About
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa enables life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people facing adversity. We carefully and intentionally place an additional, consistent and supportive mentor in these young people’s lives.
Volunteer mentors are intentionally recruited based on the needs of local youth and are professionally screened. The mentor, mentee, and family receive training and are monitored and supported by a designated professional caseworker. Youth and their families also receive access to opportunities through BBBSO supporters such as new running shoes, outdoor clothing, technology, and holiday hampers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa has been creating youth mentorship matches in the Ottawa community for over 50 years, and in Renfrew County for six years. Our programs have grown from the traditional Bigs 1:1 program to include programming for elementary and secondary school students, youth in care, and young adults aged 18-24 with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Our Impact
An incredible transformation takes place when a young mentee is matched with an adult mentor who expresses care, challenges their growth, provides support, shares power, and expands their possibilities. These mentees build the life skills they need to be successful. We also see positive changes to their mental health, wellbeing, educational engagement, and employment readiness.
For every $1 invested in mentoring by Big Brothers Big Sisters, there is a $23 social return on investment to the community, as the child grows up and becomes an adult who gives back by becoming a volunteer or donor themselves.
In 2020, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa and Renfrew County mentorship programs impacted more than 4,000 individuals within the community.
