For over 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound has been guided by a single belief: one consistent, caring adult can reshape a young person’s trajectory. Not through programs or platforms. Through relationships.
We don’t match young people with a curriculum. We match them with a person—a Big—who shows up consistently, listens without judgment, encourages curiosity, and helps them see what’s possible for their future. Through that relationship, young people build confidence, skills, and connections that last.
The relationship itself is the intervention. And the evidence shows it works.
Add a consistent, caring adult to your child’s life who sparks their curiosity, builds their confidence, and helps them see what’s possible. The difference is real.
Show up consistently for a young person and give them something no algorithm can: your experience, your guidance, and your belief in who they can become.
Build the future workforce of Puget Sound. Partner with us to connect your company to career-ready, confident, and AI-curious young people.
Every mentoring match depends on donor support for mentor training, background checks, ongoing support, and the staff who ensure relationships thrive.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound provides three unique mentoring modalities to fit the diverse needs of different participants and communities. These modalities offer accessible options that allow volunteers to build meaningful relationships with youth, are responsive to community needs, and make a lasting impact on the lives of local kids.
We serve King, Pierce, Kitsap, Snohomish, and Island counties. Since 1957.
Bigs and Littles matched in the community-based program meet up on their own schedule, connecting independently for at least four hours each month. Community-based mentoring is the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters model, which has been in use for over 100 years.
Bigs and Littles matched in site-based programs meet up during facilitated sessions at local schools and partner companies’ offices for structured activities. Site-based programs are partnerships between schools, BBBS, corporations, and some government entities.
Group mentoring is an innovative new solution developed to meet the needs of young people while decreasing community violence utilizing the “Credible Messenger” model. In group mentoring, we connect several Littles with a single mentor who shares their background and has lived their experiences.
Bigs and Littles matched in the community-based program meet up on their own schedule, connecting independently for at least four hours each month. Community-based mentoring is the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters model, which has been in use for over 100 years.
Bigs and Littles matched in site-based programs meet up during facilitated sessions at local schools and partner companies’ offices for structured activities. Site-based programs are partnerships between schools, BBBS, corporations, and some government entities.
Group mentoring is an innovative new solution developed to meet the needs of young people while decreasing community violence utilizing the “Credible Messenger” model. In group mentoring, we connect several Littles with a single mentor who shares their background and has lived their experiences.
Yvan really inspires me to think more about the future. I do feel like I’m talking to my Little Brother.
I admire his guidance and how he helps me … He always gives me advice, helps me work out stuff if it’s not going well. I’ve learned communication skills.. a lot of teamwork.
Its been really fun to watch you grow up over these years and see your confidence bloom
It’s really fun to live in the world of ‘yes’ with Peytan
Moving from Africa to the U.S. was a big adjustment for me and my daughter. Thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters and her amazing mentor Bethany, Precious has adapted better, and even our arguments at home have went down.
What I would tell someone considering being a mentor is that it doesn’t take a lot of time. Communication is key!
Abby, you were a great mentor this year and I had lots of fun with you! Hope to see you next year! Pet Louie for me!
Dear Kyle, When we did The pasta tower it was soo fun and we both like snow boarding. I will see you next year
Thanks for all the fun times we had. The lava lamp was the best also I scored my first goal!
This feels like the most important work that I have done all year.
“It’s not really that we’re [Bigs] helping them, its that we are assisting them in accessing the resources they need to make stuff happen. These kids now; they know whats good. They are brilliant and creative. They’re link: Give me an opportunity and I’ll run with it.”
“My Little has the crayon box, and she just needs help to identify the colors. Yes, being in the corner as a Big is important, but kids are doing the thing. Whatever she does next is going to be brilliant. It doesn’t even matter if it takes her a while … like the opportunity to witness that was just like … oh, my gosh.”
“Having a Big is awesome! It’s like having this incredible friend who’s got my back, helping me navigate the world, and teaching me valuable life lessons.”
“Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a blessing in my life. All 3 of my children have had Bigs, and each Big has been just the right person to connect with them.”
