Big Brothers in Blue

About Us

Who Are We?

Big Brothers in Blue is a dedicated youth organization serving the Columbia and Orangeburg areas. Our mentoring program provides positive male role models for at-risk boys, ages 8 and up, from single-mother households. We connect young men with committed mentors who are police officers, first responders, and military members, fostering trust, guidance, and community support. By building strong, reliable relationships, we empower youth to navigate life's challenges and achieve their full potential.

Our Mission

At Big Brother in Blue, our mission is to empower at-risk boys aged 8 and up from single-mother households by connecting them with dedicated male role models from the ranks of police officers, first responders, and military personnel. We strive to foster trust, guidance, and community support through meaningful mentorship relationships. By building strong, reliable connections, we aim to inspire youth to navigate life's challenges and unlock their full potential, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive and succeed.

President & FOUNDER

Jason & Nehemiah Roberts

"The best way to protect our boys from the system, is to keep them out of the system..."

My Story

At the age of 16, I had the privilege of meeting Captain Darring Hicks of the Columbia Police Department in South Carolina. At that pivotal moment in my life, I was at a crossroads and faced with the potential for a destructive path. Having dropped out of school and being raised by a single mother with an absent father, I found myself in a challenging situation. However, Captain Hicks inspired me profoundly, igniting a desire to pursue a positive direction. I aspired to become a police officer, just like him.

Motivated by this newfound purpose, I returned to school, secured a position as a security officer, and at the age of 21, I became a Deputy Sheriff with the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Over the past 30 years, I have had the honor of serving in various roles within law enforcement at the Richland County Sheriff's Office, the Columbia Police Department, the Cobb County Sheriff's Office and Currently at the South Carolina State Univ. Department of Public Safety. I went on to receive my bachelor's degree in criminal Justice from Liberty University in Lynchberg, V.A. and I consider myself fortunate and blessed to continue this journey.

Throughout my career, my primary objective has always been to help others. I have come to realize that none of my achievements would have been possible without God on my side and the guidance of my "Big Brother in Blue," Darring Hicks. In light of this, I have made the decision to pay it forward by establishing this nonprofit organization “Big Brothers in Blue” that will utilize police officers to mentor at-risk boys and young men aged 8 and older.

My goal is to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and businesses, both locally and nationally, to support this generation of young men who, like myself, are navigating the challenges of growing up with absent fathers.