50 Years of History
Since 1968, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping change kids’ perspectives and giving them the opportunity to reach their potential.
And we have thousands of volunteers, donors, and advocates just like you to thank.
1968
Big Brothers of Venice was formally chartered on November 18, 1968.
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.
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.
1997
The Board of Directors completed an agreement to merge Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarasota with the Sun Coast organization. This expanded the service area to include the rest of Sarasota County.
2000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast began serving children in Desoto County with our Bigs in School program at Desoto High School.
2001
Manatee County Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate merged with the Sun Coast organization.
2006
Florida Ridge Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate comprised of Highlands and Hardee Counties completed the expansion of the service area.
2011
Additional expansion of service delivery occurred in the areas of Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades Counties as they became available for service and were acquired from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) for purposes of restarting service delivery to the communities.
Port Charlotte office opens in the Port Charlotte Town Center mall and the Lee County office opens in Ft. Myers.
2012
Collier County office opens in Naples, Florida
2015
Launched Beyond School Walls (BSW) Program in Lee/Hendry County
2016
Launched Beyond School Walls (BSW) Program in Sarasota County