The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Our Vision
All youth achieve their full potential.
BRAVE Values
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, we live our BRAVE values—Belonging, Resilience, Accountability, Vision, and Empathy—to create a community where everyone feels valued and every young person can thrive.
BIG FUTURES BEGIN WITH US
Dear Friends,
Among the Maasai people of East Africa, there is a greeting that beautifully reflects the heart of our mission: “Kasserian Ingera?” — “How are the children?”
It’s more than a question—it’s a measure of a community’s health and strength. So we ask: How are the children in Colorado?
Too many still face uncertainty, violence, and isolation. Too many—especially boys—are waiting for someone to believe in them and remind them that their futures are theirs to shape.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, we believe a child’s future is not predetermined—it’s inspired by consistent, caring relationships and opportunity. This year, we served over 1,500 youth across the Denver Metro and Pikes Peak regions, helping them build confidence, resilience, and purpose through the power of mentorship.
Research shows that mentored youth are more likely to graduate, avoid risky behaviors, and form lasting positive relationships. Every match made creates a ripple of change that strengthens families, schools, and communities across Colorado.
Yet nearly 300 youth—most of them boys—are still waiting for a mentor. Behind each name is a child with dreams and potential, waiting for someone like you.
Your commitment—through time, advocacy, or philanthropy— helps ensure that one day, when we’re asked “Kasserian Ingera?”, we can proudly answer: “The children are well.”
With gratitude and hope,
Elycia Cook Chief Executive Officer Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado
As I close my term as Board Chair, I am filled with deep gratitude for the community of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, our Bigs, Littles, families, staff, and supporters who make this mission so powerful.
Serving in this role has been one of the great privileges of both my personal and professional life. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the life changing impact mentorship can have. Every match represents hope for a young person to be seen, supported and believed in, and an adult who discovers the joy of mentorship.
Over the past year our organization has faced challenges and celebrated tremendous successes, and through it all, our commitment remains steadfast in believing in the potential of our youth and what mentoring can accomplish. I’m especially proud of the ways we’ve expanded access to mentorship, deepened our community partnerships, and continued to innovate to meet the needs of today’s families.
Although this marks the end of my time as Board Chair, it is by no means a goodbye. There is still much work to do, and we need our community and supporters now as ever in the past. The future is bright but not without challenges. I look forward to continuing to champion this mission and witnessing the next chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado.
With gratitude,
Andy Cullen BBBSC Board of Directors, Chair
IGNITING POTENTIAL ACROSS COLORADO SINCE 1918
Mentored youth are 20% more likely to graduate high school and pursue college— proof that mentorship fuels ambition and future success.
Defending Potential Across Colorado
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, we believe that when young people feel seen, supported, and inspired, their potential is limitless.
Across the Denver Metro and Pikes Peak regions, our mentoring programs connect youth with caring adults and peers who help them dream bigger and achieve more. From one-to-one friendships in Community-Based Mentoring to teamwork in Sports Buddies and confidence-building in STARS and Project AIM, each experience strengthens the skills that lead to lifelong success.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Mentors: Evidence from Experimental and Administrative Data,” Alex Bell & Neviana Petkova (2023)
Through Big Futures, teens receive wraparound support to graduate high school with a plan for college, career, military service, or trade.
Together, we’re transforming Colorado’s future— one relationship at a time.
OUR PROGRAMS
ONE TO ONE MENTORING: CommunityBased Mentoring Program
The Community-based Mentoring Program is our signature, highimpact mentoring initiative serving youth ages 9-18. In this flexible program, mentee (Little) and mentor (Big) matches connect when and where they choose, guided by their shared interests and schedules. Supported by BBBSC program staff, matches typically meet two to four times each month, engaging in activities ranging from exploring hobbies to visiting local attractions. As these relationships grow, Littles gain a sense of safety, emotional support, and the opportunity to build crucial social and goal-setting skills.
“Being in Kiel’s life has shown me that mentorship is a two-way exchange, rich with mutual growth, unexpected lessons, and profound impact.”
- BIG RYAN
The impact of these relationships is transformative—Littles experience increased selfconfidence, improved academic performance, and a clearer vision for their future. Bigs gain a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment as they build meaningful connections with their Littles and witness their growth over time.
WE PLAN THE FUN. YOU BUILD THE BOND.
