Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ithaca and Tompkins County is a program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

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Our programs

Staff

Community Based Mentoring
Community Based Mentoring is the biggest aspect of what we do at BBBS.

Volunteers provide Littles with one-to-one time and attention in our community.  Bigs and Littles usually meet once per week for a couple of hours.  During these outings, matches participate in a variety of fun, recreational, and educational activities.  What matches do depends on what they like, but they each benefit from learning about each other, discovering new interests and skills, and forming a true friendship together. 

Each match is supported by a trained and compassionate "Match Support Specialist" who assists in breaking the ice between new volunteers and families, helping with communication and activity ideas throughout the match, and is always around to help volunteers and families with any concerns or needs they may have.

The one to one attention provided by this type of relationship is of enormous value to all children, families and adult volunteers who participate in our program.  We encourage all kind people with some time to dedicate to a child, to give this program a try!

Joe Gibson
​(He/Him)

Program Coordinator

I've been the coordinator of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over 12 years.  My favorite part of the job is recruiting great people to become mentors for our kids.  Outside of work, I spend my time with my wonderful wife, my amazing children and playing music around Ithaca.  Contact me anytime at ​607-273-8364 ext. 2144 or at
jgibson@cityofithaca.org

Nathalie Bessou
(She/Her)

Match Support Specialist

Nathalie Bessou was born in Ithaca and raised in Tahiti, French Polynesia. She returned to Ithaca at the age of 17 to attend Ithaca College where she received a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal and Juvenile Justice. She’s been working for the Ithaca Youth Bureau since 2004 and is a firm believer that it takes a community to educate a child. During her free time she enjoys reading, running, biking and spending time with her family and friends.

Erin Curtis
​(They/Them)

Youth Enrichment Specialist

Erin was born and raised in Syracuse, New York & attended college at Syracuse University for Psychology. Their work with BBBS, although completely unexpected, has provided them with great joy, purpose, and even a new direction in life.
Erin’s work with BBBS resulted from the experience of becoming a Big in March of 2021. Through volunteering with BBBS and time spent with their Little, Erin has grown to be both passionate and dedicated to the lasting impacts and meaningful experiences that come from working with youth. They would like to thank their Little for kick starting their journey with BBBS and within the IYB community.

Molly Bargar (She/Her)

Client Relations Specialist

Molly Bargar grew up in Ithaca and attended the Alternative Community School.  She later graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Social Services and Spanish.  Molly has been working for Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2004, the same year she was matched with her Little Sister, Hope.  Molly has enjoyed watching Hope grow from a 6 year old to a young adult with children of her own.  She believes in the power of one-to-one mentoring and is proud to work for an agency that she truly believes in.

David Menard
​(He/Him)

Match Support Specialist

David Menard grew up just outside of Philadelphia, PA. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he pursued a degree in History and Sociology. Afterwards he joined the Peace Corps serving at a small primary school on a central island in the Republic of Vanuatu. David is excited to continue supporting Ithaca's youth through his role at BBBS. Outside of work he is an avid ultimate frisbee player, loves to hike and cook, and spend time with family and friends. 
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