About BBBS

ABOUT US

We are accountable for each child in our program achieving:

Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
Avoidance of risky behaviors
Educational success

Our Programs Start Something

Here’s the proof. National research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. Not only did this study, deemed foundational to the mentoring field, provide the evidence to support our mentoring model, but it also heightened the demand for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Learn more about mentoring a child in your community.

Changing perspectives. Changing lives.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge operates under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the area’s leading provider of evidence-based mentoring, our agency makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 16, in the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities.

Our vision: All children achieve success in life.

Mission: To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Supporter Spotlight: Mark Lorenzoni

Mark Lorenzoni, the owner of Ragged Mountain Running Shop in Charlottesville, serves as the Vice President of the BBBS Board of Directors. We had the privilege of hearing more about his motivation in supporting BBBS, and his impact in the community. Congratulations to Mark and his team at Ragged Mountain for recently being awarded the first ever ASICS “Sound Body, Sound Mind Award” at the National Convention of Running Specialty Shops, a national award given to the running shop that best exemplifies their company mantra of being a good neighbor.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your company.

Cynthia and I started the Ragged Mountain Running Shop in the winter of 1982. We were very small and very timid about it even though we believed in what we were doing. There wasn’t another shop like it in town, and we felt there was a need for it. We started out with 500 square feet on Elliewood Avenue. We wanted to be in the University setting, so we stayed on Elliewood. Now we have more than 35 employees, including our two children who will ultimately take on the business.

You are also very community minded. Please talk about your partnership with local charities.

Our parents were very involved in their communities. As we got to know each other, we realized that we came from similar backgrounds, and that our parents had a similar attitude: “Give back to your community.” It was natural for us when we opened our doors. We decided to try to give back at whatever levels we could. It started with footraces, but we felt we needed a balance. I started to be on Boards and one thing led to another. BBBS is my 18th Board. Very few of the organizations I have worked with have anything to do with running. We teach Sunday school, sit on a lot of task force committees, etc. We are trying to create the best neighborhood we can for our community.

Since joining the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, what is one thing of which you are most proud?

I’m really proud of being a supporter of these Bigs who mentor once a week, 52 weeks of the year. When I talk to people about the organization, I tell them to think of someone outside of their family that they have coffee with or get lunch with once a week. Right away they are perplexed – that’s a major commitment! I’m part of a unit that supports this mission and the Bigs are a large part of that mission.

What do you hope to see accomplished under your tenure?

I’d like to continue to see the mission flourish, and for the staff to feel supported. The Board is involved in many different tasks. I’d really like to see it be an organization that is distinct and identifiable in the community. I think we’re getting there, and more and more people are recognizing who we are. I’d like to be a part of that.

Why should others support Big Brothers Big Sisters?

When you support BBBS you're helping to make this a better community, not only for the families of our "littles" but also for everyone who lives and works here.

Jersey Mike's Partnership

We are so appreciative of the Charlottesville Jersey Mike's staff and their partnership with us in March. They raised over 12 thousand dollars over the course of the month, including their Day of Caring on March 28th when 100% of their proceeds were donated to our agency. Thanks to all who visited Jersey Mike's and supported our effort to help develop long-term mentoring relationships for those that need us the most!

Annual Big Appreciation

On April 10th we hosted our annual Big Appreciation event in honor of our amazing Bigs. The evening included the recognition of several graduating UVA Bigs, as well as the announcement of the agency's Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year, honored for their dedication to their Littles and support of our agency. BIG thanks to T he Commonwealth Reserve , The Local , and Chandler's Bakery for helping to make this event possible.

Big Sister of the Year
Ashley Hefner

Ashley and her Little Sister, Nevaeh, have been matched for 4 years. Her steadfast dedication to her Little has been unwavering through academic struggles and personal obstacles. Ashley has never questioned the difference she is making in her Little's life. Nevaeh is 14 years old now, and at a critical point in her young adult life where the presence of a mentor is so crucial. Ashley has remained her friend first and foremost. Nevaeh says of Ashley, "You have given me space to grow when I needed it and you were there when I needed you. Thank you for being a positive person to help me through issues."

Big Brother of the Year
Michael Weiner

Michael has been matched with his Little Brother, Jahcear, since 2015. Living with his Grandmother, Jahcear started out incredibly soft-spoken and needed a male role model in his life. Jahcear's Grandmother said, "Michael has a great, positive impact on him. Jahcear has learned to walk away from bullies." Jahcear added, "Michael is special because he takes me places I have not been to, and I have learned to set up a tent and go camping, hiking and throw a ball. If I never had a Big, I would never have any fun. I really appreciate Michael for all that he does for me."

Follow us

Call Today!