For over 59 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI) has been the largest mentoring agency in the state. We believe that every child has limitless potential, and it is our responsibility to young people to help IGNITE, INSPIRE, and EMPOWER that potential.
Strengthening our Community, Mentoring and Beyond
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI) is the largest and oldest youth mentoring organization in the State of Rhode Island. The Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) oversee two 501(c)3 organizations with a shared mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
The two organizations are:
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island — a mentoring organization for youth ages 7-25 that creates one-to-one mentoring relationships the ignite the power and promise of youth; and the
• Donation Center Foundation of Rhode Island — a social enterprise that collects donations of used clothing and household goods for resale to generate funds to support the mentoring program expenses.
Our Donation Center opened in 1997. Donations are collected through a system of home pick-ups, community donation drop-off centers, community collection drives, and clothing donation bins. The Donation Center also operates profit-sharing partnerships with more than 130 Rhode Island non-profit organizations and municipalities which host clothing donation bins or clothing drives in exchange for revenue generated by the bin or box. Funding generated by the Donation Center operation accounts for 70% of BBBSRI’s annual operating income to support the more than 250 young people in our programs through mentorship, as well as 2500+ Rhode Islanders through case management, wrap-around services, emergency assistance, career exploration, emergency assistance, and more. In 2024, we raised over $150,000 to nonprofit agencies and municipalities. Check out our Big Green Bin partner listing!
By donating unwanted clothing, linens, and small housewares, you can help generate funding and furthering our impact in the Rhode Island community. Our partnership with Savers Thrift Stores has been a key factor in allowing us to increase the number of children and families we serve.
A Holistic Approach
Our mentor program's goal in the short term is that young people will be more engaged at school, benefit from healthier relationships with peers and family, make sound decisions, solve conflict with positive communication, and develop a sense of caring for others. Over the long term, more young people will graduate from high school, attend college or develop a trade, delay parenthood until adulthood, and, as adults, be self-sufficient and give back to their community.
Services Provided
BBBSRI's Enrollment and Case Management sets Big Brothers Big Sisters apart from other mentoring programs, by leading to longer Match relationships resulting in greater positive outcomes for young people.
Intake & Enrollment: Our intake and enrollment process involves thoroughly assessing the Mentor, Mentee, and family. This approach ensures that each individual enrolled in our program is well-vetted, trained, and prepared for the expectations of a mentoring relationship. This effort is why our annual retention rate is 86% compared to a national average of 71%.
Case Management: Once a Match (mentoring pair) is created, a Case Manager (CM) provides ongoing coaching and support. CMs are trained in motivational interviewing, relationship building, child safety, youth mental health, and DEI and must complete 50 hours of continued education annually. BBBSRI limits a CMs caseload to 65 Matches to enable them to spend time building authentic relationships and ensure time to follow up when issues/concerns arise. We have seen lower Match closure rates in alignment with lower caseloads. On average, BBBS National affiliates MSS’ oversee 80-100 Matches. In 2024, BBBSRI had a closure rate (percent of Match relationships ending in a calendar year) of just 14% compared to 28% nationally.
Annually, through our case management services we provide wrap-around services to over 2500 individuals. These services include:
Warm referrals to Mental Health and Community Organizations- needs are identified during routine case management calls. CMs make referrals and follow-ups when needed.
Crisis Intervention Services- needs are identified during routine case management calls. CMs make referrals and follow-ups when needed.
Goal Setting- BBBSRI uses an evidence-based tool, the 4S’s, developed by the Search Institute, to assist staff in learning about the Mentees’ strengths, struggles, sparks, and supports to set SMART goals. With the information collected and consideration of the goals of the guardian, BBBSRI staff and the Mentee create goals. Additionally, all Mentees’ have a goal related to self-care and improved mental health/well-being.
Translation Services- 45% of the program team is bilingual. We offer translation services to families for school meetings, appointments, etc., when needed.
Family Empowerment and Investment Fund- provides emergency basic needs assistance to families every quarter for rent, utilities, groceries, and personal hygiene items. In addition, monthly, BBBSRI provides mini-grants to families for the Mentee to participate in enrichment opportunities that they would not be able to afford otherwise. Funds have supported tutoring, driver’s education courses, sports fees, dance, sewing classes, and more. Since its inception in July of 2021, BBBSRI has distributed $128,500.09 to families.
Camperships- provides camperships to Mentees enrolled in BBBSRI mentoring programs. This opportunity is offered to all Mentees. In 2023, BBBSRI provided 20 Mentees with camperships.
Scholarships- offers $2,000 for Mentees graduating and going into their first year of higher education or trade school. Additionally, Mentees can receive up to $10,000 for their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of higher education.
Holiday Assistance- offers holiday assistance in the form of gift cards to every family in need of support. Funds are awarded based on number of children enrolled in BBBSRI Mentoring programs. Providing gift cards empowers families to purchase what is needed for their families and make decisions on gift giving.
Empowerment Workshops- quarterly BBBSRI provides workshops and trainings to support Caregivers and their family units.
Family Events and Activities- on an ongoing basis BBBSRI offers free activities and events for families to attend.
Match Activities- free activities hosted by BBBSRI staff or in collaboration with community partners and include activities focusing on STEAM, social-emotional learning, relationship building, and health and wellness. BBBSRI provides different tickets to sporting events, plays, movies, community activities, and more with no charge.
- Back-to-School Supplies- Annually, BBBSRI provides back-to-school supplies for all Mentees and their family units who need supplies.
Download our 2019 Annual Report