Big Brothers Big Sisters provided back-to-school haircuts for needy O.C. youth

Big Brothers Big Sisters Orange County/Inland Empire and True School Barbershop recently paired up to provide 50 haircuts to male youth in need, on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 534 N. Magnolia Ave., in Anaheim.

The event was filled with activities for all students and parents to enjoy.

Notable activities included:

• Backpacks and school supplies donated from True School Barbershop.
• Visits from Janis Heckel, Executive Director for the Anaheim Community Foundation, Sjany Larson-Cash, Community Services Director at City of Anaheim and Carlos Leon’s Office attended the event.
• Free books from the Anaheim Public Library.
• Mental health resources from Higher Ground Youth and Family Services and Western Youth Services.
• Games and information from YMCA.

Today, 65% of BBBS youth live below the poverty line, while 38% are housing insecure. With the National Retail Federation estimating families will spend as much as $890 on school supplies, clothes and haircuts, up nearly 3% from last year, these costs can be overwhelming for parents of BBBS youth.

As an organization dedicated to not only mentorship but also providing Littles with the support they need to thrive, “Clip & Connect” helped to meet basic needs by giving away free haircuts and school supplies which helped the participating BBBS youth to feel confident, prepared and focused for the school year ahead.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Orange County/Inland Empire

Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with a strong, enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationship that creates pathways for the future and a mentor for a lifetime. As we are the sum total of all our stakeholders; staff, volunteers, families, board members, and investors, it is imperative to effectively recruit, train, support, and engage all stakeholders in an effort to evolve our programs and drive outcomes that meet the needs of our community. We lead with a strong and living culture that is inclusive, meaningful, significant and purpose-driven. A culture that guides our daily actions and drives toward a lasting and positive impact. We believe in diversity, respect, collaboration, resilience, innovation and excellence. We believe in a strengths-based leadership approach focused on justice and rooted in a culture of learning.

As a mentorship organization dedicated to igniting potential in the youth and young adults we serve, we are also dedicated to unlocking the potential of our staff, stakeholders, and volunteers by leveraging individual strengths to honor who they are and make the largest impact on our communities. We lead with clear purpose and meaning that translates to measurable life success for every child served through our program. We believe through mentorship equity is possible.