Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico (BBBS-CNM) provides positive life change for at-risk youth through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adults. Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is that all youth achieve their full potential. We hold ourselves accountable for each child we mentor achieving: higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships; avoidance of risky behaviors; and educational goals. BBBS-CNM, a leading affiliate of BBBS of America, was established in 1969 and has since grown to serve over 1,500 children/youth annually across 10 counties in New Mexico. BBBS-CNM serves some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged youth ages 6–18 with one-to-one mentoring. BBBS-CNM mentees come from low-income, BIPOC households, have incarcerated parents, and live in single-parent homes. Many identify as failing in school, having poor school attendance, demonstrating behavioral or emotional issues, or being involved/having a sibling involved with the juvenile justice system. They contend with enormous disparities, and are likely to develop fewer positive assets than their peers. BBBS-CNM provides a range of mentoring programs to meet the diverse educational needs of at-risk youth from predominantly underserved communities. In the community-based program, mentoring matches spend time together out in the community building their relationships and enjoying a wide variety of educational, recreational, and social activities. Crossroads provides one-to-one mentoring geared to youth age 12 and older with facilitated group activities that provide peer interaction, professional support, and age-appropriate activities. Outdoor Mentoring Programpromotes health and well-being by removing barriers for children/youth to experience rich outdoor opportunities in New Mexico’s natural landscapes. In the site-based program, mentoring matches meet once a week for an hour at a school or community center and spend their time on academic, enrichment, and recreational activities. Mentors augment teacher efforts by providing focused, one-to-one attention to children in need of additional academic support. mentor2.0 is embedded in high schools and prepares high school students for college and career success. High School Leadership Programestablishes mentoring relationships between elementary students and high school students. Younger students receive the benefits of having a mentor closer to their age as a role model, while BBBS-CNM professional staff mentor high school students to gain leadership and socio-emotional learning skills through mentoring, and to build their senior portfolio for college/career success. Special initiatives include Discovery Festival, an annual event that acquaints youth with STEAM professions through hands-on learning opportunities facilitated by local organizations and professionals. Our programs offer learning opportunities in safe environments that promote a sense of belonging and support the whole child development. Our programs recognize the unique potential and strengths within each child, and through meaningful mentoring relationships and experiences support young people in identifying and achieving their personal goals around educational success and social-emotional learning/health. Youth have access to opportunities to expand their interests, motivations, values, and identities and develop a career and community mindset.