About Us
We are the largest youth mentoring organization in the state of Rhode Island!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating and supporting mentoring relationships that empower young people and strengthen families. We connect youth with caring adult Mentors who show up consistently, offer encouragement, and help them build confidence and connection.
With the support of volunteer Mentors (“Bigs”), Mentees (“Littles”) are reminded of their strengths, supported through challenges, and given the space to grow into their full potential. Every mentoring relationship is professionally supported to ensure meaningful, long-lasting impact.
At BBBSRI, we believe It Takes Little to Be Big. Whether you give financially, volunteer your time, or donate unwanted clothing, linens, and small housewares, you’re joining a statewide movement to strengthen youth, families, and communities.
We serve youth ages 7–25 throughout Rhode Island through flexible mentoring programs designed to meet them where they are they’re at.
Established in 1966—originally as the Big Sisters of Rhode Island, to assist at-risk girls in Rhode Island. The Board of Directors and CEO oversee two 501(c)3 organizations with a shared mission to ‘Create and support one-on-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.’:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI) – the youth mentoring organization.
- BBBSRI Donation Center – a social enterprise that collects donations of used clothing and household goods for resale as a means of generating funds to support the mentoring program expenses.
