About Us
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska (BBBSAK) facilitates positive one-to-one mentoring relationships for vulnerable children and youth aged 6-21 who are facing the challenges of trauma, social-emotional concerns, stresses of military family life, foster system involvement, and school struggles. Our vision is for all children to achieve their full potential. BBBSAK serves an average of 400 children and youth per year in communities throughout Alaska, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Homer, Hoonah, Haines, and the Mat-Su Valley. BBBSAK partners with parents and guardians, volunteers, and community members so that kids experience: high aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships; avoidance of risky behavior; and educational success.
How Pick.Click.Give. makes a difference
Pick.Click.Give. donations cover a number of expenses associated with matching children with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, including staff time to recruit volunteers, enroll children and youth, provide training to volunteers, conduct screening and background checks, and provide the professional match support to families and volunteers that results in strong, healthy and impactful relationships that provide positive educational and social outcomes for kids. Our Match Support Specialists (MSS) come alongside Bigs, Littles, and Parents/Guardians to: (1) ensure child safety; (2) help Bigs and Littles develop satisfying relationships; and (3) promote positive life outcomes for Littles. MSSs help create the context in which mentoring works best. MSSs carry out training, coaching, and interventions so everyone in a match has a successful experience. On a case-by-case basis, MSSs provide Littles and their families with referrals to academic support, food and housing help, mental health care, or any resources the family needs for the child to thrive.
A former Little Brother who had moved to Alaska with a relative after suffering abuse, only to end up in the foster care system, had this to say about his relationship with his Big Brother: Dave has helped me through so much in my life. I would see Dave throughout everything I was going through. He never left me like everyone else did. He was always there for me. Dave has had a real impact on my life. Without him I don't think I would be the man I am today. Now a productive and contributing citizen, Billy is still friends with Dave after 14 years.