Big Brothers Big Sisters inspires youth equity and empowerment. As a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) organization, this lens is threaded throughout everything we do. We invite in and engage intentionally with families and mentors through our holistic approach. At the heart of BBBS is a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and research.
In 2021, youth in our program improved in their academic performance, educational expectations and emotional regulation. During a challenging year, with support from their mentors, our youths were also able to maintain their connection to school and sustain their level of social-emotional competence. Lastly, and very important to note, is that our mentored youth showed decreases in depressive symptoms and risky behaviors, which have been of greater concern for youth during the pandemic. We are proud of everything the children and teens in our programs have accomplished and are grateful to our volunteer mentors for helping them achieve their fullest potential. Below are our promises.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai'i measures the impact of services for at-risk youth through a survey known as the Youth Outcomes Survey. This survey shows us that our mentoring programs result in proven, positive short-term and long-term outcomes for youth in three main areas: educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, and increased social and emotional well-being.
In 2021, youth in our program improved in their academic performance, educational expectations and emotional regulation. During a challenging year, with support from their mentors, our youths were also able to maintain their connection to school and sustain their level of social-emotional competence. Lastly, and very important to note, is that our mentored youth showed decreases in depressive symptoms and risky behaviors, which have been of greater concern for youth during the pandemic. We are proud of everything the children and teens in our programs have accomplished and are grateful to our volunteer mentors for helping them achieve their fullest potential. Below are our promises.
- We will advocate and promote the importance of healthy connections, quality mentoring relationships, and core values that form the foundation for relationships; sharing, listening and respect.
- We will increase our collaborations and network to ensure insure that children who have experienced trauma have at least one caring, safe relationship early in life.
- We will provide youth tangible resources and access to promote greater exposure and exploration of college and career options.
- Our mentoring programs, services, volunteers and staff will be diverse, equitable, inclusive and youth focused.
- We will facilitate all available methods of mentoring relationships that produce evidence based outcomes, including community-based, school-based, group and peer mentoring.
- We will educate and empower youth, parents, volunteers and the community through engaging opportunities that bring focus to the life changing impacts of positive relationships.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai'i measures the impact of services for at-risk youth through a survey known as the Youth Outcomes Survey. This survey shows us that our mentoring programs result in proven, positive short-term and long-term outcomes for youth in three main areas: educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, and increased social and emotional well-being.
- Educationally, youth in our mentoring programs have higher grades, better scholastic competence, and a greater desire to graduate from high school and attend a four-year college.
- Socially, youth in our programs feel more accepted by their peers and more connected to their family. They are also more likely to say no to drugs, alcohol, skipping school, or getting in fights.
- Emotionally, youth in our mentoring programs have greater feelings of self-worth and therefore, more hope and higher aspirations for the future.
proven success
Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii's mentoring program have a positive impact on youth. Over 90% of keiki in our programs improve in one of the following areas: