up with a Big Brother of his own, Dirk, and wanted to give back in the same meaningful way.
Despite being only 6 years old at the time, Alvin remembers their first meeting well. “Eugene wore an ugly grey shirt,” he recalls, and they both laugh. Eugene could immediately see that even though Alvin was shy, he listened really well. Alvin’s mom Ali says, “Alvy’s a man of few words, but whatever he says, he really means. At the very beginning, after that initial meeting downtown [in San Francisco], we asked him what he thought, and he was just like, yes. Eugene was a yes from the beginning in Alvin’s heart.”
Five and a half years later, they share a playful, competitive, brotherly rapport. Eugene reminds Alvin to take care of his skin and hair, and Alvin challenges Eugene to races, wrestling, and more. “I’m glad that he looks up to me and wants to be like me,” Eugene says. Now 12, Alvin rolls his eyes. Not only does Eugene show up to cheer Alvin on at his sports games, Alvin cheers Eugene on at his games too. Through our program, they’ve gotten tickets to go to sporting events, where Eugene has caught several baseballs at Oracle Park for Alvin to take home. “He jumped over a railing to get a ball,” Alvin says. “Anything for you, my boy!” Eugene responds.
Not only is their relationship a chance for Alvin to have a Black male role model, Eugene also treats him as an equal in all of their interactions. Alvin’s mom Ali says, “They have this dynamic that’s almost sibling-like, and they share that competitive nature. I think that’s really powerful for Alvin to have—someone who sees that and respects him as an equal. He knows that Eugene cares enough to go all-in for their games.” His other mom Helena says, “Eugene is really invested in being the best Big for Alvin that he can. He checks in and asks for feedback on how to best support Alvin as he’s growing and developing. Alvin feels safe with Eugene and proud to be his little.”
“I think that’s really powerful for Alvin to have—someone who sees [him] and respects him as an equal.”
BIG EUGENE (LEFT) & LITTLE ALVIN (RIGHT)
SCHOOL & ACADEMIC
While our Bigs are not expected to be tutors or college counselors, they often act as a key source of inspiration for their Littles. Families in our program see the impact firsthand—after being Matched, Littles aim higher, set more ambitious educational goals, and improve their grades.
of Littles improved their educational expectations. 94% of Littles improved their academic performance. 80%
of our high school Littles graduated. 96%
– Aaliyah, Little “
“A few years ago, I tried to commit suicide, but then I talked to my Big Sister Janet. Her talking to me was what made me want to stay alive. At a time when I felt like I didn’t have anybody, she was that person that I had.”
““Miles has set big goals for himself in college. I believe it’s because of the constant support and encouragement he received from those close to him. Landon [his Big] has been key and constant in Miles’s life and continues to be to this day.”
– Tracy, Parent
MEETING THE
COMMUNITY’S NEED
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area, we work tirelessly to ensure every young person who applies to our program is thoughtfully matched with a caring mentor. Our Enrollment & Matching team carefully considers personality, interests, and location to create meaningful, lasting connections between Bigs and Littles.
This year, thanks to growing community support, more volunteers have stepped forward, and we’ve increased our match numbers across the Bay Area. But the need remains urgent.
To the right are just a few of the amazing youth who are still waiting to be matched. If you or someone you know is ready to make a difference, now is the time to step up. www.bbbsba.org/mentor
NEED BY THE NUMBERS
YOUTH WAITING FOR A MENTOR
DAMIEN
Damien is 10 years old and lives in San Francisco with his parents and cat. He’s been on our waitlist for 8 months. Damien is adopted, and his parents would like him to have more exposure to the African American community and feel supported in his racial identity. He’s an outgoing and active kid who loves exploring and games. Damien has struggled with focus due to his ADHD but is taking medication. He’s involved in many sports and wants to be a pilot when
Grace is 9 years old and lives in Santa Rosa with her two moms and younger sister. She’s been on our waitlist for 10 months. Because Grace is adopted, her parents would like her to build more connections with the Black community. Grace is bright, athletic, and very social. She loves gymnastics and animals. She would love a Big to do more fun activities and build her racial identity.
Xavier is 10 years old and lives in Hayward with his mom. He’s been on our waitlist for 5 months. Xavier loves playing sports and riding roller coasters. He struggles with managing his emotions. He would love a Big who can be there for him as a friend.
BIG FUTURES, LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES
WHAT IS BIG FUTURES?
We’re thrilled that this year we launched a new program designed to meet the needs of our older youth: Big Futures. This program is focused on ensuring Littles have the guidance and resources they need to navigate life after high school. Whether it’s getting ready for college, exploring career paths, or pursuing a trade program, we want to ensure every Little graduates from high school with a plan for their future and a mentor in their corner!
HOW IT WORKS
High School Littles meet bi-weekly in group sessions to:
• Build academic and career skills
• Explore new and undiscovered career paths
• Prepare for life after graduation
WHAT DO WE HAVE PLANNED NEXT?
Big Futures is just getting started, and there’s a lot to look forward to. Our monthly Big Futures newsletter features partnerships, events, and resources Littles can jump into. We’re also planning college tours and workplace visits to help Littles see what’s possible.
This program isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions; it’s about meeting Littles where they are and giving them the tools to take the next step.
Whether it’s walking through a college campus for the first time, figuring out how to rebuild after life throws a curveball, or simply finding the courage to dream bigger, Big Futures is here to make it happen. And we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Young Adult Littles check in monthly with our program manager to:
• Set goals and create action plans
• Apply for college, jobs, or trade programs
• Navigate challenges toward goals and financial planning
THANK YOU TO OUR BIG FUTURES SUPPORTERS
“When Alejandro and I first met, we made a list of everything we wanted to get done using a goal tracker. I was able to finish
my essays and I got accepted into my dream college, which was very exciting!”
– Michael, Big Futures Youth
PARTNERSHIPS WITH PURPOSE
We created 25 new community partnerships, including YMCA SF, Gardens of Golden Gate Park, Soluna, and CareerVillage—to provide more health, wellness, career resources, and recreation opportunities for Matches. Many Matches have already enjoyed one or more of these new offerings.
This year we were excited to expand and focus our partnership efforts on organizations with whom our agency can provide mutual aid and support. As we embark on more focused efforts to support children of incarcerated parents, we began collaborating with Community Works West and Project WHAT! and were treated to a transformative workshop on the unique strengths and challenges experienced by children of incarcerated parents, the power of the youth voice, and ways mentors and organizations can support.
We’re grateful for Macy’s unwavering support in helping us empower local youth. Last year, Macy’s contributed $105,000 locally to fuel our mentoring programs and hosted 6 special events, including signature breakfast shopping events to celebrate our Littles. Their partnership also helps shine a spotlight on our mission, bringing more awareness to the power of mentorship. Thanks to Macy’s, more young people have the support and guidance they need to build bright futures.
MORE 2024 PARTNERSHIPS FUELING IMPACT:
Antioch Recreation Department
Compass Family Housing
Family Connections Center
FIERCE Advocates
Hayward Area Historical Society
Lincoln Families
Reentry Success Center
Rustic Ales Oakland Arbor
SFDA - District Attorney's Office (San Francisco)
San Jose Police Activities League
Santa Clara County Office of Education
St. Mary's CollegeBlack Leadership Coalition
The Fellowship Church
YWCA Berkeley/Oakland
AGENCY LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Active from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024
Chair
Todd Lachman*, Sauer Brands
Vice Chair
Lisa Pearson, Attorney, Community Advocate & Volunteer
