NONPROFIT
By Tricia Moore | Photos courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas
A Lasting Connection: 30 Years of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas is celebrating 30 years of mentorship in the region with eight distinct events spanning the year: Battle of the Banks, The Big Bet, Summer Swing, three Big Business Brunches, The Big Event, and a 30th Anniversary Celebration with special guest Doug McMillon. Its premier autumn tradition, The Big Event, will shine an extra-special light on this three-decade accomplishment at Osage House in Cave Springs on Sept. 25.
BBBSNWA’s mission is a one-to-one mentorship program matching caring adult mentors, referred to as “Bigs,” with a young person, referred to as “Littles.” Three decades of local community work has built this deliberately designed program, which fosters meaningful relationships and benefits both Bigs and Littles.
The organization’s first community-based match was made in December 1995. It was between a University of Arkansas student and a six-year-old Fayetteville boy, whose father had passed away. Since then, the organization has grown in matches, community partners and impact.
It has also added additional programming with a variety of models that evolved from the original one-on-one mentorship program to accommodate more community members and satisfy the growing list of Littles waiting for a mentor. These include opportunities for volunteers to be involved as a Big Couple or Big Family if they are more comfortable in a combination mentorship match.
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Match Support Specialists at BBBSNWA help create connections between Bigs and Littles by coaching and seeking opportunities for them to spend quality time together at the child’s school or in the community. Guiding their matches through the process has encouraged enduring relationships that form over time. BBBSNWA wants the match to be successful, and a lot of thought goes into the matching process. This support is what gives every child in the program the opportunity to thrive. The care and intentionality lead time and time again to lasting success.
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One such match, made in 1995 between then-Little Amy Autrey and Big Heather Sevak Collins, set in motion a relationship that has sustained for three decades.
“I can’t quite remember what I expected when I first decided to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Collins, who today works for Walmart Inc. “It was quite a while ago, but I know now that I was truly blessed by the relationship that came from it. Through this program, I’ve had the incredible privilege of watching Amy grow into an extraordinary woman. I’ve seen her get married, start a family and navigate all the beautiful moments life has to offer. She is a remarkable human being, and I am deeply honored to have a meaningful and active role in her life. I’m forever grateful to BBBS for the life-changing connection I’ve been given through Amy.”
Autrey said the BBBSNWA program has been instrumental in her success by connecting her to Collins, who she still looks to for mentorship, guidance and friendship. “The immense respect I have for the amazing people of Big Brothers Big Sisters cannot be emphasized enough,” she said. “Heather is not only my Big, she is truly my sister. I will forever be grateful for her and the sacrifices she made to be my Big. I am blessed to have had her in my life for 30 years and cannot wait for the next 30 years of friendship with her.”
Heather Patitucci, BBBSNWA’s director of corporate partnerships and a mentor herself as a Big Couple volunteer, noted the organization has 263 current active matches, with 1,678 total lives impacted in Northwest Arkansas in 2024 through its programs. Despite these impressive numbers, 27 Littles are currently on the waitlist. “Men often feel like they don’t have something to offer, but what is required is being consistent and showing up for that child,” she said.
The Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year, Hayden and Karam
The Big Sister and Little Sister of the Year,
Lauren and Layla
Amy Autrey and Heather Sevak Collins, one of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas’ earliest matches
Anyone interested in volunteering can start with a simple online application on BBBSNWA’s website. From there, a team member will reach out to learn about the Bigs’ interests and lived experiences, the age group they feel comfortable with, and discuss in-depth programs and next steps.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas Staff
The time commitment is two to three meet-ups per month, and Bigs are usually matched with a child who lives within 10 miles of their location.
With support from the program, the organization found that Littles are 52% less likely to skip school, 20% more likely to enroll in college, and earn 15% more throughout their lifetime over their non-mentored peers. BBBSNWA has made child safety a top priority by thoroughly screening potential Bigs. The website also has a link to enroll a child, and if parents of potential Littles are apprehensive, the team can guide them through the screening process and answer any questions.
The Big Event will include its annual tradition of celebrating the volunteers who make a significant impact on their Littles with a Big and Little of the Year, chosen from its current matches. For its 30th celebration, the organization will honor both a Big Sister and Little Sister of the year and a Big Brother and Little Brother of the year. It will be an incredible night to celebrate the impact of this local nonprofit that has the talent to bring compatible souls together.