ABOUT US
MISSION & VISION
Our MISSION is to create and support professionally guided one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Our VISION is that all youth achieve their full potential. In partnership with six local colleges, universities, school districts, businesses, families, and the community at large, we create relationships that change lives for the better, forever.
Our PURPOSE is to clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future. Over the long-term, our goal for our Littles is that they graduate by the time they are 18 years old with a path for their future and a mentor for a lifetime.
WHO WE ARE
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBSCR)
was established in New York's Capital Region in 1964 as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Albany County. In 1997 BBBS of Albany County merged with other local Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. Since our founding, we have served thousands of Capital Region youth in supportive mentoring relationships.
While affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is a regionally operated and funded 501(c)3 organization. We serve the Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties in New York State.
We know that while talent is equally distributed, opportunity isn't...
The children who participate in our programs face adversity at a higher rate than the average young person; 99% come from low-income homes, single-parent families, or have an incarcerated parent.
We are committed to freeing children from systemic traps and fostering their long-term happiness and success. Our research definitively proves that an investment of time by a stable, caring, adult role-model can empower children to realize their greatest potential.
Join us!
OUR TEAM
Lisa O'Sullivan
Director of Operations & Interim Executive Director
518-862-1250 ext. 107
lisao@bbbscr.org
Queta Duran
Program Manager & Volunteer "Big" Enrollment Specialist
518-862-1250 ext. 102
enriquette@bbbscr.org
Jessica Underhill
Child Enrollment Specialist & Program Liaison, Union College
518-928-6526
jessicau@bbbscr.org
BBBSCR relies on well trained staff to carefully match dependable volunteers with children, and then work to sustain that positive relationship. Our long-term, professionally-guided one-to-one mentoring relationships provide ongoing support to our Bigs, Littles, and their families. That's what makes us different from other mentoring organizations. We don't just create the matches, we guide these matches through their complete journey.
Want to DEFEND the potential of our Littles and be part of our team?
We're always looking for excellent people to join us! All staff members are asked to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Please contact lisao@bbbscr.org if you are interested in submitting a resume for one of our part-time positions. We can't wait to hear from you.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
David Kubikian, Herzog Law Firm
VICE PRESIDENT
Amelia Gifford, Center for Internet Security
SECRETARY
Samoria Zurlo, Broadview Federal Credit Union
TREASURER
Serena Amlie, Spinnaker Trust
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Lauren Valentine, Alaant Workforce Solutions
Amy Anderson, M&T Bank
Ronald Gibson, Transfinder
Mario Johnson, More than Music LLC
Erika Salter, Macy's
Garrett Sharlow, Broadview FCU
Christina Audi, MHA, LNHA, NYSCAL
ASSOCIATE BOARD
CHAIR
Carter Haydock, Spring Street Financial