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bigs and littles

May We Say Hello

By In The News

Big Sister Jaclyn and Little Brother Jacory have been matched for nearly 8 years! Over time, they have grown a strong bond and refer to one another as “Big & Little J.” Initially, Jacory was a little hesitant about being paired “with a girl because they don’t like sports.” Jaclyn quickly showed him that “girls can be fun and participate in sports” and so much more! Now, Jacory feels grateful for his Big Sister; their match has blossomed into a true, joyful friendship. Their time together has been filled with fun and learning; Jacory introduced Jaclyn to gardening and now they swap plants. Other activities over the years include painting pottery, cheering on the Rays, building sandcastles, and cozy homework sessions at bookstores.
As Jacory transitioned into high school, their connection has strengthened. During the pandemic, they kept in touch using technology to make sure they stayed connected. Soon, Jacory will have a special role in Jaclyn’s wedding ceremony and has been part of the planning leading up to the big day! Their story is testament to how a meaningful match, nurtured with time and effort, can grow into a lifelong friendship. We are so honored to watch Jacory and Jaclyn grow and learn together. And who knows, we might just see Jaclyn standing by Jacory’s side on his big day!

Do you feel inspired by Jaclyn and Jacory’s story? You, too, can make a lasting difference in the life of a child and your community by becoming a Big! Mentorship is a powerful way to create positive change, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start your journey as a mentor, reach out today to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can build brighter futures, one match at a time!

Click Here to Learn More and Sign Up!

Big Draft Spotlight: BBBS Tampa Bay Featured on ABC Action News

By In The News, Uncategorized

We’re excited to share that ABC Action News recently spotlighted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and our Big Draft campaign—our bold push to recruit 60 mentors in 60 days before the NFL Draft this April.

The news story highlights how our local chapter is stepping up during National Volunteer Month, encouraging the community to join our mission to empower youth through mentorship. This effort is part of a national collaboration with the NFL Inspire Change initiative, aligning our call for Bigs with the NFL’s recruitment season.

“Mentorship is game-changing,” said Chris Letsos, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. “Just like in football, kids need a strong team behind them. Our Bigs provide the support, encouragement, and opportunities to help a young person succeed.”

Watch the segment below to meet some of the amazing Bigs and Littles changing lives across Tampa Bay:

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship is proven to deliver long-term impact. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America released a Harvard research study showing that:

  • 20% more likely to enroll in post-secondary education
  • 15% more lifetime earnings
  • Closes two-thirds of the economic opportunity gap for youth facing adversity

Whether you’ve thought about becoming a mentor or are just learning about us, this is your sign to get in the game. Join our team of Bigs and be the reason a child in your community feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Be Part of the Big Draft

If you’ve got four hours a month and a heart for giving back, this is your moment to step up. Become a Big and help us meet our goal of recruiting 60 new mentors before April 24.

Read the full ABC Action News story here:
Big Brothers Big Sisters holding ‘Big Draft,’ looking for next team of mentors

bbbs tampa bay big brother and big sister of the year

2025 Big Sister and Big Brother of the Year

By In The News

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Big Sister and Big Brother of the Year: Janae and Carl! These extraordinary mentors have gone above and beyond in their commitment to making a difference in the lives of their Littles and their communities. Janae and Carl embody the spirit of mentorship, compassion, and resilience that are at the heart of our mission.

Janae and Taniya

Janae comes from a multi-generational Big family, her father having been a Big. Working in the Department of Juvenile Justice, she had seen many children in the community struggle. She felt like she could make a difference by helping them think a little bigger and gain different experiences.

Starting their match when Taniya was just 7, she is now 16 and maintains her honor roll status. Their lunch outings provided an escape from the world, providing some sense of normalcy, especially during times of adversity and housing instability.

“I’m proud of what she’s accomplished and where she’s gone; she has come so far. She didn’t always talk to me and express herself, but we’re working on talking things through. Her confidence went up, she is very articulate, and we chat non-stop now.
“I act as an external person who can talk to her and let her vent. Some of these kids have been let down so many times by other adults in and out of their lives.

Janae offers as a final piece of advice to future Big mentors: What we do is not extraordinary. It doesn’t take much time. It’s about consistency. To quote Dr. Seuss: Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Carl and Calab

“So many people say you can’t change the world, but I think you can.” Carl had a solid foundation growing up and later became a father. After the nest had emptied, he wanted to help young men without father figures. Now, Carl is proud of the mutual trust and understanding he shares with his Little Brother Calab.

Carl shares, “At first you might think ‘How am I going to entertain this kid?’, but BBBS makes it so easy. “Even from the beginning, we had lots of fun and didn’t have to try too hard. “Just show up and they know they can count on you.”

