we're people who care, just like you

About Us

We're on a mission to

Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that IGNITE the power and promise of youth

Our vision is that

All youth achieve their full potential

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast provides one-to-one mentoring relationships to children ages 6-18 years old throughout the Gulf Coast of Florida in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Highlands, Hardee, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Collier counties.

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By the Numbers

2022Report

Our impact

With help from people like you...

 

%

Of students graduated high school or continued onto their next grade.

Related Program:
Decisions To Win

%

Of high-risk youths and students avoided truancy.

Related Program:
Juvenile Justice Mentoring Initiative

%

Of children maintained or improved reading proficiency.

Related Program:
Reading Bigs

%

Of at-risk middle school students were promoted through to high school.

Related Program:
Gateway To Success

%

Of graduates are joining the military, continuing their education, or entering the workforce.

Related Program:
Big Futures

GET TO KNOW OUR

Executive Team

  • Joy Mahler,
     President/CEO
  • Mark Ferster
    Vice President of Finance and Operations

  • Gina Taylor
    Vice President of Communications and Marketing

  • Jeanie Baik
    Vice President of Programs and Volunteer Experience

  • Kelly Palmer
    Regional Director – Lee/Hendry and Collier Counties

  • Jan Boram
    Human Resources Coordinator
  • Ras Fernando
    Comptroller

 

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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.

HOLDING OURSELVES

Accountable

View Our 2020-2021 IRS Form

We believe in full transparency. Click here to view the BBBS 2020-2021 990 IRS Form.

Access Our 2020-2021 Financial Statements
Review Our Privacy Policy

Use this link for quick access to our full Privacy Policy.

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

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We're here to help

Our OFFICES

 

  Venice Corporate Office

1000 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite C
Venice, FL 34285

(941) 488-4009

Get Directions

 

  Sarasota Office

2831 Ringling Blvd, Suite A-201
Sarasota, FL 34237

(941) 331-4376

Get Directions

 

  Highlands Office

366 N Fernleaf Ave
Sebring, FL 33870

(863) 402-9001

Get Directions

 

  Charlotte County Office

25166 West Marion #113
Punta Gorda, FL 33950

(941)764.5812

Get Directions

 

  Lee/Hendry County Office

8280 College Parkway, Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33919

(239) 288-4224

Get Directions

 

  North Port Office

6919 Outreach Way #B112
North Port, FL 34287

(941) 429-3727

Get Directions

 

  Collier County Office

1016 Collier Center Way, Suite 100
Naples, FL 34110

(239) 331-7133

Get Directions

 

  Hardee Office

1017 US Highway 17 North
Wauchula, FL  33873

(863) 448-4883

Get Directions

 

  Manatee County Office

5207 26th Street West, Suite 106
Bradenton, FL 34207

(941) 746-7000

Get Directions

 

  DeSoto County Office

3267 US-17
Arcadia, FL 34266

(863)722-0912

Get Directions

 

Be the one to show up

Learn more about how you can make a difference