Sports Buddies Program
Founded by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado in 2000, the Sports Buddies Program connects youth ages 9–18 with mentors through the shared power of active experiences. Each activity is thoughtfully planned and led by BBBSC staff, making it easy for Bigs to show up, have fun, and build meaningful connections with their Littles.
Despite its name, Sports Buddies goes beyond athletics— offering diverse, interest-based experiences like ropes courses, STEM workshops, art projects, hiking, skiing, and professional sporting events. Through these activities, Littles build teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving skills, while gaining confidence and a sense of belonging.
Sports Buddies proves that structured, staff-supported mentorship through shared experiences can spark confidence, connection, and community.
Project AIM is an evidence-based curriculum designed to reduce risky behaviors and promote positive decision-making among middle school youth. Through 12 interactive sessions over six weeks, participants explore their identities, values, and aspirations while building the practical skills to turn dreams into action.
Youth engage in self-discovery, career exploration, and goalsetting activities—such as creating resumes, practicing interview techniques, and designing professional portfolios. Supported by BBBSC facilitators, Project AIM helps young people envision their futures with purpose and confidence, laying the groundwork for high school success and long-term stability.
SCHOOL-BASED MENTORING: STARS Peer Mentoring Program
(Students Teaching About Relationships and Success)
The STARS Peer Mentoring Program is a school-based, evidence-informed initiative that builds leadership, connection, and belonging among youth ages 11–18. In STARS, older students (Youth Mentors) are paired with small groups of younger students (Youth Mentees) to participate in guided sessions promoting socialemotional learning, goal setting, and resilience.
Over a 22-week curriculum, Youth Mentors are trained and supported by BBBSC staff to lead discussions and activities focused on identity, empathy, and advocacy. By fostering cross-age mentorship and creating safe spaces for dialogue, the STARS Program strengthens school culture, reduces bullying, and helps students see themselves as leaders and changemakers.
WRAP AROUND SUPPORT FOR HIGH SCHOOL AGED STUDENTS
Big Futures Program
Big Futures is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ wrap-around program that supports every teen in our mentoring programs as they prepare for life after high school. It’s not a separate track — it’s integrated into all of our one-toone, site-based, and school-based mentoring relationships, ensuring that every young person has the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
Focused on helping each student create a clear, actionable path forward, Big Futures mentorship guides youth through:
• Post-secondary & academic planning
• Career & college exploration
• College preparation & enrollment support
• Financial literacy & budgeting
• Life skills development
• Goal setting & resilience building
Mentors and staff walk alongside youth to help them build confidence, set goals, and create a clear plan for the future — whether that’s college, a career, the military, or another path to independence With Big Futures, teens have the opportunity to graduate high school with a plan, a support network, and the skills to succeed.
1,641
TOTAL YOUTH SERVED
483 Community 1:1 Mentorship
765 SchoolBased
189 Sports Buddies
204 Community Partnerships
RACE/ETHNICITY
COUNTIES SERVED
MENTORING MAKES A BIG IMPACT.
With a caring mentor, youth make healthier choices, achieve more in school, and see new possibilities for their future.
MENTORED YOUTH ARE MAKING HEALTHIER LIFE CHOICES:
52% less likely to be arrested 46% less likely to begin using drugs 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Mentored youth earn an estimated 15-19% more in early career wages and show stronger overall earnings.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Every $1 invested in quality mentoring returns $3 in societal benefits.
MENTORSHIP BOOSTS ACADEMIC SUCCESS
(compared to nonmentored youth)
52% less likely to skip school 78% of Littles maintained or improved their grades
Our Littles are 20% more likely to enroll in college 2X as likely to hold leadership roles and volunteer in their communities.
46,416 volunteer hours
3.6 YEARS average match length
94% of Littles feel confident they will achieve their goals, even when facing significant barriers. Mentorship fuels that confidence.
159 new matches created
“He kept showing up and now we talk about everything.” – Junior
BOA MATCH OF THE YEAR:
RYAN & JUNIOR
When Nicholas—known by everyone as Junior—was just 10 years old, his life took a difficult turn. His father became incarcerated, and his mom, Elizabeth, wanted to make sure he had a steady, caring male role model. That’s when she turned to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC).
Four years later, Junior and his Big Brother Ryan share a bond that goes far beyond fishing trips and backyard games. Ryan has become a steady, trusted presence—a listener, a teacher, and a friend who shows up every time.
