Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region
Grants Awarded
The Outdoor Mentoring Program provides youth aged 5 to 18 with equitable access to the outdoors, fostering connections between mentors and participants through shared activities that enhance their understanding of nature. By addressing the needs of low-income and minority youth, the program aims to reduce social isolation, improve mental health outcomes, and promote healthy habits, ultimately benefiting both individual participants and the wider community.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) outdoor mentoring program aims to empower youth through 4-6 hours of monthly outdoor activities, fostering relationships between mentors and mentees in hiking, fishing, and conservation. By emphasizing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, the program ensures that all young people have the opportunity to connect with nature and their community, ultimately promoting personal growth and community engagement.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region aims to implement a comprehensive initiative in rural and tribal communities of Northern, Western, and Southwestern New Mexico to bridge the outdoor equity gap. By connecting mentors with youth through outdoor activities and creating targeted marketing materials, the program seeks to inspire positive change, strengthen community connections, and enhance opportunities for young people in the outdoor recreation industry.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region (BBBSMR) is dedicated to creating a lasting impact on the lives of children and communities in Northern, Western, and Southwestern New Mexico. Established in 1979, BBBSMR has been a steadfast pillar of support, guided by the belief that every child possesses inherent potential that can be unlocked through the right guidance. Mission: BBBSMR’s mission is rooted in providing children facing adversity with strong, enduring, and professionally supported one-to-one mentor relationships. The organization strives to ignite the inherent potential within each child, empowering them to achieve success across various facets of life. Communities Served: With a strategic focus on both rural and urban settings, BBBSMR currently extends its services to children and families across 11 counties (Cibola, Dona Ana, Grant, Los Alamos, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, San Miguel, and Taos), five Pueblos (Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Tesuque, and Zia), and a portion of the Navajo Nation. Our service area extends to a total of 18 counties and 9 Pueblos. Seven Counties (Catron, Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Sierra, and Union) and four Pueblos (Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, and Taos) are slated for future expansion. Notably, we place a special emphasis on tribal communities, showcasing a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by youth in the region. Program Offerings: Traditional Community-Based Mentoring: BBBSMR’s flagship program involves matching volunteer mentors, known as “Bigs,” with children, known as “Littles,” to form impactful one-to-one mentoring relationships. These matches engage in diverse activities in the community, providing support, guidance, and positive experiences tailored to the children’s needs. School-Based Mentoring: Recognizing the pivotal role of education, BBBSMR offers school-based mentoring programs. In this initiative, volunteer adults or high school students mentor elementary and middle school students on site before, during, or after school, fostering supportive relationships that positively influence academic performance and personal development. Outdoor Mentoring Program: As a pioneering initiative and extension of our community-based program, BBBSMR’s outdoor mentoring program expands the organization’s reach into the realm of outdoor recreation. This program is meticulously designed to offer children opportunities to explore the outdoors, engage in physical activities, and build meaningful connections with their mentors in natural settings. This includes regular “group” activities where mentor matches (Big/Little pairs) can participate in a preplanned activity with other matches such as an organized hike or guided activity. Impact and Recognition: BBBSMR has garnered recognition for our significant contributions to youth development over the years. In 2023, BBBSMR was recognized as the nonprofit of the year by the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce. The organization takes immense pride in the success stories of individuals who, through mentorship, have overcome challenges and achieved personal and academic success. Collaborative Partnerships: BBBSMR actively collaborates with hundreds of community organizations, businesses, and schools/educational institutions, enhancing its ability to reach more children and provide a diverse array of resources and opportunities. This collaborative spirit strengthens the organization’s impact and underscores our commitment to the communities we serve.