With a history spanning over a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a steadfast provider of resources and opportunities for young people, guiding them toward their greatest potential.
This journey is made possible by the enduring support of volunteers, donors, and advocates who have dedicated over a century to making a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.
Ernest Coulter, a young New York City court clerk, noticed an increasing number of boys in his courtroom. Recognizing the impact of caring adults, he sought volunteers, marking the beginning of the Big Brothers movement.
Around the same time, the Ladies of Charity group befriended girls in the New York Children’s Court, evolving into Catholic Big Sisters. Both groups operated independently.
Overtime, the groups evolved to become Big Brothers Association and Big Sisters International. In 1977 they officially forming Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Curtis Colby, a Monmouth County resident, began mentoring Joey, recognizing the positive impact. He established Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County.
Recognizing the need to expand, the agency gained approval to serve youth in Middlesex County, officially becoming Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties.
Expanding further to Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties, the agency became Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ).
BBBSCNNJ stands as a beacon of support, offering one-to-one mentoring and empowerment programs across 10 counties.
By fostering quality mentoring relationships, BBBSCNNJ strives to nurture children into competent and confident community members. We hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program, ensuring they achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, educational success, and make positive choices for themselves and others.
We are committed to providing a holistic approach to serving the family unit by providing ongoing support and supervision to the Big, the Little, and the parent or guardian. We offer training and guidance to ensure child safety and healthy relationship development.
We comply with the national standards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Research shows being matched one-to-one with a mentor makes a lasting impact on a child’s life.
A Big Brothers Big Sisters’ match is carefully supported by a professional case management team. We strive for matches that are not only safe and well suited to each child’s needs but also built to last. The entire matching process, from the initial screening to the final pairing—and beyond—is made possible by the financial support of our community.