Mentoring programs play a significant role in supporting positive mental health outcomes for youth by providing them with increased support and resources and reducing their feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

Mental health and well-being are critical priorities for BBBS because we know that our trusted mentors (Bigs) are in a good position to help young people build resilience and to intervene when a young person experiences mental health challenges to help them access the right support. These positive relationships can help youth better cope with exposure to traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms, and support their overall mental well-being.  

Our evidence-based mentoring model shows that the presence of a caring adult mentor can help to improve mental health outcomes for youth in BBBS programs: 

• 92% of Littles felt like BBBS gave them a sense of belonging, which is critical for healthy mental and well-being.  
• 82% of Littles maintained or improved their mental health. 
• 90% of Littles felt their Big made them feel better about themselves 

To address the mental health crisis and assist youth in obtaining more positive mental health outcomes, a bi-partisan group of House and Senate members have introduced the RISE from Trauma Act (H.R.4541, S.1426). The bill would help communities better respond to the mental health crisis by supporting programs that address high rates of trauma, violence, and addiction and increase resource capacity for communities to better respond and assist youth that have experienced, or may experience, trauma. The bill accomplishes this by developing community coalitions (which local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies could join) and supporting the workforce development of professionals working in trauma-related fields.  

To help move this legislation forward in Congress, we encourage you to make your voice heard by emailing a support letter to your members of Congress here.