Life-Changing Youth Mentorship in Ottawa
For over 55 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa has been creating life-changing connections between youth facing adversity and caring, safe adult mentors to build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures – right here in our community.
Voices of BBBSO is a limited series showcasing stories of impact, support and growth from some of our dedicated volunteers, matches and supporters.
Community Updates & Impact
What’s happening in our community — and how mentorship is making a measurable difference.
Annual Impact Report
Explore our latest annual report to see how mentoring supports children and youth across Ottawa – and how community support fuels safe, evidence-based programs.
Youth Supported in 2025
%
felt empowered by their mentorship experience
Who We Support Through Mentorship
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa supports children, youth and the adults around them through structured, evidence-based mentorship programs designed to strengthen confidence, connection, and well-being.
For Children & Youth
One-to-one and group mentoring programs that help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and feel supported during critical stages of life.
For Volunteers & Mentors
Make a meaningful difference by giving your time to support youth through a variety of volunteer opportunities, including mentoring.
We thank you for your interest. Starting April 27th, 2026, volunteer enrolment will be closed until further notice. We will focus on intentionally matching volunteers and children who are currently on our waitlist.
For Alumni
We welcome everyone who has been involved with any BBBS agency to stay connected and continue to give back.
For Donors & Community Partners
Give back to the community by supporting proven youth development programs that deliver measurable, long-term impact for our futures leaders.
PRISM
Mentorship for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
Big Steps to Success
Mentorship for Youth with Care Experience
BIGS Community Mentoring Program
One-to-One Community Mentoring (Ages 6–14)
Big Possibilities Mentoring Program
Youth Employment Readiness Mentoring (Ages 15–24)
MPower Youth Mentoring Program
Youth-Directed Mentoring (Ages 15–24)
In-School Mentoring Program
School-Based Mentoring
Meet You in School Mentoring Program
School-based Co-op Mentoring Program
A Proven Approach to Youth Mentorship
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa delivers evidence-based mentoring programs backed by decades of research, rigorous screening, and ongoing match support. Our local team works closely with families, schools, and community partners to ensure safe, consistent, and meaningful outcomes for youth.
Evidence-Based Programs
Our mentoring programs are built on research-informed models that have been refined over decades. Program design, matching practices, and ongoing support are guided by the best practices in youth development to ensure mentoring relationships are intentional, structured, and effective.
We don’t rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. Programs are continuously reviewed and adapted to meet the evolving needs of children and youth, while maintaining consistency with proven mentoring frameworks.
Safety & Screening
The safety and wellbeing of children and youth is central to everything we do. All mentors undergo a comprehensive screening process, including background checks, interviews, and reference verification, before being matched with a young person.
Once matched, mentors receive training and ongoing support from BBBSO staff to help ensure relationships remain positive, appropriate, and responsive to changing needs over time.
Local Delivery, National Standards
Our programs are delivered by an Ottawa-based team with deep knowledge of the local community, schools, and families we serve. At the same time, our work aligns with nationally recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters standards to ensure consistency, accountability, and quality.
The balance allows us to respond to local needs while maintaining the integrity of a trusted mentoring model used across Canada.
Measurable Outcomes
We track program participation and outcomes to better understand what works and where improvements are needed. Ongoing evaluation helps strength mentoring relationships, improve program delivery, and demonstrate the real impact of mentorship on youth confidence, wellbeing, and connection.
Accountability ensures community support is used responsibility and effectively to benefit children and youth.
Real Mentoring. Real Impact.
avril 24
OTTAWA S’APPRÊTE À ACCUEILLIR LE TOUT PREMIER FESTIVAL DU PICKLEBALL LORS DE LA FÊTE DES PÈRES
avril 2
L’effet papillon du mentorat pour la jeunesse : Un récit d’inspiration et de retombées positives
mars 1
De la détresse à l’accompagnement : le parcours de David avec Grands Frères Grandes Soeurs d’Ottawa
mars 1
Pour un avenir rayonnant : l’impact des donateurs mensuels sur les activités de Grands Frères Grandes Soeurs d’Ottawa
Proudly Supported by Community Partners
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa (BBBSO) is supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Ottawa Community Foundation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor or looking for support for a child or youth, we’re here to guide you through the next steps.