09/02/2026
🌟 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK: YAVAPAI BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS 🌟
Sometimes, making a difference starts with simply deciding to show up.
For many years, Prescott resident Eric Costanios volunteered with Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters (YBBBS) at their annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser. After sharing the mentoring mission with hundreds of people and encouraging others to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, Eric eventually decided it was time for him to become one himself.
Today, Eric isn’t just a mentor, he is also a YBBBS board member.
Seven years ago, Eric was matched with Chase, who was 13 at the time.
Eric shared, “When Chase and I were first matched, he didn’t want to talk and literally told me he didn’t need any adults or see the need for school.”
But with time, consistency, and a genuine relationship, things began to change.
Chase not only finished high school, but went on to graduate from the welding program at Yavapai College and is now looking to continue his education in the field.
For Eric, the relationship has been just as meaningful.
“It has benefitted me in many ways; it has helped me develop a friendship that will last a lifetime.”
And Eric’s mentoring journey didn’t stop with Chase.
Three years ago, while still matched with Chase, Eric began mentoring Devon, then 16. Eric watched Devon grow from a shy teenager into an outgoing young man who wasn’t afraid to make new friends, perform in public, or give back to his community.
Today, Devon is attending Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he is studying culinary arts.
Eric helped spark Devon’s passion for food preparation through the many restaurant adventures they shared. He made it a point to introduce Devon to new cuisines and experiences, turning their time together into opportunities to explore, discover, and learn.
Their adventures have included fishing trips, new restaurants, museums, road trips throughout Arizona, and countless conversations about education, singing, the future, and what comes next.
As Eric puts it:
“Devon and I love to do many different things, but most of all fishing. We are also both foodies, so we go on lots of food adventures by checking out new restaurants.”
Fishing has also been a big part of the relationship Eric has built with his Littles.
“If given the chance, Chase and I can easily fish for 4 to 5 hours. We also have taken a few road trips to explore our state and what it has to offer us.”
And now, Eric is beginning his third mentoring match, with Jonathan.
After seven years of mentoring, Eric continues to show what can happen when an adult simply makes the decision to be there, consistently, intentionally, and with an open mind.
From fishing trips and road adventures to restaurant explorations, museums, and conversations about the future, Eric’s matches have been about far more than simply spending time together.
They have been about opening doors, building confidence, discovering possibilities, and creating relationships that last.
💙 Eric’s story is a powerful reminder that one mentor can make a difference in more than one young person’s life, and that the impact of a match can continue long after childhood.
Matches like Eric’s require hours of support and resources from professional match advisors. With the financial support of generous donors and community partners, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters can continue expanding its mission and reaching more Yavapai County youth, up to age 24.
We are proud to shine a spotlight on Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters this week and celebrate the incredible impact they, and mentors like Eric, are making in our community. 💙
