About Us

Igniting POTENTIAL

Since 1968, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping to change kids’ perspectives while giving them the opportunity to reach their potential.

In 1977, the organization was reorganized and renamed, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Sarasota County. During this period, children in communities such as Englewood, North Port, Nokomis, Laurel, Osprey and Venice were serviced.

In 1996, The name was officially changed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. Accompanying this change was an expanded service area that added West Charlotte County and established satellite offices in North Port and Englewood.

Since then, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has extended their reach to include the rest of Sarasota County, DeSoto County, Manatee County, Highlands and Hardee County, Lee County, Collier County, plus Hendry and Glades County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast believes a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization is one where all staff, volunteers, youth, and families feel valued and respected. Through an ongoing commitment to our growth as an agency, we are accessing tools to help our children overcome equity barriers and forge a pathway to achieve their potential.

Hear it directly from our community

When we help others we grow into the people we need to be... Sometimes what appears to be ‘small’ to us is ‘big to someone else.
—Carlos Bates, Big Brother of the Year

I was hesitant at first about becoming a Big Sister. What did I know about children, never having any of my own. What did I have to offer a child, and was I good enough? I soon discovered you don't have to be perfect (lucky me)! I think the most important quality of a Big is to listen, to share your life experiences (good and bad) and to sprinkle fun times along the way. 
—Big Sister of the Year, Harriet Thompson