Inspired by the mentors who shaped his own life, Ryan became a Big to pay that support forward. When they first met, Junior was quiet and unsure of himself. But Ryan’s consistency helped him slowly open up. “At first, I didn’t talk much,” Junior says. “But Ryan never gave up on me. Now we talk about everything.”
Through shared experiences, setting goals, and tackling challenges together, Junior’s confidence began to grow. His mom, Elizabeth, has seen the transformation: “Ryan brought out the best in my son. He’s more confident, more focused, and happier.”
The impact has gone both ways. “Junior has taught me patience and humility,” Ryan shares. “Mentorship doesn’t just change their life—it changes yours too.”
With your support, more boys like Junior can have a mentor who helps them feel seen, valued, and unstoppable.
One mentor. One match. A lifetime of difference. Help us create more stories like Junior & Ryan’s.
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
$20,000+
Anonymous Donor
Brian & Sarah Boonstra
Greg C. Byles
David Farmer & Gay Faris
Kurt & Mary Haeger
Michelle Kent & Ryan Godsil
Ashly & Scott Ligouri
Steve Lockton
Neville Family Charity Fund
Michael D. North
Rhonda Sparlin
Clay Terry
Hugh & Nan Williamson
David F. Zinger
$19,999 - $10,000
Andy Cullen
Jim Doolittle - Fidelity Donor
Advised Fund
Lisa & Eric Jasper
Tiamo Wright & Aaron Sauerbrey
$9,999 - $5,000
Angela Arkin & Ross Rabin
The William Auckland Trust
Jerome L. Blackwell
Michael Blumenthal
Richard Bourquard & Jane O’Shaughnessy
Toni Brenzikofer
Marieka Buhlmann
Charles Collins
Abe & Sarah Diamond DAF
Sean M. Dormer
Andrew Eigner
Clifford Enten
(September 30, 2024October 1, 2025)
Darla & Mike Figoli DAF
Amanda & Jeremy Gall
Joel & Caitlin Hawksley
Ryan Hoeft
Jacqueline Hyatt
Erik Johnson
Stephen J. Knox
Sean McDonald
Kathryn Meek & Nickless Raffensperger
Jeff M. Miller
Randall C Ohlson Orion Fund
Todd & Jennell Panella
Herbert E. Parker Charitable Trust
Nathan Ramsey
David & Margarita Rivera
Kelly & David Rodriguez
James Roupp
Lisa Shurtliff
Lakeasha & Kenneth Smith
Emily Trujillo
Match Makers
Donors who invest in our mission by making re-occurring gifts to BBBSC
Angela Arkin & Ross Rabin DAF
Erin Austin
Jerome & Veronica Blackwell
Emma Bradley
Jennifer Carver
Hillary Cimock
Karen J. Collins
Elycia R. Cook
Clark J. Crawford
Derek Dickerson
Cheryl Duncan
Ben & Sutton Eisenberg
Mendy Evans
Mallory Fischbach
Chris Grove
Anthony Haupt
Joel & Caitlin Hawksley
Hevia Hernandez
Paul Hittman & Dani Durante
We are sincerely grateful to the individuals and families who believe in our mission and generously support BBBSC’s youth mentoring programs throughout the year.
Meghan Jackson
Elizabeth Jefferson
Carlos & Lindsay Jimenez
David Kaufman
Michelle Kent & Ryan Godsil
Matthew & Tally Kerr
Crystal L. Klausmeier
Joseph Korzekwa
Steve Lockton
Kelly Mason
Michael Mayer
Paul McCarthy
Jennifer McCurdy
Courtney Mimmo
Christine Moore
Robert E. Mosher
Andrew Nowka
Joni Johnson Powell
Freddie Provenzano
Christopher Ratcliff
Jenn Ray
Geoff Renaud
Kelly & David Rodriguez
Therese Romero
Mario Sani
Jason Sauer
Emily Shields
Lakeasha & Kenneth Smith
Stacie Snyder-Jones
Danielle L. Summerville
Beth Thiele
Jennifer Thompson
Colleen Vaughan
Mark Ver
Lisa Walters
Juliana Wierimaa
Lisa Windom
Darrell Yeates
Brandon Yergey
Kristin Zick
Sabrina joined the STARS Peer Mentoring Program in middle school as a mentee, and she still remembers what it meant to have someone older listen, guide, and believe in her. “Having that mentor changed how I saw myself,” she says. “I wanted to be that person for someone else.”
