Big Brothers Big Sisters

In 1964, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay began its history as Big Brothers of Hillsborough County. Big Sisters of Tampa was formed soon after in 1965 when a juvenile court judge, James Calhoun, and a local women’s group recognized an overwhelming need for it. In 1967, A. Ernie Ortiz became the first “Little Brother” in the national organization’s history to rise to the post of Executive Director of a Big Brother affiliate. It wasn’t until 1981, however, when Big Brothers of Hillsborough County and Big Sisters of Tampa finally merged to create Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Currently headquartered in South Tampa, a few miles from Numis Network’s corporate headquarters, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is now celebrating 30 years of helping young boys and girls in the Tampa area.

The Children that participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program come from diverse backgrounds, and once admitted, become known simply as “Littles”. Littles can range in ages from 5 to 12, but once they are matched with a Big Brother or Sister, can remain in the program until age they graduate from high school. These are all children who genuinely desire a mentor and sincerely appreciate their Big Brothers and Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers a variety of programs that allow volunteer mentors the chance to spend quality time with their Little Brother or Sisters both in the community and at the child’s school. Volunteering can simply involve taking your Little Brother or Little Sister for a walk, making arts and crafts, or attending a sporting event. It is not about how much money you spend on them; it’s about the quality time spent doing things that you both enjoy. They even make available free or reduced price tickets to local events for volunteers and their Littles.

Thanks to their dedicated volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay successfully serves children from all walks of life. Their mission is to help Tampa’s children reach their full potential by means of professionally supported one-on-one relationships with volunteer mentors like. Numis Network is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

If you would like to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay or are interested in volunteering as a mentor, you can find more information on their homepage at www.bbbsfl.org or call them at 813-769-3630.