The board of directors of Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters is making a series of strategic organizational changes designed to ensure the agency’s continued strength and sustainability in serving youth across Yavapai County.
The board also appointed Robin Layton as the group’s interim executive director. Layton, who has nearly eight years of experience with the agency in marketing, communications, fundraising and recruitment, will lead Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters through this transition period.
“I’m honored to step into this role at a time when innovation and community connection are more important than ever,” Layton said. “We’re evolving our operations to better meet the needs of our Bigs, Littles and families while ensuring our long-term impact.”
Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters is restructuring to focus more on people than property and has adopted a mobile and mission-centered work model that includes selling its Prescott office building at 3208 Lakeside Village Dr. This allows the agency to reduce overhead and focus more resources directly on mentoring relationships, as the staff works remotely.
“Selling our building in Prescott doesn’t mean we’re going anywhere,” Layton said, adding, “These updates reflect a broader nonprofit trend toward flexible, resource-savvy operations that sustain critical services like ours, even during times of financial pressure.”
Despite financial challenges that led to a reduction in staff, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters remains fully active and committed to safe, high-quality youth mentoring. The agency has downsized to a core team, following guidance from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors and leadership from the Tucson Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate.
The Yavapai agency is supporting existing Big-Little pairs and hopes to continue recruiting new mentors and youth this fall. Meeting spaces will be used as needed through local community partnerships.
“Our matches connect through meaningful experiences like cooking, fishing, hiking, reading and more. This is the essence of what we do: Big Brothers and Big Sisters sharing their time, talents and guidance with local youth,” Layton said.
“At Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, we create meaningful, lasting mentoring relationships that help local youth thrive. Our dedicated team and volunteers continue to make an incredible impact, one match at a time,” added Wendy Ross, Board Chairperson.
Until the building is sold Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Prescott staff will be available at the Lakeside Village Drive address Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at 928.778.5135. The agency will retain its building at 830 S. Main St., No. 1H, Cottonwood, with a staff member available onsite Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or at 928.634.9789.
To learn how you can support youth mentoring in Yavapai County, please visit www.azbigs.org.
