Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

For more than 65 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. BBBSAZ makes meaningful, professionally supported matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in Maricopa County and Pinal County. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Our volunteers help children in our community who need and deserve mentors build self-confidence and realize their potential.

At BBBSAZ, one of our keystone beliefs is that every young person has the potential to do great things. Unfortunately, kids today are in crisis and their potential can be threatened.  

Anxiety and depressive symptoms doubled for young people during the pandemic, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on protecting youth mental health. In 2021, emergency room visits by teens for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher than in 2020.  

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentors add additional layers of support for the mentees enrolled in our programs. Bigs provide a safe, trusting environment where youth can share their thoughts, process their feelings and gain confidence to try new things. 

According to an article from Mentor.com, “Mentors have always been assets to young people when they are experiencing periods of stress, depression, anxiety, or even more serious mental health challenges. Inherent in the role of mentor is the idea that this person is there for a youth through the good and the bad, but especially in times when life feels overwhelming or hopeless.”

National research has shown us that kids matched with mentors through BBBS programs had better mental health outcomes than their peers. In addition, research has shown that kids in BBBSAZ mentoring programs are: 

• 46% – less likely than their peers to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% – less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% – less likely to skip school
• 37% – less likely to skip a class
• 33% – less likely to hit someone

They also exhibit an increase in resiliency and overall self-esteem. 

Please consider joining us to protect the mental health of youth in our community!! Together, we can provide the support kids need to be successful and reach their full potential.

VOLUNTEER to become a Big. Meet up with your Little at least two times per month for one year to do things you enjoy. Explore your common interests together but, most importantly, be a listening ear and a source of guidance for a kid. To learn more visit bbbsaz.org/volunteer.

DONATE in support of our mentorship programs. BBBSAZ is a qualifying organization for the Arizona State Tax Credit. Through this program, your donation becomes a dollar-for-dollar tax credit (up to $400 per individual or $800 per couple, filing jointly). To make a gift, please visit bbbsaz.org/donate.

For other questions or to look into enrolling a child, please visit bbbsaz.org.

Who We Are

Name of Organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Top Local Executive Name: Laura Capello
No. of Years with Org.: 11 years, one month
Main Local Office Address:
1615 E. Osborn Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 264-9254
Website: bbbsaz.org
Number of Locations in Greater Phoenix: 1
Year Established Locally: 1955
City Nationally Headquartered: Tampa, FL
Type of Services: Youth Mentorship
Specialties: One-to-One Mentoring, Group Mentoring, College and Career Readiness.