When she entered high school, Sabrina became a Youth Mentor at Rangeview—and for the past three years, she has been inspiring others the way she was once inspired. She led sessions on confidence, friendship, and resilience, helping younger students set goals, share their stories, and feel a true sense of belonging.
“At first, some students were shy,” she recalls. “But once they realized I understood what they were going through, they started to trust me. That’s when the real change happened.”
Sabrina also led her group’s Community Service Project, creating school-wide activities that promoted kindness and inclusion. Her creativity strengthened the STARS program—improving how mentors connect with youth and how the program fosters safe, affirming spaces.
Her Program Specialist, Paige Coffman, shared: “Sabrina represents the best of what STARS stands for. She leads with empathy, shows up for her peers, and uses her voice to make others feel seen.”
Now a graduating senior, Sabrina plans to study psychology and youth development so she can continue helping others. “STARS taught me that mentorship never really ends,” she says. “You carry it with you—and you pass it on.”
Sabrina’s journey from mentee to mentor shows how one investment in a young person can ripple outward, transforming lives and strengthening entire communities. Your support makes that possible.
Help Colorado youth build confidence, resilience, and a plan for their future.
FOUNDATIONS & CORPORATIONS
$75,000+
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
BOA Technology
Colorado Springs Health Foundation
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Tony Grampas Youth Services Program
$74,999 - $25,000
Adolph Coors Foundation
Compass Diversified
CPS Foundation
Crocs, Inc.
Fulcrum Foundation
Healthone System Support
LibertyGives Foundation
The Denver Foundation
The Denver Post Season
To Share Fund
The Peierls Foundation
The Salah Foundation
$24,999 - $10,000
Adobe
Carson Foundation
Colorado Credit Union
Dormer Harpring, LLC
Emerson
Gary Community Ventures
(September 30, 2024- October 1, 2025)
gemenskäp LLC
Halliburton
HDR Foundation
HealthOne
KeyBank of Colorado
KPMG
Mile High United Way
Morgan Stanley
Pikes Peak United Way
Prosperity Denver Fund
fThe Colorado Trust
The Kettering Family Foundation
Trace3 Gov
Tributary Real Estate
Virginia W. Hill Foundation
Xcel Energy Foundation
$9,999 - $5,000
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Burns & McDonnell Foundation
Burton Snowboards
Chord Energy
Class VI Partners
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Comcast
Corwin Honda
Corwin Toyota
CrossFirst Bank
Enterprise Mobility
Fidelity Charitable
First Western Trust Bank
GitHub
Graebel Companies, Inc.
Hooper Foundation
BBBSC is grateful to the many foundations and corporations that partner with and generously support our youth mentoring programs.
Husch Blackwell LLP
Lennox Foundation
Meridian Public Affairs
Metro State University
Pacific Premier Trust
Reel Family Foundation Inc
RubinBrown LLP
Simon Quick Advisors
SM Energy Co.
T. Rowe Price Foundation
The Stuart & Janet Kritzer
Family Foundation
Vanguard Charitable
Westcor Land Title Insurance
Company
Zildjian
The Alumni Hall of Fame celebrates mentors whose lifelong commitment to mentorship transforms lives and communities.
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
Devin & Alex: A Friendship That Lasts
When Alex and Devin were first matched in 2017, no one could have predicted how deep their bond would grow. What started with shared laughter and learning soon became a lasting friendship—anchored by their favorite tradition: the annual Halloween costume contest.
Together, they dreamed up creative costumes for the Big Little Fashion Show, earning Devin a reputation as a legend for his winning looks. Those joyful moments reflected the heart of their relationship— creativity, trust, and connection.
Years later, their match remains strong. They still meet regularly, proving that mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado creates more than matches—it builds lifelong relationships rooted in care and commitment.
Carmen & Camille: From STARS Students to STARS Leaders
For sisters Carmen and Camille, the STARS program has been a lifelong journey. Carmen remembers tagging along to meetings as a child, eager for the day she could join. That dream came true in 2010, and by high school, the sisters were Teen Staff—helping younger students feel seen, supported, and inspired.
They still recall favorite memories, like a downtown scavenger hunt that ended at Elitch Gardens—a day filled with laughter and connection that reflected everything STARS stood for: community, growth, and belonging.
Today, Carmen leads the very program that helped shape her, serving as the STARS Coordinator for STARS in Center, Colorado. “To give back to the same community that raised me is a privilege,” she says. “This program builds resilience and purpose. It reminds every young person that they belong.”
