Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana

Who We Are

Founded in 1967, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is part of the largest and most experienced youth mentoring network in the United States, connecting caring adult volunteers with young people in need of a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 100% locally funded mentorship programs—from our 1-to1 community mentor relationships to our broader ecosystem of facilitated programming—help equip young people with skills, confidence, and positive relationships to help them achieve their full potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is dedicated to serving youth from all backgrounds throughout the 10 counties we serve across Kentucky (Jefferson, Shelby, Oldham, Bullitt, Hardin, Grayson, and Nelson) and Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, and Harrison). 

We all benefit from mentoring because when young people are supported and realize their full potential, they change our community for the better. Every $1 invested in mentoring returns $3 in public benefit through reduced spending on criminal justice, social services, and remedial education.

When a young person gains a mentor, the benefits cascade outward: families grow stronger as youth become more engaged and hopeful; schools see improved attendance and reduced behavioral issues; employers gain better-prepared workers with stronger hard and soft skills; communities experience reduced crime and increased civic participation; and society as a whole becomes more connected across differences of class, race, and background.

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Our Mission

Create and support meaningful mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Our Vision

All youth achieve their full potential.

Our Impact

In our 2026 Fiscal Year, Big Brothers Big Sisters:

• Served 786 youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships
• Impacted 3,000+ lives through staff connections with caregivers, siblings, and mentors
• Spent 18,000+ hours on volunteer enrollment, training, and match support

Youth in our programs report the following positive outcomes:

• 100% avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system
• 98% graduate high school on time
• 96% have a stronger ability to manage emotional situations
• 90% maintain or improve their mental health

Groundbreaking research from Harvard University confirms that mentoring delivers real, measurable economic outcomes:

• BBBS Littles are 20% more likely to attend college or trade school
• BBBS Littles earn 15% more over their lifetime compared to non-mentored peers
• Being a BBBS Little closes 2/3 of socioeconomic gaps

"Being a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. From the very beginning, I realized that this wasn’t just about mentorship—it was about building a genuine, lasting connection with a young person who simply needed someone to show up, listen, and believe in them. In our community, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the gold standard for mentorship, and I’m proud to be part of their mission."

-Big Sister Pam G.

"As new resident to the region several year ago, being a Big gave me an immediate relationship, friend, family, and purpose. Whether you are a life-long resident, new to the area, progressing in your career, or have evolving capacity in your personal life, Big Brothers Big Sisters has a program to match your schedule and heart. I am forever grateful for the relationships and maturity gained from my experience as a BIG, it has made me a better father, employee, and neighbor in my community."

-Big Brother John L.

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