Programs & Services

Support that meets young people where they are.

Youth development, enrichment, and family support for Portsmouth. Programs are free for qualifying participants. All current programs and services continue at Little Homies Youth Center, 2605 Elliott Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23702.

Big H.O.M.I.E.S. community outreach in Portsmouth

Our Comprehensive Offerings

Programs that help young people thrive.

Both recreation centers will offer many of the same core youth development and enrichment programs. Certain programs, activities, and services will differ by location.

Programs and activities may vary by location. Please contact Big Homies Inc. for current program availability and schedules.

Find Our Locations

Plan Your Next Step

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Our after-school program is currently full. Join our waitlist to receive information about future enrollment opportunities as we prepare for the planned January 2027 official opening of the Big Homies Recreation Center. Placement is subject to availability.

The Big Homies Recreation Center at 710 Lincoln Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 is under construction, with completion anticipated in November 2026 and the official opening planned for January 2027. It is not yet open to the public. Families should continue using our Elliott Avenue location for current programs and services. Big Homies Inc. is expanding to two locations. Little Homies Youth Enrichment & Recreation Center will remain open and operational at Elliott Avenue alongside the new Big Homies Recreation Center.

Join Our Waitlist

Cheer and Dance

Movement, expression, and teamwork are part of our youth enrichment offerings. Contact our team for current cheer and dance opportunities.

Programs and activities may vary by location. Please contact Big Homies Inc. for current program availability and schedules.

Big H.O.M.I.E.S. youth and community members together

01 / Program Area

Academic Enrichment & STEM

Learning support that helps young people build skills and confidence beyond the classroom.

  • After-school enrichment and academic support.
  • Tutoring led by certified instructors and support in schools.
  • STEM and cybersecurity education.

Contact our team about individual learning opportunities.

Ask About This Program
Young people taking part in a Big H.O.M.I.E.S. mentoring activity

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Mentorship & Violence Prevention

Trusted relationships and positive outlets help young people find support and a path forward.

  • One-to-one mentoring, virtual mentoring, home visits, and trust-building with families.
  • Youth-service partnerships and support in schools.
  • Portsmouth Safe Streets Initiative: mentoring, job training, mediation, group therapy, sports training, counseling, tutoring, CPR training, and mental health and substance-abuse referrals.

Contact our team about current mentoring and Safe Streets services.

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Big H.O.M.I.E.S. sports and recreation activity

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Sports, Recreation & Wellness

Positive connections through movement, teamwork, and care for young people’s well-being.

  • Basketball, football, baseball, coach-mentors, and local-team connections.
  • Sports training, CPR training and certification, and financial assistance for families in need.
  • Confidential intensive in-home support, one-to-one counseling with licensed counselors, trusted professional referrals, rehabilitation-center connections, and substance-abuse prevention conversations.

Seasonal sports camps, combines, sports events, and girls’ spa days are also among our documented activities. Contact us for current offerings.

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A Big H.O.M.I.E.S. community event

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Arts, Culture & Creative Expression

Space to express ideas, connect with others, and explore creativity.

  • Paint parties and vision board parties.
  • Game nights and shared community experiences.

Event-based activities offered at different times, not a standing weekly schedule. Ask our team which events are currently planned.

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Community members at a Big H.O.M.I.E.S. groundbreaking event

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Workforce & Financial Empowerment

Practical preparation for work and opportunities to build toward a more independent future.

  • Youth leadership development.
  • Job training, youth employment opportunities, and employment access.
  • Career and education fairs, résumé preparation, and interview workshops.
  • Business-owner mentoring and on-the-job learning.

Opportunities and events vary. Contact our team for current workforce offerings and participation information.

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Big H.O.M.I.E.S. community outreach

06 / Program Area

Family & Community Support

Practical support and stronger connections for Portsmouth families.

  • Food distribution and community outreach.
  • School-supply giveaways, trunk-or-treats, and toy drives.
  • Family connections through mentoring, home visits, and trusted service referrals.

Food distribution continues on Mondays as detailed below. Giveaways and holiday activities are seasonal or event-based, not continuously available.

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Big H.O.M.I.E.S. participants and community supporters

07 / Program Area

Camps & Experiential Learning

Experiences that give young people more ways to learn, connect, and explore.

  • Summer camp and day camps.
  • Field trips and enrichment experiences.
  • Seasonal sports camps and combines.

Seasonal or event-based activities. Contact our team for confirmed upcoming opportunities. Past activities do not indicate current openings.

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Ongoing Community Support

Food distribution every Monday.

Every Monday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Little Homies Youth Center, 2605 Elliott Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23702.

Call (757) 702-0122 on Mondays beginning at 9:00 AM to request food assistance. All pickups and home deliveries must be scheduled by phone. Home delivery is our primary way of helping families access essential groceries. No walk-ins or first-come, first-served distribution. Food assistance is subject to availability.

Call for Food Assistance