(Phoenix, AZ) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is expanding access to evidence-based, professionally supported mentoring relationships for at-risk youth in the West Valley, thanks to the generous support of Thunderbirds Charities.

The BBBSAZ mentoring program is designed to help youth achieve positive outcomes in academics and relationships while reducing engagement in risky behaviors. Through one-to-one mentoring, trained volunteer mentors are matched with children and adolescents who benefit from consistent adult support and positive role models. Matches meet regularly throughout West Valley communities, building meaningful relationships that foster resilience, confidence, and long-term success.

This support allows BBBSAZ to expand outreach to potential volunteers, businesses, and community partners to better serve West Valley youth through one-to-one mentoring, group mentoring, and Waiting Little events. These events provide positive social experiences, exposure to caring adults, and opportunities to build confidence while youth await a mentor. By increasing services in this region, BBBSAZ is working to ensure more young people have access to the support they need to thrive.

“The West Valley is home to many of our Waiting Littles, where the need for volunteers is especially great,” said Debbie Castillo-Smith, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. “These young people deserve access to opportunity and support, and expanding our mentoring services helps ensure more youth have a trusted adult in their lives and the encouragement they need to succeed.”

Youth enrolled in BBBSAZ’s mentoring program experience improvements in academic performance, stronger relationships with peers and adults, and increased social-emotional well-being. By addressing the lack of access to caring adult role models, the program serves as a key protective factor for youth growing up in under-resourced communities.

Through this expanded effort, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona continues its commitment to creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth across the Valley.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ)

This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.