Big Brothers Big Sisters Orange County
HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CALIFORNIANS DISCOVER THEIR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS
Redirecting the Lives of Youth Through the Power of Mentoring
Through a variety of mentoring programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County strives to decrease the number of disconnected youth in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In their view, empowered and encouraged youth have the potential to change their world, and our world. They believe that every child is born with potential to succeed, but with life’s obstacles and adversities, the opportunity to change the direction of their life on their own is limited. Caring mentors empower youngsters to envision a bright future and strive for goals they once believed were out of reach.
“I had a lot of friends who never made it to high school or college—or their 18th birthday. I think that had they had a mentor, it could’ve changed their path or direction, just by a little guidance and seeing something outside of their normal day-to-day life.”
Joe
a Big Brother Big Sister O.C. volunteer and mentor to Iseah
Children of low-income families often have no one to guide them through life and look beyond their own circumstances. Since 1958, the programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County have filled the gap and changed lives. Banc of California stands behind Big Brothers Big Sisters’ admirable and impactful programs. We provide financial donations, and our employees participate in the Workplace Mentoring program, where Banc volunteers meet with high school students and a program specialist, providing exposure to a professional business environment.
The core programs are Traditional Mentoring, where adult volunteers are matched with youth ages 6–16 with twice-monthly activities; Big Couples, where two adults (in a relationship) mentor a little brother from 6–16, engaging with him twice a month; and High School Bigs, where student volunteers, guided by a program specialist, mentor younger students at their elementary schools. More than half the youth live below the poverty line, putting them at greater risk for poor academic achievement.
Connecting California Youth with Role Models Who Can Put Them on a Path to Success
“Research shows that having a Big Brother or Sister makes an enormous difference in helping underserved youth change the trajectory of their lives,” says Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of O.C. “We believe every child is born with potential. And with someone in their corner, they have access to new opportunities and academic paths that set them up for future success. There is an every-growing urgent need for volunteers who want to create positive change in their community.”
Banc of California believes there are youth in all corners of Orange County who can be our leaders of tomorrow—in their communities, homes and places of business. However, thousands of children who live in less affluent communities, lack role models or simply receive no attention will underachieve in school and perhaps life. By taking an active role in mentoring youth and supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters, we show kids and their families that we care about them and are willing to have a role in helping to create, strive for and reach new goals and horizons.
“Banc of California’s generous donation offers 15-20 high school students the opportunity to jump start their professional development with exposure to a large corporation like BOC and one-on-one time with accomplished mentors. Through the Workplace Mentoring program, students have the opportunity to explore career possibilities, discover academic pathways and build relationships with Banc of California mentors who are skilled professionals in their field.”
Bianca Carranco
Director of Development, Big Brothers Big Sisters