Updates

School-Based Mentoring Programs are Back!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i (BBBSH) is thrilled to announce the return of its School-Based Mentoring Programs starting this 2024-2025 school year. This was made possible by support from Senator Brian Schatz, who secured Congressionally Directed Spending to help restart school mentoring programs that were offered prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs are designed to foster meaningful, one-on-one relationships between youth and mentors, empowering students to reach their full potential.

The School-Based Mentoring Program provides elementary and middle school students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a caring mentor, typically a high school student, in a supervised group setting after school. Matches engage in fun activities, play games, and complete homework, all under the guidance of trained BBBSH staff members. This program not only nurtures academic and personal growth but also encourages the development of long-lasting friendships.

“Ala Wai Elementary School is excited to reconnect with our community partners, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i” said Ala Wai Principal Michelle DeBusca. “We know how important it is for our students to connect with mentors who support their health and wellbeing. It is through the Big Brothers Big Sisters meaningful relationships that offer friendship and guidance that our students will thrive to reach their fullest potential.”

Students at participating schools who are interested in becoming mentors are encouraged to reach out to BBBSH directly, while parents and youth can reach out to their school counselors. Participants will be carefully matched based on personality, interests, and preferences, ensuring a positive mentoring experience. Mentors are committed to volunteering one day a week throughout the school year, with opportunities to continue for subsequent years.

To get involved, view the list of participating schools, or to apply as a mentor or youth, click here or contact us directly at [email protected].

Congratulations to our 2024 Matches of the Year!
On Maui, Youth Mandi-Lei & Mentor Beth have been matched since 2013 and both say they are basically family now. This pair enjoys doing activities such as going to the beach, going to the movies, and just being in each other’s presence. In April, Mandi-Lei testified in front of the Maui County Council to show support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. This youth has been in our program since age 7 and graduated this past May. She is headed to school in Nevada and looks forward to staying in touch with Beth.

On Oʻahu, Youth Alex and Mentor William have been matched for over 10 years. They play sports together, grab lunch, and William gives Alex a lot of life advice. Alex says “I don’t think I would be the same man I am today without his help and without him being in my life.” Alex is headed to Boise State for college, which William has guided him through the process. This has made Alex feel more confident in his decisions moving forward into adulthood. We celebrated them with an award presentation at the stunning Kauhala Beach Cove. Watch the video here.

Welcoming in a New Era of Leadership

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i’s (BBBSH) former President and CEO Dennis Brown retired on Dec. 31, 2023, after 25 years of service to the organization. Current COO Tyler Kurashige has been selected by the BBBSH Board of Directors to succeed Brown.
“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past 25 years and I’m grateful for the commitment of BBBSH’s staff, community partners and volunteers,” Brown said. “I have worked with Tyler for the past 17 years and I’m confident that under his leadership, BBBSH will continue to grow and provide vital support for Hawai‘i’s youth and families.”

Brown is the longest-serving CEO in the agency’s 60-year history and was also BBBSH’s first youth served. During his tenure, Brown grew the organization’s staff from 11 to its current 22; the annual operating budget increased from $600,000 to its current $2.3 million; and service levels grew from 250 children per year to more than 800 prior to the COVID pandemic. BBBSH has begun to implement new programs that will put it on track to serve closer to 1,000 per year.
In addition, BBBSH is expanding the breadth of its services by adding teen mentoring programs aimed to help students graduate high school and plan for their future.
“When Dennis became CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu was a small organization that served only O‘ahu,” said Steve Corbisier, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i's chairman of the board. “In 2007, he successfully expanded services to Kaua‘i. Five years later, he led negotiations with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui to merge and create a statewide entity to -more- serve all four counties providing tremendous growth and stability. The BBBSH board appreciates Dennis’s outstanding leadership over the past 25 years.”
About Tyler Kurashige
For over 20 years, Kurashige has volunteered and worked for community-based organizations and agencies in the human services field. He started his journey at BBBSH as an intern in 2006, and currently serves as COO. During his tenure, Kurashige has overseen Statewide agency operations and program services, managed diverse community partnerships and innovative programs, and fostered resources to support needs across the islands.
“I am grateful for the many mentors and people who supported me throughout my life and I know firsthand the importance of having connection, friendship and hope in pursuing future aspirations,” Kurashige said. “I’m honored to be a part of this amazing organization that creates meaningful relationships for youth who need it the most. I look forward to working closely with our partners, board, volunteers, donors and our entire BBBSH team to lead this organization into its next phase of growth and service to the community,” Kurashige said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i Celebrates 60th Anniversary

It’s been 60 years since Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i (BBBSH) began impacting youth through their mentoring programs. In 1963, Hawai‘i 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 O‘ahu 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 Hawai‘i was officially incorporated in March 1963. Big Sisters of Hawai‘i later joined the organization in the 1970’s. Together, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i 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.

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.

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 Hawai‘i 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.

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 Hawai‘i.

“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 Hawai‘i continued to help children. 7/26/2021 WATCH VIDEO Courtesy of KHON2.

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 [email protected] 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/

Hawaii News Now Reporter and MentorCasey Lund shares the value, vital need, and importance of our program now more than ever.

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/

When Virtual Becomes Reality: A Training for Bigs presented by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui team on April 17, 2020.

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/