Community-based Program

Big Brothers and Big Sisters can open a world of possibilities and opportunities for a young person simply by being a genuine friend. You will build treasured memories through a friendship that will change your life and a child's life forever.

How does it work? It's easy!

Volunteer mentors (Bigs) provide mentees (Littles) with one-on-one time and attention approximately four times a month. Together they enjoy activities such as fishing, baking cookies, washing the car, raking leaves and munching on popcorn while watching a movie. During these unstructured outings they cultivate relationships that provide children with skills to manage every day challenges. Through simple friendships, Bigs experience the joy of helping children discover a world of possibilities and opportunities.

Benefits for Bigs:

A new friendship with a young person who can benefit from your support and friendship
A chance to give back
Add fun, challenge and excitement into your life
Develop friendships with others who volunteer
Belong to a nationally recognized premier mentoring organization
Learn new skills, leadership, commitment, and gain an appreciation for diversity

Benefits for Littles:

Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring makes a huge difference for the youth it serves. Research consistently demonstrates that Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring helps youth overcome the many challenges they face. The most compelling evidence was found by our annual research studies of the children we serve in Northwestern Wisconsin. We know that the children in our program:

45% more likely to avoid substance abuse;
52% more likely to avoid early parenting;
62% have better academic peformance ;
66% have a better sense of future ;
More confident in their schoolwork performance;
Able to get along better with their families.

Children in the program look forward to spending time with their Big Brother or Sister, for many it is the highlight of their week. This is not surprising to us because we can all remember the person in our life that brought a little magic just by being there.