Community Service
AAPA contributes to the community by participating in a number of charitable programs. AAPA members volunteer their time and knowledge to the San Antonio Bar Association's Community Justice Program ("CJP"), working in the pro bono Community Justice Clinics and Wills Clinics.
Additionally, AAPA chooses a different charity each year to support through donations and fundraising. The charity selected for the 2010-2011 Board Year is Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas.
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Research has found that the organization effectively helps children make the positive choices needed in order for them to stay in school, stay out of prison and to graduate from high school or earn their GED.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas is headquartered in San Antonio, and ranks as one of the 10 largest agencies of the national organization. In 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas supported 3,082 children in one to one mentoring relationships.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas has served the Bexar County area since 1978, and has expanded to serve Atascosa, Bexar, Cameron, Comal, Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Kendall, Kerr, Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio, Webb, and Wilson counties.
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas' vision is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all.
BBBS offers several ways to volunteer and get involved. In the Community-Based Program, volunteers usually make weekly visits during non-school hours. Agency statistics prove that kids in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program improve their school grades, peer and familial relationships and self-image. Volunteering is fun and easy! Big Brothers/Big Sisters will visit with your Little Brother or Sister about once a week; take your Little Brother or Little Sister on everyday events like running errands or even grocery shopping; and participate in community activities or even go to the park. Through Site-Based Mentoring Programs, such as the School-Based Program, a volunteer spends time with one child for about an hour each week. A volunteer would engage their "little" in a variety of activities, like: going over homework, watching the school play, eating lunch on the playground or reading together. A case manager provides support and activity ideas.
To support Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas volunteer for one of their programs, make a monetary donation, or donate your time to one of their events. The most important thing about being a Big Brother or Big Sister is to be a good friend to your Little Brother or Little Sister. Being there, showing an interest in their lives, and being consistent with visits makes a huge impact to a Little Brother or Little Sister.
AAPA selected The San Antonio Food Bank as its 2009-2010 charity. The mission of the SAFB is "to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education and advocacy." The San Antonio Food Bank serves the City of San Antonio and 16 surrounding counties.
If you have a suggestion for a charity to be considered for next year, or for more information on our charities or volunteering opportunities, contact AAPA's Public Relations Director at 
