Are you and your partner looking for a way to give back to the San Diego community? You already share your lives, your home, and your weekends—why not share the rewarding experience of mentoring a local youth?
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego, our Big Couples program allows partners in a long-term relationship to mentor a “Little” together. It’s a unique way to make a life-changing difference while spending quality time with the person you love most. Teresa and Avon, a current Big Couple, have found the experience to be a powerful bonding tool:
“Volunteering as a Big Couple has truly unified us. It forces us to be more engaged and thoughtful about how we spend our time. Since we don’t have children of our own, this experience has taught us to be a lot less selfish—it’s a beautiful learning process of planning and prioritizing someone else’s happiness together.”
How It Works
As a Big Couple, you are matched as a team with one Little Brother. Together, you’ll invite your Little into your world. Whether it’s a Saturday afternoon hike at Torrey Pines, a trip to a Padres game, or just grabbing some tacos and working on a school project, you’ll experience the journey of mentorship as a duo. Teresa K. notes that this journey often involves growing right alongside your Little.
“We’ve learned that being a Big Couple means leading by example. We noticed our Little was spending a lot of time on their phone in the car, so we decided to team up. We moved them to the front seat to engage more, but we also realized we had to put our phones away too. It’s a growth experience for everyone involved!”
Why It’s Great for You
While the program is designed to support a child, the benefits to the mentors are just as powerful:
- Strengthen Your Bond: Working together toward a common goal and sharing the joy of a child’s progress creates a deeper, more meaningful connection between you and your partner.
- Fresh Perspectives: Seeing San Diego through the eyes of a young person keeps you energized and reminds you of the simple joys in life.
- Shared Growth: You’ll learn more about each other’s strengths as you navigate new experiences and challenges alongside your Little.
- A Rewarding Routine: Instead of the same old weekend plans, you’ll be creating a legacy of impact and a library of memories that belong to the two of you.
“People often worry about the time commitment, but we find that meeting every other week isn’t overbearing at all. When you see the joy you’re bringing to a child’s life, it doesn’t feel like a chore. The rewards of this mentorship far exceed the challenge of finding time in a busy schedule,” Avon shares.
Our Commitment to Safety
At SD Bigs, child safety is our north star. Our rigorous screening process—which includes thorough background checks, interviews, and specialized training for both partners—ensures a secure environment for every child. We also provide a dedicated Match Support Specialist who stays in regular contact with you to ensure the relationship is healthy, safe, and thriving.
The Power of Two
Many of the children on our waiting list could benefit from seeing how a healthy, supportive partnership works. By showing up as a team, you provide a powerful model of communication, cooperation, and mutual respect. You aren’t just mentors; you are a living example of how two people can support one another and their community.
As Teresa K. explains, the most fulfilling moments are often the quietest:
“The most rewarding part is seeing those ‘small wins.’ Lately, our Little has started volunteering information about school and life without us having to ask. Seeing that increase in confidence and openness—and knowing they feel comfortable enough to tell us their preferences—is exactly why we do this.”
Beyond the growth, there is also plenty of fun.
“Whether it’s the ongoing joke about a $100 reward for straight A’s or being asked to ‘go a little easier’ during our soccer games, there is so much laughter in this program. We’re not just mentors; we’re building memories that stay with us long after the day is over,” said Avon.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
There are hundreds of kids in San Diego waiting for a duo like you. You don’t need to be “perfect” or have a background in education—you just need to be a committed team ready to show up.
Take the first step together. Click here to learn more about the Big Couples program and sign up for an upcoming info session.
Let’s change a life, together!