Big News
Manifest Quest Success
Created to give Matches fun, meaningful activities during what can be isolating winter months, the Manifest Quest encouraged Bigs and Littles to set a goal and embark on an activity quest. Through intentional planning and teamwork, Matches worked towards their goal and had a chance to win an awesome prize.
From the Pandemic to Today: Big Brother Jamel, Little Brother Logan, and Aunt Kathy Journeying Together
For Big Brother Jamel, Little Brother Logan, and Aunt Kathy, their Match journey began in July 2020 under some challenging circumstances – the COVID pandemic. Having shifted from all in-person interviews and trainings with Bigs, Littles, and families to Zoom sessions, Big Brothers Big Sisters got creative in working through these important processes, finding ways to host initial Match meetings, and keeping everyone engaged and safe.
Getting to Know Big Sister Haritha, Little Sister Ariyah, and Mom Shicora
While Big Sister Haritha, Little Sister Ariyah, and Mother Shicora met in-person for the first time in July 2025, you would never know that they are just eight months into their mentorship journey.
Getting to Know Big Sister Khadra, Little Sister Findia, and Mother Frances
Big Sister Khadra and Little Sister Findia’s match is filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection. From their very first meeting, the two clicked naturally, sharing stories, new experiences, and a mutual love of learning and community. Over time, their bond has grown stronger—built on trust, encouragement, and shared joy. Together, they’ve created memories that highlight the heart of mentorship and the positive impact of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Big Hearts, Big Family, Big Impacts
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge, it is not unusual for us to have siblings—even twins—in the program. It is unique, however, for us to have three siblings matched at once. While meaningful for the family, it is not lost on us how meaningful it also is to our Bigs and our entire BBBSCBR community to have each child matched with a mentor who believes in them and wants to help nurture their inherent potential.
Q & A with Little Sister Justyce and Big Sister Cathy
Meet Big Sister Cathy and Little Sister Justyce. Their Match has grown stronger since the very first time they met. What started with practicing multiplication and reading has turned into a friendship filled with fun, learning, and new experiences. They’ve celebrated birthdays, cooked meals together, and tried creative projects. This past summer, they participated in the Summer Adventure Quest where they volunteered at the Albemarle County Fair. It has been wonderful to see this Match grow and create lasting memories.
Q&A with Big Brother Frank and Little Brother Jax
We’re excited to introduce one of our newest matches—Big Brother Frank and Little Brother Jax! Though they were just recently matched, these two have already built an incredible connection. Frank, a longtime former board member, has supported our mission for years, and it’s inspiring to see him now stepping into this new role as a mentor. We can’t wait for you to hear more about their journey so far. Read on for a Q&A with Frank and Jax!
Match Story: Linda & Saliha
A few years into retirement, Linda decided to become a Big Sister. She had always enjoyed working with young people and was looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community while empowering a local youth – and she has certainly done just that! Linda and Saliha embark on a variety of adventures each month. Together, they regularly participate in many of our program offerings, including Big Benefits and the Summer Adventure Quest.
Challenge Accepted: Generous Matching Gift Opportunity Helps Leverage Giving to BBBSCBR
For Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, committed advocates, and an enthusiastic network of partners and supporters are key to our ability to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Ulta Beauty and Big Brothers Big Sisters
Since 2016, the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation (UBCF) has been on a mission to make a difference in the communities where they live and work, particularly by empowering the well-being of women and teens. In 2023, UBCF expanded its partnership commitment with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) from a local agency partnership with BBBS of Metropolitan Chicago to the national level, expanding its investment broadly after seeing the value of the impact BBBS makes in the communities it serves.
Big & Little, Real Talk: Q&A with Alexys and Ziah
Alexys and Ziah were matched in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic—proving that even in uncertain times, connection and mentorship can thrive. What began as virtual meetings soon grew into one of our strongest matches, built on trust, shared experiences, and a deep commitment to showing up for one another. Over the past five years, Alexys has been a consistent and inspiring presence in Ziah’s life, helping her see her own strength and potential. Their story is a powerful example of the lasting impact a caring adult can have, and how BBBS relationships often grow into lifelong friendships.
With Every Step: Thank You, Charlottesville Track Club and Charlottesville Ten Miler Team
The connections between the race and the Club with BBBSCR run deep, from leadership volunteers (yes you, Mark Lorenzoni and Diane Rosin Okusa) to assistance with hosting annual run/walk events, and more. BBBSCR was proud to be named a secondary beneficiary of the 50th running of the Charlottesville Ten Miler, contested on March 22.
Mentorship in Action: Alan and Justyn’s Journey
Big Brother Alan and Little Brother Justyn's story is a powerful example of mentorship at its best. From their first nervous encounter to sharing exciting experiences like running races and trying Taekwondo, their journey has been all about growth, support, and building a meaningful friendship. Through their time together, they've witnessed the profound impact a mentor can have on a child’s life. Learn more about their inspiring journey in this Q&A.
A Community of Support
2024 represented a year of renewal and growth for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge. We served 73 youth and made 24 new Matches (an increase of 41%), creating and supporting relationships central to the development of our Littles while equally benefiting their families, our Bigs, and our community.
Match Activity Ideas: Let’s Get Creative in 2025!
As our BBBS matches look toward this shiny new year of 2025, our staff is here to support you! Maybe your Little is into making things? Building models, arts and crafts or other hands-on activities.
Exploring Bright Futures: A Little Sister’s Journey to Virginia Tech and Beyond
For Little Sister Alaja, the future's looking bright! A high school junior with a passion for architecture, Alaja has spent the past year diving deep into her dream of becoming an architect. With her Big Sister Erin by her side, Alaja has been exploring college campuses to find the perfect fit for her goals. Together, they recently visited Virginia Tech to tour the campus and its renowned architecture school.
BBBS Fall Hike 2024: A Day of Nature and Community
We had an incredible time during the BBBS Fall Hike on the Frazier Discovery Trail! A huge thank you to Ranger Whitney for being our guide and sharing fascinating insights into the natural wonders we encountered along the way.
Big Spotlight: Trick Bike Riding in Charlottesville!
Big Brother Adam and Little Brother Da'Moni have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for nearly four years, sharing a love for the outdoors and staying active. From hiking in Shenandoah National Park to their newest hobby—biking—the duo makes the most of their time together. This summer, they visited Charlottesville Community Bikes, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing kids in the Charlottesville area with safe bicycles and helmets.
BBBS a CavFutures Foundation 2024 Champion of the Community
This summer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge was ecstatic to learn it was one of 13 local non-profit organizations to receive $10,000 through the CavFutures Foundation inaugural Champions of the Community grant program.
Playing Ball and Changing Lives - Match Spotlight: Big Brother Andrew and Little Brother Egypt
Egypt and Andrew’s story began one year ago, August 2023. Since then, they have formed a remarkable bond. Egypt's mother has noticed significant positive changes.