SANTA ANA, Calif. – May 27, 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of OrangeCounty and the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) has teamed up with former NBAstar Josh Childress and the Childress Family Foundation to launch apowerful new initiative that uses sports as a platform to connect youthwith positive role models in Orange County and the Inland Empire throughthe organizations Sports Buddies program.
The partnership integrates Childress legacy of athletic excellence andcommunity empowerment with BBBS OC/IEs proven mentorship model. Together,the organizations aim to serve more youth, particularly those on theagencys waitlist, by building connections between young people and mentorsthrough group sports experiences.
For Childress, the partnership is personal.
“Sports opened doors for me, but it was the role models in my life ‘mybrothers, my coaches’ who helped me walk through them,” said Childress,founder and CEO of the Childress Family Foundation. “This collaboration isabout offering that same kind of guidance to young people – from mentorswho believe in them and help them see whats possible.”
Unlike traditional mentoring models, the BBBS OC/IE Sports Buddies programemphasizes mentorship through motion while reducing the complexity ofvolunteering by offering fully-facilitated outings. Those experiencesinclude everything from workouts and yoga to basketball clinics andteam-building events. This structure not only increases access forvolunteers but also accelerates trust-building between youth and mentors.
“Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to transform a young personsfuture, but volunteers are in short supply,” said Sloane Keane, CEO ofBBBS OC/IE. “This partnership brings new energy, networks and experiencesto our Sports Buddies program, allowing us to serve more youth who arewaiting for someone to show up for them.”
Key elements of the partnership include:
- Expanded Volunteer Base: Childress will engage his network of businessprofessionals and athletes to mentor youth currently on the BBBS OC/IEwaitlist.
- Enhanced Youth Experiences: Existing matches will benefit from upgradedprogramming and venues such as collegiate campuses and pro sports arenas.
- Launch Event at The Marke Rooftop: The first joint event included aguided group workout in a state-of-the-art facility, followed by anelevated breakfast for youth and mentors to connect.
This collaboration reflects both organizations shared commitment toopportunity, access and community investment through the lasting impact ofsports and mentorship. By combining movement with mentorship, the programpromotes healthy habits, builds peer and adult relationships, and createstransformative experiences that foster confidence and character.
There is currently a waiting list of more than 100 Littles eager to bematched with a mentor, and the organization is actively seekingvolunteers. To streamline the volunteer experience, BBBS OCI/E recentlyintroduced its Mentorship Your Way quiz, an engaging tool that helpsprospective mentors identify the program that best fits their lifestyle,interests and availability.
Learn more at www.ocbigs.org and www.iebigs.org.
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About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire is a nonprofitorganization that matches underserved youth and young adults with mentorsto improve outcomes like growth and development, education, social andeconomic opportunity in our community. It is the largest youth mentoringorganization in California, working closely with other BBBS agencies inthe state and across the nation. Learn more at www.ocbigs.org andwww.iebigs.org.
About the Childress Family Foundation
Founded by professional athlete and entrepreneur Josh Childress, theChildress Family Foundation is committed to mentorship, education, andempowering young student-athletes with the tools they need to succeedonthe court, on the field, and in life.
Media Contact:
Shaye McClory
KCOMM
shaye@kcomm.com