Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Mentoring Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Mentoring Programs offers one-to-one mentoring for youth ages 5 to 18. The program includes Community-Based Mentoring, School- or Site-Based Mentoring, Mentor2.0, e-mentoring, Amachi, Beyond School Walls, Big Couple/Big Family, Bigs in Blue, and Bigs Outdoors. Bigs and Littles meet 2-4 times a month in Community-Based and School- or Site-Based Mentoring, with Mentor2.0 using weekly virtual check-ins and monthly in-person meetings and e-mentoring using weekly virtual contact and video chats twice a month.

Programs

• Community-Based Mentoring — 2-4 times each month · Shared activities and everyday moments; volunteer meets with Houston youth on a schedule set together.
• School- or Site-Based Mentoring — 2-4 times each month · Mentor meets on campus or at a partner site during the school day.
• Mentor2.0 — Weekly virtual check-ins and monthly in-person meetings · Support for a high school student focused on future goals and career readiness.
• e-mentoring — Once a week virtually and video chats twice a month · Virtual mentoring with parent/guardian support and involvement.
• Amachi — Supports children with incarcerated parents and family members.
• Beyond School Walls — 2-4 times per month · Students from nearby schools meet at a corporate partner’s office with an employee Big.
• Big Couple/Big Family — Mentor a Little alongside a significant other or family members.
• Bigs in Blue — Connects youth and police through mentoring.
• Bigs Outdoors — Matches Littles with caring adults who share an interest in the outdoors.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• General schedule: Bigs and Littles meet 2-4 times a month; Mentor2.0 has weekly virtual check-ins and monthly in-person meetings; e-mentoring includes weekly virtual contact and video chats twice a month.

About the provider

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Mentoring Programs is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The organization serves youth in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Tarrant County, West Central TX, Wichita County, Collin County, Denton County, Dallas County, Abilene, Stephenville, and Wichita Falls. Its leadership team includes Jenny Harper, Jennifer Scott, Pierce Bush, Michael O’Teter, April Bruce, Dwayne Bivona, Alistine Turnbull-Blackshear, Kelly Glaser, Mallory Wilcox, Jean Hall, and Christina Snell.

All Bigs are background and referenced checked, interviewed, and receive ongoing training and support. Parent(s)/guardian(s) participate in the enrollment interview and monthly match support contacts for Community-Based matches. Big Couples and Big Families typically are matched with Little Brothers ages 11 and younger. School Based matches may become School Plus matches if desired. In e-mentoring, in-person contact is not allowed unless at a planned, supervised BBBS match activity. The program is a no cost program.

What families say

“Jenny and I are a perfect match. We have the same name, both have dogs named Max, and both love avocado on our pizza.” — Big Sister Jenny Guzman

“I couldn’t be luckier than to be matched with Haven and to get to go on adventures with him all the time.” — Big Brother Zachary McKenzie

“My mom taught me how to survive. My Big taught me how to thrive.” — Former Little Sister Leandra McLennon

Last updated September 9, 2026.