Bigs with Badges

Bigs with Badges Impact

  • Connect public safety professionals with youth in positive ways
  • Reduce crime and youth/community violence
  • Enhance the quality of children's lives
  • Emphasize the importance of education
  • Promote careers in public safety

Youth Who Have Mentors Are

  • Less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol
  • More likely to stay in school
  • More likely to make positive choices for their future

Who Are Our Littles?

Littles are children ages 6-18 looking for a positive role model in their life. Many live below the poverty threshold or in single-parent homes and come from a variety of backgrounds with a wide variety of interests. We currently have a wait list of kids (mainly boys) who are looking for a mentor from their community. The role of the mentor is to provide emotional support and encourage them to see their self-worth. All our Littles need and deserve a mentor and friend.

 

Volunteer Opportunities that Fit Your Schedule

Community-Based Mentoring: Meet up with your Little at least two times per month for one year to do things you enjoy when you both have the time. Explore your common interests by attending a sporting event, going for a hike, or cooking together! It's up to you and your Little. You'll be invited to exclusive match activities including sporting events, attractions, and gaming entertainment.

Site-Based Mentoring: Visit one of our partner elementary schools to meet your Little for one hour per week (or at least 2 times per month) during their lunch break. You will meet with the same child each week and can spend time eating lunch, participating in structured activities, playing games, working on homework, or hanging out on the playground. Check with your department to find out if this can be an on-duty supported activity.

Our Sites 

Boys & Girls Club - Colangelo Branch (Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets: On 34th Ave, just North of McDowell Rd
(MEETS 1st & 3rd Monday between 4:00-5:00 PM)  

Child Crisis Center - Independent Living Complex (Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets: 20th St and Thomas
(MEETS 2nd & 4th Thursday between 6:00-7:00 PM)  
The youth enrolled in this program are young adults in foster care who reside at an independent living complex. Structured activities in this program will be focused on helping youth graduate from high school, prepare for college/trade school and career exploration.

Emerson Elementary
Cross-Streets:  Alma School & University
(MEETS Tuesdays & lunch times vary between 11 AM-1 PM)

ICAN Youth Center
Cross-Streets:  Arizona Ave & Pecos
(MEETS every other Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 PM)

Lowell Elementary School
Cross-Streets:  3rd Ave & Buckeye
(MEETS Tuesdays & lunch times vary between 11:30 AM-1 PM)

Maie Bartlett Heard Elementary School  
Cross-Streets:  Thomas & I-17
(MEETS Tuesdays & lunch times vary between 10:30 AM-1 PM)

North Tempe Multi-generational Center (Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets:  Near Scottsdale Rd & McKellips
(MEETS 1st & 3rd Thursday between 4:00-5:00 PM)  

one•n•ten LGBTQ Youth Center
Cross-Streets:  Central Ave and Portland
(MEETS every other Saturday from 11 AM-1 PM

Sacaton Boys & Girls Club
Cross-Streets:  Seedfarm & Cholla Ave
(MEETS every other Wednesday from 4:30 PM-5:30 PM)

San Marcos Elementary
Cross-Streets:  Frye & Arizona Ave
(MEETS Thursdays & lunch times vary between 11 AM-1 PM)

Scales Technology Academy
Cross-Streets:  5th St & Hardy
(MEETS Thursdays & lunch times vary between 11 AM-1 PM)

National Bigs in Blue Program Builds Bridges Between Youth, Communities and Law Enforcement

Meet Big Brother Ryan and Little Brother Robert

When Big Brother Ryan lost his house, and his dog, to an electrical fire, his little Brother, Robert, was worried and scared. Matched for nearly two years, Ryan, who works as a detective with the Roanoke Police Department, and Robert, have formed a close bond. When Robert and his family first heard about the fire, they immediately called their BBBS Match Support Specialist. How could they support Ryan? Was he safe? Ryan jumped back into his weekly meetings with his Little Brother and reminded him that they are always brothers and are there to support one another in hard times.