Every year, we’re reminded that the greatest strength of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area lies in our extraordinary community. As we look at our 2025 Impact Report, we’d like to take a moment to step back and look at the “Big Picture”.
2025 was a year of profound growth and empowerment. From the classrooms of the East Bay to the art museums of San Francisco, mentorship has been out in our community.
Here’s a snapshot of what we achieved together in 2025, and where we’re heading together next.
Our Impact By The Numbers
We’re thrilled to report that our focus on expanding our reach is showing tremendous results.
Mental Wellness: In a time where youth anxiety is rising, 83% of Littles experienced fewer symptoms of depression.
Growing Reach: We served 511 youth across all 9 Bay Area counties, making 27% more matches than the year prior.
Academic Success: 100% of young people in our program aimed higher in school, and 95% of our eligible Littles graduated high school.
Our Community of Young People
Our Littles represent the rich multifaceted landscape of the Bay Area:
- 62% of our youth live in single-parent households, with 29% having one or more family members that are incarcerated.
- Male-identifying youth make up 62% of our waitlist, but we’re excited to serve all youth who want mentors regardless of gender identity.
- 30% of our youth identify as Black, and 26% identify as Hispanic.
The Stories That Make Up Our Community
The stories from our Bay Area community drive our mission. This year, we highlighted the Nunez Family, who featured five siblings that all found mentors in our program. What started as simple outings turned into a village of support, proving that mentorship ripples out to uplift entire families.
We also celebrated Little Michael, whose passion for art was nurtured by his Big, Conor. Today, Michael is studying architecture at his dream college, a perfect example of how supporting sparks leads to brighter futures for young people.
Our report highlighted the journeys of Little Aalisha and Little Andrew, both of whom struggled with confidence but found support in their Bigs Kristen and Wrug.
For Aalisha, having Big Kristen stick with her helped her overcome behavioral challenges and realize she could be confident in herself. For Andrew, Big Wrug became his biggest supporter during the college application process, challenging him to stand up for what he believes in.
Securing Tomorrow: The Legacy Society
As we celebrate the immediate impact of 2025, we’re also looking ahead. A lasting commitment requires a strong, reliable foundation.
In 2025, we saw incredible generosity from our Legacy Society:
- 5 donors left legacy gifts totaling $835,460.
- 23 new commitments were made to leave a planned gift.
Making a planned gift, whether through a bequest in a will, a living trust, or a retirement account, is a powerful way to invest in the long-term potential of Bay Area youth. It’s a testament to the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, not just today, but for generations to come.
Join Us on the Path to 2030
Our forward momentum is spearheaded by a clear vision. As we look toward 2030, we’re committed to our three pillars: Program Impact & Innovation, Community Engagement, and Financial Sustainability.
Whether you’re a Big, donor, partner, or Legacy Society member. You’re an essential part of this journey.
Looking to volunteer? Start your journey by signing up to be a mentor today.
Need extra support for your child? Enroll them in our program here.
Want to make a donation? Give a gift to our program.