Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County Celebrates the power of mentorship
Every September, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Washington County recognizes the impact of its programming and one-to-one mentoring matches during national Big Brothers Big Sisters month.
“As Big Brothers Big Sisters month approaches, we celebrate over a century of connection and youth empowerment, with over 56 years in Washington County alone,” says Heidi Sternig, Executive Director at BBBS of Washington County and current “Big Sister.” “What started as a LITTLE moment back in 1904 has evolved into a BIG transformation of mentorship 120 years later. This month, and every month, we at BBBS of Washington County are proud to continue that legacy.”
In our local community alone, adult “Bigs” volunteered 6,703 hours in 2025, and 100% of Littles reported that their Big Brother or Sister is an important adult in their life. These statistics prove that BBBS of Washington County, along with every other BBBS agency across the country, continues to foster positive and enduring relationships that have a direct impact on the lives of young people.
“My daughter would hoover by my side and didn’t have many friends and found it very difficult to talk to strangers or other children her own age. Since being a part of the BBBS program she’s come out of her shell. She now will get up on a stage and sing in front of a crowd, she's not afraid to approach strangers, and she's made many new friends her age. Her growth has been amazing,” expressed Manuel, a father to a Little in the BBBS program.
To celebrate stories like this and so many more, Emmy-Award Winning Journalist and former “Big Sister” Katrina Cravey recently gave a video testimonial with her “Little Brother” Armon. Katrina and her family were matched with Armon when he was just 9 years old. They not only spoke about their meaningful and long-lasting relationship, but about why becoming a mentor is as impactful as it is!
BIG thanks to Katrina and Armon for their beautiful words, and for the beautiful example they continue to set! They are living proof that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County has been where big dreams find a bigger vision, where a child’s hope is met with a mentor’s steady presence, where futures open wider because someone choses to show up. Together, we lift spirits, expand possibilities, and change the trajectory of countless youth.
And together, we are just getting started!