Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mendocino County matches quality volunteers as positive role models to children whose circumstances demonstrate a need for additional guidance. Our programs include but are not limited to education, employment and recreational mentoring.

Our board of directors:

I have worked with children in many different capacities for 40 years. I truly believe in the BBBS program. I have a daughter, now 23, who was matched when she was seven. Her big made a positive influence on our lives and they remain close friends. I currently work for NCO/Headstart with three and four year olds and their families.

During my work as an Occupational Therapist with emotional disturbed children, I became aware of the need for stable adult role models to take an interest in their lives. One of my students asked me if I would be her Big Sister. My involvement in Big Brothers Big Sisters snowballed from there. I have found art, animals and activities to be valuable mediums with which to reach out to my various littles. Being a board member helps ensure the continuance of this valuable program. After all, kids are the future!

Ray Arnold
Term: 2004-2007

Having experienced what it was like not to have a father role in my life, I enjoyed taking an active part in raising my own kids. And since I'm a do-it-yourself person, I've found it satisfying to see the look of accomplishment and surprise on the faces of the various littles I've mentored. I believe Big Brothers Big Sisters is the most worth while organization to which I can donate my time and resources. It's a win-win situation and although my various positions on other boards also keep my busy, it's time with my littles to which I most look forward.

My interest in working with kids started on a trip to South America in 1999. I spent a month living with a family and got to know many of the kids in the local neighborhood while I was there. At the time I was not fluent in Spanish and I was so surprised at how much we were able to communicate and learn from each other even with a language barrier. I returned to New York after that experience and became involved in a mentoring program for kids in foster care. After such a rewarding experience I wanted to become involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters when I moved to California. Now, being a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, I am able to continue working in my community to help provide valuable mentoring relationships to the kids.