about bbbsaz
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children realize their potential and build futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. And we couldn’t do any of it without you.
CHANGING PERSPECTIVES. CHANGING LIVES.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, we are committed to building life-changing connections that ignite the power and promise of youth. Through our one-to-one mentoring programs and our school-based peer mentoring program, we create meaningful, relationships that empower young people to overcome challenges, build confidence, and pursue their dreams. Whether matched with an adult mentor or paired with a peer mentor at school, youth receive consistent guidance, encouragement, and a foundation of trust that helps them realize their full potential.
At BBBSAZ, mentorship is a powerful pathway to a brighter future. By standing with youth, we break barriers, open doors, and inspire lasting growth. Every mentoring relationship is intentionally built and supported to help young people thrive with confidence and resilience.
Our Vision is Clear
ALL YOUTH ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
We envision a world where every child has the support and mentorship they need to thrive. Our goal is to ensure that all youth, regardless of their circumstances, have the resources and relationships necessary to reach their full potential.
We believe that when young people feel seen, heard, and empowered, they become confident leaders, changemakers, and contributors to a stronger community.
Our Values
THE HEART OF EVERY BIG CONNECTION
Belonging
We value the acceptance of all, the celebration of unique differences, and the uncompromising inclusion of all perspectives. We work to ensure that all youth, regardless of background, have the support and resources they need to graduate high school, explore career pathways, and achieve success in life.
Resilience
We value and recognize the remarkable resilience of youth and families and the ability of our community to work together to overcome obstacles and adapt to challenges.
Accountability
We value transparency and uphold our commitment to the community and each other with integrity. Through taking ownership of our actions and their impact, we intentionally steward relationships and the resources entrusted to us to achieve our mission.
Vision
We value the ongoing evaluation and evolution of the agency to maximize our impact. We innovate with imagination and wisdom, transcending current notions of what is possible.
Empathy
We value leading with empathy and blieve unconditional kindess has the power to form genuine connections and build community. We approach all interactions with authenticity and compassion to create mutual respect and understanding.
70 YEARS STRONG: MENTORSHIP THAT MATTERS
1955
Big Sisters of Arizona was started by Justice Lorna Lockwood and 2 concerned Phoenix women.
1966
Valley Big Brothers was started by Barry Starr, former Police Officer and City Councilman. He served as Executive Director for 17 years.
1974
As Big Sisters International’s first full member agency, Big Sisters of Arizona was incorporated.
1982
Bowl For Kids Sake debuts as a national signature fundraiser for BBBS. Phoenix agency now does its spin-off event, Tee Up For Kids.
1986
Big Sisters of Arizona and Valley Big Brothers merge to form Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters. Linda Searfoss was named Executive Director. She served for 31 years in the role, growing the organization to one of the largest in the country.
1990
Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters partners with Savers Thrift Stores to build a clothing donation operation, which now generates close to $1M in revenue for our mentoring program.
2002
Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters became Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona to cover parts of Pinal and Gila counties. Agency reaches 1,500 active matches.
2017
Paul’s Car Wash, the annual Pay It Forward fundraiser hosted by Paul Horton from AZ Family, celebrates 10 years by raising a record $330K for BBBSAZ.
2022
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona purchases its first building. The Nute Family Mentoring Center houses BBBSAZ staff members and offers recreation space for matches.
2025
BBBS of Central Arizona marks 70 years as Phoenix’s top donor-supported youth mentoring agency, serving 2,000+ youth annually through mentoring, family resources, and community partnerships.