Our Vision

Putting a friend in a child's life and putting hope into a child's future by creating a volunteer base where every at-risk child and youth who needs and wants a mentor can be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister.

Our Mission Statement

Big Brothers Big Sister of Nevada County makes a positive difference in the lives of children and youth in our community through a professionally-supported, one-to-one relationship with a caring and responsible individual. These adults offer support to children's growth and development through nurturing relationships, leading to greater self-esteem.

Our History

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada County is a chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a national non-profit agency that was founded in 1904, over a century ago! Currently, there are over 450 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies throughout the U.S. and now the agency is international.

Our local chapter was founded in 1981 and has served Western Nevada County ever since.  In July 2007, our agency received funding from the S.H. Cowell Foundation to expand our mentoring programs to Eastern Nevada County and surrounding communities in need, specifically to the Truckee and Kings Beach Region.  Hundreds of Nevada County children have been matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister (“Big”) since our chapter was founded. We serve over 100 children and youth each year, on average, and expect our numbers to grow with our expanded service area. We always have a long waiting list of children needing Bigs, with the need for Big Brothers always being greater than the need for Big Sisters (although we can always use Big Sisters too!).  There will never be a shortage of Nevada County children in need of a supportive, caring individual who can be their role model and friend.

Our Relationship with the National Agency

Big Brothers Big Sister of Nevada County is a dues-paying member of the National Agency, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. As part of our member responsibilities, we must follow National standards and be audited every year. We have no fiscal dependence on the National Agency.

Our Funding

We raise all of our funding through special events, grants, and private donations. Specifically, 37% of our funding comes from fundraising events like our annual Bowl for Kids' Sake, Mountain Bike Endurance Ride, and Wine Tasting & Auction to name a few. We are also funded, in part, by grants from the United Way, Nevada County, and private foundations.  The rest of our funding comes from our generous community through private donations.

Who We Serve

We serve children between the ages of 6 and 18. In our school-based program, we serve children in grades 1-8. The children we serve are primarily from single-parent, low-income families.

Board of Directors

President
Alan Gratzer

Vice President
Michael Ferguson

Treasurer
Fred Fajen

Secretary
Stacy Fore