By The Numbers
our mission
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that
ignite the power and promise of youth.
our vision
All youth achieve their full potential.
We recognize that while all youth have equal potential, they do not have equal opportunity. Our evidence-based mentoring services achieve our vision through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.
big & little match program
1-to-1 mentorship relationship between a Big (adult mentor) and Little (youth mentee.)
BIG:
adult mentor
little:
Youth mentee
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![a white man with glasses speaks during a professional networking event]()
"As new resident to the region, being a BIG gave me an immediate relationship, friend, family, and purpose. no matter your situation, Big Brothers Big Sisters has a program to match your schedule and heart. I am forever grateful for the relationships and maturity gained from my experience as a BIG, it has made me a better father, employee, and neighbor in my community."
Former Big Brother John
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![A man and a young boy standing together smiling, with the man’s arm around the boy’s shoulders, against a plain wall background.]()
"We met when he was 8 years old and not very tall, and now he's 6'4 or 6'5 calling me a shrimp! From the time that he was young and looking at who he is now, he's just much more confident, and he's got a little 'swag' to him."
Big Brother Tory
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![An adult woman and a young girl are sitting on swings at a park, laughing and enjoying themselves. Other children and adults are visible in the background.]()
"My Little Sister, Rae, has been talkative, but I think she's been able to become more comfortable and open to who she is. I'm normally an introvert, and Rae brings out a chatty side of me! We're always talking, joking, and being lighthearted."
Big Sister Morgan
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![Two smiling men standing inside a bowling alley, wearing matching red and white shirts with text and arrows, during a celebration or event.]()
"I was matched before I had kids of my own, so [being a Big] allowed me to develop patience, empathy, and the ability to lead by example. All things that have proved so valuable as a parent. "
Big Brother Steve
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![Two men in golf attire standing next to a golf cart on a golf course. They are smiling, and golf clubs are visible in the golf cart.]()
"Being a Big isn't a one-way connection where I'm the one providing support for him, or giving him the ability to grow. It's something where I've also changed throughout. This is an opportunity for both the Big and Little to grow into being better people."
Big Brother Miles
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![Two women smiling at the camera at a stadium, one wearing a denim jacket and the other in a floral dress with a shoulder brace, with the stadium seats and field in the background.]()
"Just take the leap! The Big Brothers Big Sisters program matches you so well that after an hour, I feel like we'd known each other forever."
Big Sister Kat
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![Two men in a professional setting shaking hands and talking. A woman in the background holding a coffee cup.]()
"As a psychologist, I know the short and long term impact a positive, meaningful relationship between a Big and Little can have on the child. HAVING BEEN A BIG FOR 5 LITTLES OVER 30 YEARS, I’VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO SEE EACH ONE GROW AND THRIVE."
Big Brother Joe
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![A man in a black suit and white shirt standing indoors, smiling at the camera.]()
"I’m a BIG fan of giving back to the community, and mentoring is one mechanism of doing so. For me, it's about the personal satisfaction and fulfillment in helping others succeed, grow, and achieve their goals. There's no better feeling than that!"
Big Brother Elias
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![A smiling young African American woman with long dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt with bold text and a necklace against a gray background.]()
"My Big Sister has helped me set achievable goals, excel academically, and get ready to attend college. I'm excited to have her as a friend for life!"
Little Sister Daesha
Give the gift of mentorship
Give the gift of mentorship
What sets our youth mentoring services apart from other programs is our intentional matching process, ensuring every Big and Little has common interests and each match is set up for long-lasting success. We provide high-quality professional support throughout the entirety of every mentor relationship. And our process works! The average length of community-based mentor relationships is 3 years.
When you help fund a match, you empower potential.
our core tenets
We believe when every young person has access to a positive mentor, it transforms their lives for the better — empowering them with a stronger sense of belonging and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
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We believe every young person deserves a mentor who sees them, listens to them, and stands in their corner. No matter a young person’s background, experiences, or circumstances, we meet them where they are and ensure they feel valued, heard, and supported.
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We create spaces where young people feel safe and seen. We nurture a sense of belonging that allows youth to show up as their full selves, building trust, resilience, and confidence along the way. Safety and well-being—emotional and physical—are central to everything we do.
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We open doors. We walk beside youth as they explore new paths, develop new skills, and imagine what's possible. Through mentorship, we help young people grow into leaders, learners, and changemakers.
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If you're weighing volunteer options in Louisville or Southern Indiana, here's the short answer: youth mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana delivers more lasting impact per hour than almost any other form of volunteering.