Calab is the oldest child out of four siblings – and the only boy. “There is a lot of love in that house, and I have a lot of admiration for Calab’s mom. She teaches them to be respectful. It was always ‘Mr. Carl’ when we first got together.”

Over the years, learning opportunities have come up, such as financial responsibility and opening an investment account. Calab’s A-B grades earn him frequent visits to a popular fast-casual Mexican food chain. His confidence has improved, resulting in better relationships inside the home and at school.

“Nothing is more important to the future than our kids. At the grassroots level, BBBS is shaping this future.”

Do you feel inspired by Janae and Carl’s stories? You, too, can make a lasting difference in the life of a child and your community by becoming a Big! Mentorship is a powerful way to create positive change, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start your journey as a mentor, reach out today to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can build brighter futures, one match at a time!

Click Here to Learn More and Sign Up!

2022 Bigs & Littles of the Year

By Match Stories

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay staff members nominate Bigs & Littles who have shown outstanding growth in our program and truly exemplify what it means to ignite the power and promise of youth. We are proud to announce our 2022 Bigs & Littles of the Year!

BIG BROTHER BILL & LITTLE BROTHER JAHEEM

Bill and Jaheem

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Big Brother Bill and Little Brother Jaheem have been matched since March 2017. Jaheem is one of seven children in his family, so his mom thought he could use a positive role model and some one-to-one time with someone he could trust.

Bill recently got married and asked Jaheem to be a part of the wedding. Jaheem had the honor of walking the ring down the aisle with Bill’s canine pet Ringeaux. Jaheem had the time of his life at the wedding, dancing and enjoying the celebration of this new chapter in his Big’s life. Jaheem always lights up when talking about his relationship with his Big. “My Big Brother is an amazing person, and he’s unique, and we get along well, and he’s like family to us.”

Jaheem knows that he can share anything with Bill. This trust made Jaheem feel safe in coming out to his Big. Jaheem felt it was important to be himself around his Big, saying, “You gotta be yourself and don’t change for anybody.” Bill told Jaheem that he appreciates him sharing his personal feelings and that it’s healthy to be genuine and honest. To show his support, and with Jaheem’s parent’s consent, Bill took Jaheem to a few pride events so that Jaheem could feel the camaraderie of being with other people in the LGBTQ+ community. Jaheem says he always has fun with his Big Brother, and Bill feels the same.

BIG SISTER SHANDRA & LITTLE SISTER ASHARIA

Asharia and Shandra

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Big Sister Shandra & Little Sister Asharia have shared a friendship for over four years. Before they were matched, Asharia and her mother struggled to manage Asharia’s diabetes, resulting in hospitalizations, and leading to Asharia being placed in medical foster care. After returning to her mom, Asharia’s mother knew she needed a friend and role model to help her through the difficulties she faced growing up with diabetes. And Shandra stuck with Asharia ever since and made managing Asharia’s diabetes a top priority.

Due to issues with Asharia’s health, she has switched from in-person school to virtual school multiple times. Switching schools and learning new platforms is difficult for any child, especially when it happens often. Shandra was able to help Asharia through these transitions and is a source of consistent support. Shandra and Asharia talk about new ways to study and manage the new school year in whatever learning platform was occurring, focusing on Asharia doing her best. Thanks to study sessions with her Big, Asharia has made the honor roll numerous times.

Shandra has been a constant in Asharia’s life through all the changes. Asharia feels safe talking to her Big about how she was feeling due to COVID and her health, process through life’s changes, resolving any challenges together.

Start your volunteer journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay here.

2021 Bigs & Littles of the Year

By Match Stories

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay staff members nominate Bigs & Littles who have shown outstanding growth in our program and truly exemplify what it means to ignite the power and promise of youth. We are proud to announce our 2021 Bigs & Littles of the Year!

 

BIG BROTHER CHRIS & LITTLE BROTHER JAMES

Chris and James

For more than five years, Chris has provided support, guidance, and stability in helping James through some challenging times, including his father‘s passing. Chris enjoyed his relationship with James so much that he joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Board of Directors. And James, now 16, paid Chris perhaps the highest compliment, sharing recently that he hopes to be a Big Brother himself one day.

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BIG SISTER JULIA & LITTLE SISTER MADISON

Madison and Julia

Little Sister Madison was only seven years old when she first met Big Sister Julia and was not quite sure what to think of this new person in her life. Now, after five years of fun and friendship, both agree that their relationship is destined to last a lifetime. And Julia has enjoyed the experience so much that she joined the agency’s Pinellas Leadership Council and has actively helped promote the agency to potential new corporate partners and volunteer mentors.

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