"Since 1964 we’ve referred to our participants as “Bigs” and “Littles.” However, as a youth centered organization we’ve come to realize this practice is outdated and not aligned with our vision. The words we use matter. Calling a child or teenager a “Little” can be embarrassing and limits their potential. Our staff has committed to changing our language and now use youth or mentor. For those of you who have been a part of our organization for years, this new way of referring to youth and mentors will be an adjustment but we ask that you give it try. It’s a meaningful change and recognition that even after 58 years we can still adapt! " -March 2022
For Immediate Release: Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii Celebrates 60th Anniversary
It’s been 60 years since Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi (BBBSH) began impacting youth through their mentoring programs. In 1963, Hawaiʻi Judge Gerald R. Corbett summoned a group of civic-minded gentlemen to his chambers at Juvenile Court to address the rising concern of problem youth. Together, they established an organization on Oahu where qualified and dedicated role models could extend themselves to youth in need of guidance and support through one-to-one friendships. As a result, Big Brothers of Hawaiʻi was officially incorporated in March 1963. Big Sisters of Hawaiʻi later joined the organization in the 1970’s. Together, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi organization has successfully matched thousands of youth with volunteers in one-to-one mentoring friendships. These matches are supported by skilled case managers to ensure a positive impact for the child.
As part of our “Mentoring with Aloha” milestone celebration, BBBSH has awarded two of their matches the title of “Match of the Year 2023.” Youth Jonathan and Volunteer Mentor Neal Hafner were surprised with the announcement on March 16, 2023. When Neal first met Jonathan eight years ago, he described him as a quiet, shy kid. However, Neal has been able to help Jonathan break out of his shell and become “smart, outgoing young man.” They frequently check in on each other and support each other when needed. Their families have also bonded over the years and they even take turns hosting holiday celebrations. Jonathan and Neal show are an example of how matches are more than just mentorships, they become family. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9eEr3hNdL8 (Courtesy of Jennifer Kimura)
Another match that was awarded “Match of the Year 2023” was Youth Suhaila and Mentor Ellie Erickson on Maui who share a touching story. Through her mentorship with Ellie, she has been able to build her social skills and have the courage to make new friends. Suhaila recently won the BBBS Maui Scholarship for college after writing a beautiful essay about her experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters and how much her mentor has helped her. She says in this essay that she would not be in the same place she is today, without the help of Ellie.
It’s been 60 years since Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi (BBBSH) began impacting youth through their mentoring programs. In 1963, Hawaiʻi Judge Gerald R. Corbett summoned a group of civic-minded gentlemen to his chambers at Juvenile Court to address the rising concern of problem youth. Together, they established an organization on Oahu where qualified and dedicated role models could extend themselves to youth in need of guidance and support through one-to-one friendships. As a result, Big Brothers of Hawaiʻi was officially incorporated in March 1963. Big Sisters of Hawaiʻi later joined the organization in the 1970’s. Together, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi organization has successfully matched thousands of youth with volunteers in one-to-one mentoring friendships. These matches are supported by skilled case managers to ensure a positive impact for the child.
As part of our “Mentoring with Aloha” milestone celebration, BBBSH has awarded two of their matches the title of “Match of the Year 2023.” Youth Jonathan and Volunteer Mentor Neal Hafner were surprised with the announcement on March 16, 2023. When Neal first met Jonathan eight years ago, he described him as a quiet, shy kid. However, Neal has been able to help Jonathan break out of his shell and become “smart, outgoing young man.” They frequently check in on each other and support each other when needed. Their families have also bonded over the years and they even take turns hosting holiday celebrations. Jonathan and Neal show are an example of how matches are more than just mentorships, they become family. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9eEr3hNdL8 (Courtesy of Jennifer Kimura)
Another match that was awarded “Match of the Year 2023” was Youth Suhaila and Mentor Ellie Erickson on Maui who share a touching story. Through her mentorship with Ellie, she has been able to build her social skills and have the courage to make new friends. Suhaila recently won the BBBS Maui Scholarship for college after writing a beautiful essay about her experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters and how much her mentor has helped her. She says in this essay that she would not be in the same place she is today, without the help of Ellie.
