Mentorship

One caring adult. One young person. A relationship that changes both.

Kids today are navigating growing pressures and often feel disconnected. A mentoring relationship brings encouragement, friendship, and belonging—creating joy for Littles and meaning for Bigs.

What Is The Youth Mentoring Program?

This is one-to-one mentorship at its simplest: a caring, reliable adult matched with a young person. Big and Little meet twice a month. They may share a fun activity or grab lunch while chatting and getting to know each other. Over time, trust grows, confidence builds, and the Little has another responsible adult supporting their well-being and success.

Littles

Jewish children enrolled between ages 6-17 across Los Angeles interested in building a lasting friendship with a caring mentor.

Bigs

Jewish volunteers ages 21+ from diverse backgrounds, fully vetted and trained to create safe, meaningful matches.

Meeting Frequency

Twice a Month

Time per Outing

2-3 Hours

Volunteer Hours (2025)

19,548

Match Support

Dedicated Specialist

Getting Started

How it Works.

Whether you’re a family looking to enroll your child or a volunteer ready to become a Big, the process starts the same way — you reach out, and we take it from there.

Reach Out

Fill out a short inquiry form or call us. A Family Coordinator will walk you through everything — no pressure, no jargon.

Meet Your Coordinator

We learn about your child, your family, and what you’re hoping for. This conversation helps us find the right match.

Get Matched

Your child is paired with a Big based on shared interests, location, and personality. Then the relationship begins.

Apply

Submit a volunteer application online. It takes about 15 minutes.

INTERVIEW + BACKGROUND CHECK

We meet with you, run a standard background check, and learn about who you are and what you’re looking for in a match.

Training

Short, practical training on how to be an effective Big. You’ll feel prepared before you meet your Little.

Get Matched

You’re paired with a young person based on compatibility. Your match support specialist stays with you for the life of the match.

The Power Of A Match

Decades of research from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America confirms what families already sense: when a young person has one consistent, caring adult in their life outside the home, measurable things change.

92%

of mentored youth feel more connected to a caring adult

88%

report a stronger sense of belonging

82%

strengthen their engagement in school

46%

less likely to start using drugs

Mentored youth are also 20% more likely to attend college and earn 15% more by age 25.

The research is clear. Showing up works.

We all look forward to watching this bond grow and believe that Garett will be in Zev’s life for years to come. We can’t thank JBBBSLA enough for giving our son something so special!

Parents to Little Brother

I serve because I believe deeply in this mission. I stay because I see the impact—firsthand. And I am fully committed—to Sarah, to our Littles, and to the future we are building together.

Big Sister and JBBBSLA Board Member

Our wonderful Bigs have been an extra adult in my children’s lives — positive role models, who provide guidance, encouragement, and consistent support.

Parent of 3 Littles

When I joined JBBBS, I had no idea how rewarding this experience would be--and that it would be one of the best decisions in my entire life.

Big Sister

JBBBS gives me an opportunity to build a relationship with my Big that will last a lifetime. We participate in Big and Little outings organized through them, and I have met other Littles at these outings. I am lucky to be a part of JBBBS!

Little Sister

I love my experience every year going to Camp Bob Waldorf. I have a great time there and I’m sure others do too. It makes me smile and learn new things and get better at things too.

Little and Camper

Questions we hear a lot.

Is there a cost for families?

No. Our mentoring program is completely free for families.

What ages do you serve?

Our mentoring program serves youth ages 6 through 17 in the greater Los Angeles area.

How are mentors screened?

Every volunteer Big goes through an application, personal interview, reference checks, and a comprehensive background check before being matched. Your child’s safety is our priority.

Do I need experience to volunteer?

No. You don’t need a teaching degree or a background in youth work. You need to be consistent, caring, and willing to show up. We provide the training and ongoing support.

How long does a match last?

We ask for a 6-month minimum commitment, but most matches last much longer. The relationship grows over time, and that consistency is what makes it work.

Does my child have to be Jewish?

Yes, your child must identify as Jewish to participate as a “Little” in the JBBBSLA (Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles) youth mentorship program.

Take The First Step Toward A Meaningful Match.

Whether you’re enrolling your child or becoming a Big, our team will guide you through every step of the process.