Matches children deaf or hard of hearing to adults able to offer special assistance. In 1982 Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters (CBBBS) began one of the first Deaf/Hard of Hearing Mentoring Programs in the nation.  The program matches men and women, who are deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing with fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of deaf culture/community with deaf and hard of hearing youth.  In addition, the program works with children of deaf adults (CODA).

The program assists deaf, hard of hearing and CODA, ages 7 to 14, by providing responsible mentors who possess the necessary communication skills to successfully interact in a positive, healthy and supportive relationship.  The CBBBS volunteer (BIGS) serves as an adult mentor model, introducing the child to the adult world by helping increase the child’s ability to functionally communicate.  They provide an outlet for the child to express feelings, as well as new and otherwise inaccessible experiences within the community.  The program also offers the valuable service of connecting these children and their families to the broader Deaf Community.

Studies have shown that children who are in a mentoring program are less likely to initiate drug or alcohol use, feel more competent about their ability to do well, receive higher grades, and show a positive relationship with friends and parents.

This award-winning program has received honors from President George H. W. Bush, Dr. I. King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University, and President Bill Clinton.  Individually recognized –Vince Bonata (1990) and Michael Bowler (2000) were named National Big Brother of the Year, the highest honor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  Additionally, Norma Wright has been named California Big Sister of the Year (2005).  The program has received the national organization on Disability Award, was runner-up for the Samaritan Award, and received a special commendation from the United States Senate in 1996.