Small Business Spotlight - January 2025: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks

Company Name: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks

Person in Charge (and title): Susan Mellentine, CEO

Year founded: 1983

Tell us about the history of your business:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks (BBBSO) has been making a difference in Springfield, Missouri, since 1983. For over 40 years, our mission has stayed the same: to inspire young minds and help them reach their full potential through life-changing mentorship.

We’re part of a nationwide network under Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which started back in 1904. The idea was sparked by Ernest Coulter, a New York City court clerk, who saw too many boys coming through his courtroom without guidance. He launched the Big Brothers movement to connect these kids with caring adults who could help them stay on the right path. Around the same time, a group called the Ladies of Charity was supporting girls navigating the challenges of the New York Children’s Court. Their efforts eventually became Catholic Big Sisters, and together with Big Brothers, they laid the foundation for something bigger. In 1977, the two organizations officially joined forces to create Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Today, more than 250 agencies across all 50 states carry on this shared mission, pairing kids with mentors who make a lasting impact on their lives.

BBBSO is proud to be a part of this legacy, working every day to connect local kids with the role models who can help them dream big and achieve even bigger.

Describe the services your organization provides and what makes you unique:

Big Brothers Big Sisters has always believed in the incredible potential within every child. As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, we create meaningful, one-to-one matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), helping youth across the Ozarks build resilience, confidence, and mental well-being.

Our programs provide encouragement, consistency, and support:

• Lunch Buddy Program: Designed for kids in grades 1-5, these matches meet weekly during lunch, sharing laughs, card games, and meaningful conversations in a quiet, supportive environment.
• Community-Based Program: Bigs and Littles aged 7-18 spend 6-8 hours a month together, enjoying shared activities like sports, cooking, or simply hanging out, building connections that inspire growth.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks (BBBSO), we go beyond matching Bigs and Littles. Our professional staff ensures safe, personalized, and lasting relationships, offering ongoing training, support, and supervision for mentors, mentees, and their families. Through our mentoring programs, we’re committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and strengthening our community. Our core objectives for every child in our program are to nurture higher aspirations, build greater confidence, strengthen relationships, encourage the avoidance of risky behaviors, and promote educational success. The power of mentorship is undeniable, and the results speak for themselves: 85% of our Littles report increased confidence, 95% have avoided school suspension, 93% have maintained or improved their academic grades, and 93% stay out of the juvenile justice system.

BBBSO remains deeply committed to expanding our programs to reach as many youth as possible in Southwest Missouri. Our vision is simple: to help every young person realize their full potential. With the presence of a mentor and advocate, we can unlock that potential and create brighter futures for youth across the Ozarks. A little time makes a BIG impact!

Tell us something people might not know about your organization:

• Locally Funded, Locally Focused: While we’re affiliated with our National Office, we operate independently. Every dollar raised stays right here in our community to fund local programs.
• No Cost to Families: Participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters is completely free for families and ensures accessibility for everyone.
• Professional Match Support: Matches are carefully created and monitored by trained staff to ensure safety, compatibility, and long-term success.
• Tailored to Each Child: Matches are designed to fit the unique needs and interests of both the child and the volunteer, creating a truly personalized experience.
• You Don’t Need Special Skills to Volunteer: The most important qualities of a mentor are reliability, empathy, and a willingness to listen. You don’t have to be perfect just present!

What is the biggest challenge facing your organization now, and how are you working to overcome that challenge?

One of the biggest challenges facing Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks (BBBSO) is addressing the growing waitlist of children in need of mentors. We currently have over 100 children waiting for their mentor and friend. There are many children across southwest Missouri who are eager to have a positive role model in their lives, but the agency often struggles to match these children with adult mentors (Bigs) due to a shortage of volunteers.

This challenge is compounded by the fact that mentoring relationships take time and careful coordination to ensure they’re successful. As BBBSO continues to grow and expand its reach, particularly in areas like Bolivar and Branson, it requires not only more volunteers but also resources to maintain the quality and safety of each match.

Additionally, funding for the organization to continue providing support services and program expansion remains a continual challenge. Ensuring sustainability and securing financial support for local programs while also addressing community needs is crucial.

To overcome the challenge of the growing waitlist and financially support the continued success of BBBSO’s mission, we continually focus on expanding our volunteer recruitment efforts, improving our volunteer retention and support, expanding our program offerings, community and fundraising opportunities, and increasing advocacy and awareness of mentoring.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

When I was starting my own business years ago, I was filled with anxiety about the outcome. But someone told me, "Build it and they will come." And it proved to be true. When we invest our energy into work that is meaningful, driven by genuine purpose and excellence, it naturally attracts the right people and fosters growth.