Mission and History

"Every child that needs a mentor has a mentor"

Our History in Humboldt

The Humboldt Association had its start in 1979. Two citizens began talking about the need for a Big Brothers Association in the area. As they approached more people, a steering committee was formed. The first Board of Directors was formed in 1980. In Oct of 1980, the Humboldt Big Brothers was approved as a satellite organization of Saskatoon Big Brothers Association by the National Association.

Initially, the work involved raising the public awareness for the need for a program like this and of course, the “Bowl for Millions.” A lot of effort was put into trying to find Big Brothers. The Board of Directors and volunteers did all the work – organizational and casework until the fall of 1981 when the first part-time employee was hired.

Plans to incorporate began in the fall of 1981. After some discussion, it was decided to incorporate with the Big Sisters Association of Humboldt at the same time. After consulting with the National Association, it was decided to incorporate as “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Humboldt, Inc.” A provisional agency affiliation agreement was signed in Jan 1982. A full affiliation agreement with the National Association was signed in Sept 1985.

All of the agency’s funding comes from grants and community efforts like Bowl for Millions and local donations. The organization became a registered charity in Jan 1986.

BBBS of Humboldt launched the In School Mentoring program in 1997. The program was piloted in Humboldt before the National Program was completed. It has been a great success.  The latest program that BBBS of Humboldt has launched is the Go Girls program.  Go Girls matches young adult female mentors with groups of girls aged 12-14 and the group discusses healthy lifestyle choices and making good decisions.  The group meets for 1-1.5 hours each week for 7 weeks and can be administered in or outside of school.

Today, BBBS of Humboldt is involved in providing a quality program to the individual boy or girl who is need of a mentor. The children in the Traditional Big/Little program are between the ages of 6 and 18 inclusive. We strive to meet the needs of “Littles” in our community.