It Takes a Village to Raise a Child: How Big Brothers Big Sisters Supports Youth Through ACEs

Youth Mentoring and Developmental Relationships:

How Big Brothers Big Sisters Supports Youth Through Adverse Childhood Experiences

“It takes a village to raise a child.” This timeless saying reminds us that healthy child development is not the responsibility of one person alone, it is strengthened through relationships, community, and a network of caring adults who help children discover their strengths and navigate life’s challenges.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey, Bruce and West Simcoe (BBBSGBWS), they believe every child deserves that village.

As more children and youth experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the need for strong preventive programs and services has never been greater. Through evidence-informed mentoring and youth development programs, BBBSGBWS brings together volunteers, families, schools, and community partners to help children, youth and families foster resilience, belonging, and hope – by the community, for the community.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. They can include experiences such as abuse, neglect, household instability, caregiver mental illness or substance use, domestic violence, or the loss of a parent or caregiver. Beyond these individual experiences, broader societal factors including financial hardship, housing instability, discrimination, violence, and social isolation can also influence a child’s health and wellbeing.

Research has shown that ACEs can affect physical health, mental health, educational achievement, and social development throughout a person’s lifetime. However, research has also identified something equally important: children are remarkably resilient when communities intervene early by strengthening the protective factors that support healthy development.

The Power of Developmental Relationships

While adversity can shape a child’s future, it does not have to define it.

Research consistently demonstrates that developmental relationships are among the strongest protective factors in a young person’s life. Even one caring adult who provides encouragement, consistency, and a sense of belonging can significantly improve long-term outcomes. These relationships help children develop confidence, emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, healthy identities, and the belief that they matter.

These relationships are foundational to healthy development and are increasingly recognized as an essential component of youth mental health promotion and prevention.

Why Prevention Matters

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey, Bruce and West Simcoe, they don’t wait until a child reaches a crisis.

Their approach is rooted in prevention. They strengthen the protective factors that help young people navigate adversity before challenges become more complex by offering school, community-based and one-to-one programs.

Developmental relationships are cultivated through every aspect of their work. Whether a child is matched with a mentor, participating in a school-based group, attending a community program, developing leadership skills through Youth Council, or receiving family-centered support from their staff, each experience is designed to increase connection, confidence, belonging, and resilience.

As a preventative, community-based organization, BBBSGBWS plays a vital role within the broader youth mental health and wellbeing system. Their relationship-based programs complement and work alongside clinical services by providing something essential: communities where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

Community-Based One-to-One Mentoring

Their signature Big Brother, Big Sister, and Couple Match programs connect children and youth aged 6-18 with one or two carefully screened adult volunteers.

Volunteer mentors meet with their Little two to four times each month for a minimum of one year, building relationships grounded in trust, consistency, and shared experiences. Activities are guided by each young person’s interests, goals, and developmental needs.

Whether they’re attending sports practices, learning a new hobby, exploring the outdoors, or simply talking through everyday challenges, mentors provide something every child deserves: a caring adult who believes in them.

Community-Based Group Programs

Not every developmental relationship happens one-on-one. Their community-based group programs create welcoming spaces where children, youth, caregivers, volunteers, and families can build meaningful relationships, strengthen social connections, and experience a true sense of belonging.

These programs recognize that resilience is built not only through trusted adult mentors, but also through supportive peers, engaged families, and connected communities. By participating in shared experiences, youth have opportunities to develop confidence, try new activities, build social-emotional skills, and discover strengths they may not have realized they possessed. Caregivers also benefit by connecting with other families, accessing community resources, and building supportive networks that reduce isolation and foster wellbeing.

 

Outdoor Wellness

Held on the last Saturday of each month at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre in Wiarton.

Outdoor Wellness brings together youth aged 6-18, caregivers, volunteers, and staff to explore the outdoors.

From snowshoeing and tobogganing during the winter months to archery, fishing, and nature exploration in the summer, participants build confidence, strengthen family relationships, and connect with others in a welcoming environment.                                     

 

 

 

 

 

     

Big Bunch

Built on the philosophy of meeting families where they’re at, Big Bunch travels throughout Grey, Bruce, and West Simcoe.

It provides opportunities for youth and families to participate in unique experiences close to home.

Whether climbing a rock wall, meeting therapy animals, painting with local artists, or exploring community resources.

Participants are encouraged to discover new interests while strengthening their connection to their community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Council

Their Youth Council empowers young people to become leaders within their communities.

Bringing together Junior Members (ages 12-18) and Senior Members (ages 19-30), Youth Council provides opportunities to explore issues that matter to youth, including food security, mental health, employment readiness, civic engagement, and community service.

Youth don’t simply learn about social issues, they take action, developing leadership skills, confidence, and a lasting sense of belonging while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

 

 

 

School-Based Mentoring Programs

BBBSGBWS also partners with local schools to deliver group mentoring experiences that support students who may benefit from additional encouragement within the school environment.

Working with groups of four to six students over an eight- to twelve-week period, trained volunteer facilitators help youth strengthen social-emotional skills, develop healthy relationships, and build confidence through evidence-informed curricula.

Programs include:

• Learn It! – Academic support and confidence-building through tutoring.
• Game On! – Recreation-based activities that promote teamwork, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships.
• Go Kids! – Programming focused on healthy lifestyles, positive self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and building supportive peer relationships.

These programs create safe spaces where students can develop important life skills while experiencing positive developmental relationships within their school community.

Building Stronger Communities Through Relationships

Every child deserves someone who believes in them.

As communities continue to respond to increasing youth mental health needs, it is critical that preventative, community-based organizations are recognized as essential partners within the broader continuum of care. Organizations like BBBSGBWS strengthen protective factors before challenges become crises, creating healthier outcomes not only for children, but also for families and communities.

Investing in developmental relationships is an investment in prevention. By supporting organizations that foster connection, belonging, and resilience, we can reduce future pressures on education, healthcare, child welfare, and mental health systems while ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Together, we all have a role to play in building the village our children need.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring opportunities, community programs, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events, subscribe to their monthly newsletter, follow them on social media, or register to volunteer with them. Home | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

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