Big Brothers Big Sisters outlines CalVIP mentorship expansion and local outcomes

Sarah Beth Cooper, CalVIP project coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters, told the council the program focuses on one‑to‑one matches and rigorous safety screening for volunteers. "I am Sarah Beth Cooper with Big Brothers Big Sisters," she said, and described the organization's intake, background checks, monthly support for matches, and the new 'Big Couples' volunteer option to recruit more male mentors.

Cooper said the program served 629 youth locally in 2025, reported that "97 percent of our 12th grade littles graduated from high school," and noted an outreach goal to match 374 youth in the current cohort — a 56% increase. She said CalVIP (California Violence Intervention and Prevention) funds support mentoring as a violence-prevention strategy and invited residents and agencies to refer youth and volunteer. Council members and residents praised the program and encouraged expanded outreach and culturally appropriate supports.