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Congratulations to Dan and Zach for being our 2022 Match of the Year. Watch our Living808 March video (at left) to learn about their inspiring journey and growth through the years.
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Watch our recent videos on Living808. Courtesy of KHON2 J-2022.
Click link to watch Living808, aired in February 2022, features our Tyler Kurashige. Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii honored National Mentoring Month throughout February by hosting community events.
July 2021 marks a new beginning for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). We have a new National CEO, Artis Stevens, the first African American CEO in BBBSA’s 118-year history. With so much civil unrest across our country caused by discrimination and violence toward minority and marginalized individuals, Artis and his team have developed a movement to help us guide young people to create a more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive world for all people. To that end, Big Brothers Big Sisters is now known as a JEDI organization, which stands for Justice-Equity-Diversity-Inclusion.
BBBSA was created as an alternative to the juvenile justice system with a mission to keep as many young people out of that system as possible. We continue to do that by providing them with one-to-one, professionally supported mentorship. Now, in addition, we’ll coach our mentors to model and discuss what JEDI means and why it’s important that we all work to achieve a more accepting and far less violent community.
BBBSA was created as an alternative to the juvenile justice system with a mission to keep as many young people out of that system as possible. We continue to do that by providing them with one-to-one, professionally supported mentorship. Now, in addition, we’ll coach our mentors to model and discuss what JEDI means and why it’s important that we all work to achieve a more accepting and far less violent community.
After a full 4-days of events and celebration at our Virtual National Conference, we are feeling inspired, renewed and excited! We are ready to continue to amplify our purpose, to inspire youth equity and to empower our Littles to reach their full potential. Below is a video of our Dennis Brown, Inclusion Panelist, amplifying our voices for BBBS Hawaii.
“We as leaders and our employees need to be the first authentic examples. You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. To do that, we’ve got to be educated.” - BBBS of Hawai‘i President and CEO Dennis Brown
After a full 4-days of events and celebration at our Virtual National Conference, we are feeling inspired, renewed and excited! We are ready to continue to amplify our purpose, to inspire youth equity and to empower our Littles to reach their full potential. Below is a video of our Dennis Brown, Inclusion Panelist, amplifying our voices for BBBS Hawaii.
“We as leaders and our employees need to be the first authentic examples. You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. To do that, we’ve got to be educated.” - BBBS of Hawai‘i President and CEO Dennis Brown
Click HERE to read more about Navigating through a pandemic: How Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii continued to help children. 7/26/2021 WATCH VIDEO Courtesy of KHON2.
We’re very happy to announce that we’ve awarded scholarships totaling over $20,000 this year. It was the largest pool of scholars and dollars we’ve awarded in the past decade. A huge mahalo to all of the scholarship donors who make it possible for our graduates to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential!
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii Scholarship Program awards financial support to a current or former Youth , High School Mentor; or to a current BBBSH employee or their child. Each award helps our recipients further their educational pursuits. Mahalo to Nate Fong, scholarship coordinator and the selection committee for their hard work.
When you and your Youth join Girl Scouts, you can start your adventure. Your youth's membership will be provided at no cost through generous support of Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i. Contact join@gshawaii.org for more info.
Watch the KHON2 coverage of our June 27th Clothing Drive celebrating the reopening of our donation sites and the YMCA here: https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/clothing-drive-celebrates-re-opening-of-big-brothers-big-sisters-hawaii-donation-sites/
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Did you catch catch us on Hawaii News Now? Our President/CEO Dennis Brown explains how we are continuing to support one-on-one relationships virtually during this time of social distancing:
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/video/2020/04/15/checking-with-big-brothers-big-sisters-ceo-dennis-brown/
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/video/2020/04/15/checking-with-big-brothers-big-sisters-ceo-dennis-brown/
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When Virtual Becomes Reality: A Training for Bigs presented by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui team on April 17, 2020.
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Mentor Eric recently celebrated his Youth Kyan's 8th birthday with a drive-by celebration! Eric coordinated two fire trucks from the Waimea Fire Station to flash their lights, sirens, and blare their horns to catch Kyan's attention. Check out the article in The Garden Island, Kauai's local paper: https://www.thegardenisland.com/2020/04/20/hawaii-news/kylans-covid-birthday/
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