Endowment Partner Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties 

For over 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties (BBBS) has created and supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The organization's vision is for all youth to achieve their full potential. The nonprofit creates meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles) ages 4 to 18. BBBS is committed to empowering every child on the path to graduate with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact will last a lifetime.

The BBBS Reads program works with VPK to third grade students on their literacy skills in a school-based one-to-one tutoring program. The Bigs and Littles program serves youth in one-to-one mentoring friendships. Each match is supported by a dedicated match support specialist who provides resources and support. Last year, BBS served 837 local children in 20,302 one-to-one mentoring sessions, equaling over 500 days of mentoring in 2023.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties is also a part of our Endowment Partners Program (EPP).  The purpose of the EPP is to help local charities plan for their long-term sustainability by growing a permanent endowment fund. During a 12-month program, participants learn about endowments, planned giving, investment management and marketing solutions that inspire loyal donors to make planned gifts from their estates. The program is coordinated by IRCF team member Yamilet Cendejas.

Click here to donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties. Donations can also be made through your donor-advised fund by logging into My Fund or by contacting a member of our team at donorservices@ircommunityfoundation.org or 772.492.1407.