## Summary:
Jacob Peterson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento area, shares the organization's mission and impact on youth mentorship. Under his leadership, the program has grown significantly, expanding from 50 to over 300 matches and serving vulnerable youth aged 8 to 21 from low-income families, single-parent households, and foster care. Peterson recounts his personal experience with mentorship, highlighting how a caring adult transformed his life by providing support, encouragement, and guidance, which inspired him to become a mentor himself. The program fosters long-term relationships, with an average match length of six and a half years, and demonstrates measurable positive outcomes such as improved mental health, higher high school graduation rates, and reduced involvement in the correctional system. New initiatives include workplace mentorship programs and classroom volunteering, aiming to prepare youth for college and career success. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for male volunteers to match the predominantly male youth population and offers various ways to get involved, including becoming a mentor, joining committees, sponsoring matches, or participating in fundraising events. The presentation underscores the transformative power of mentorship in creating lasting impact and community support for at-risk youth.
## Overview of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)
- Over 120 years of history nationwide
- Specializes in youth mentorship
- Connects vulnerable youth with positive, caring adult mentors called "Bigs"
- Focus on supporting youth from low income, single-parent, or foster care backgrounds
## Jacob Peterson's Personal Mentorship Story
### Early Life Challenges
- Born in Auburn, raised in West Roseville
- Father left when he was 6; raised by single mother diagnosed with cervical cancer
- Faced uncertainty about future care and support
### Impact of Mentorship
- Mentors provided rides to church, attended basketball games, and spent quality time
- Mentorship helped build confidence and encouraged thinking beyond current circumstances
- Mentors introduced concept of college and reaching higher goals
### Becoming a Mentor
- Inspired by his own mentors, Jacob became a "Big" in college
- Matched with a 6-year-old named Xavier facing similar challenges
- Provided consistent support, encouragement, and guidance
- Maintained a 17-year friendship; Xavier was a groomsman at Jacob's wedding
- Mentor who officiated the wedding was also his own mentor, symbolizing the family-like community created
## BBBS Greater Sacramento Chapter
### Scope and Reach
- Operating for 63 years
- Serves 10 counties, primarily Sacramento
- Youth ages 8 to 21
- Focus on kids lacking support at home
### Volunteer Commitment
- Volunteers (Bigs) commit to 1 year minimum
- Meet 2-4 times per month
- Activities chosen by volunteers: sports, homework help, confidence building
- Average match lasts 6.5 years, often continuing beyond 21 years old
## Program Impact
### Mental Health and Well-Being
- Mentors often the only trusted adult in child's life
- Provide emotional support and a safe space to discuss struggles
### Educational Outcomes
- 95% of mentees graduate high school on time with a future plan
- Mentees are 5x more likely to attend college
### Life Choices and Behavior
- Mentees less likely to engage in drug/alcohol use
- Reduced involvement with the correctional system
- Mentors serve as a sounding board and guide for better decision-making
## New Program Initiatives
### Workplace Mentorship
- Partnerships with companies like Raley's and Tri Counties Bank
- Youth aged 15-17 visit corporate campuses
- Learn about life skills, college, and career pathways
### Classroom Mentorship
- Volunteers visit classrooms from elementary to high school
- Provide one-on-one time with students
## Volunteer Opportunities and Needs
### Becoming a Big
- Especially need male volunteers (70% of kids are boys but only 35% of volunteers are male)
- No upper age limit; many volunteers are 50+
- Volunteers receive support and free tickets to events (sports, movies, bowling)
### Other Ways to Get Involved
- Committee and board member roles (finance, fundraising, program committees)
- Sponsorship of matches to support program costs
- Event volunteering
## Annual Events
- Spring golf tournament
- Fall gala (October 3rd) featuring:
- Stories from matches
- Big and Little of the Year awards
- Hall of Fame induction
- Live auction
## Current Program Statistics
- Approximately 380 kids in the program locally (fall season)
- Launching 5 new school sites
- Over 100 kids on the waiting list
- Referrals come from parents, teachers, school counselors, and community partners
## Q&A Highlights
### Multiple Siblings in Program
- Example of a family with three boys, two matched successfully
- One without a mentor struggled and became involved in the correctional system
- Demonstrates the critical impact of mentorship
### Overcoming Barriers to Higher Education
- Mentors challenge limiting beliefs about college affordability and accessibility
- Educate on financial aid and scholarships
- Encourage belief in one's potential beyond current circumstances
## Closing Remarks
- Jacob emphasizes the mission to create lasting impact
- Encourages everyone to find a way to get involved regardless of time commitment
- Thanks audience for participation
