Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters experienced a year of changes, including a repositioned brand, new logo and a new mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Several chapters changed offices to improve working space and administrative efficiencies.
Other chapters started a Match Enrichment Fund to help encourage Bigs and Littles to explore other activities and events that may be of interest to them. Events can include visiting an art or science museum, sending their Little to a S.T.E.M. Camp, participating in health and wellness classes, or scholastic needs. With this program, BBBS offers scholarships and academic assistance to Littles that are graduating high school and attending college to help with tuition and supplies that may be needed.
All of these changes came about because of one BIG reason: Mentoring works! It’s why the organization continues to grow. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to report another record high of children served. Bigs and family members are seeing their Littles do better in school, be more confident, be less likely to be involved with risky behaviors and develop dreams for their futures.
BBBS chapters are also fortunate to have many great community partners that help achieve its mission, including public school districts that support school mentoring programs. Other chapters have begun collaborating with the Boys & Girls Clubs and Family Services in their regions.
Numerous BBBS chapters receive funding from County Materials’ annual charity golf outing. To demonstrate the company’s Vision of Success, Stability and Support, County Materials is contributing to organizations that provide youth mentoring and skills building in communities where the company has locations.
Our Giving in Action
Mentoring can have a ripple effect. This is especially true with BBBS of Dane County 2019 Big of the Year. Porsha Davis was a “Little” in the early 2000’s and returned the favor as soon as she was eligible to become a mentor herself. In 2009, Porsha became a Big Sister and was introduced to Little Sister, Renajah. Over the past 10 years and for many more years to come, Porsha has been and will continue to defend the potential of Renajah because she believes in her bright future. Little Sister Renajah said, “What I’ve learned from Porsha is to always follow your dreams. Even at your lowest point, she taught me to never stop dreaming & always believe in myself.”
BBBS Chapters Represented
• Central Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
• Central Illinois - Champaign County, Champaign, IL
• Central Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
• Dane County, Madison, WI
• Illinois Capital Region, Springfield, IL
• Johnson County, Iowa City, IA
• Mid-Illinois, Charleston, IL
• Northcentral Wisconsin, Wausau, WI
• Northeastern Wisconsin, Green Bay, WI
• Northwestern Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI
• Richland County, Olney, IL
• Southcentral Wisconsin, Delavan, WI
• 7 Rivers Region, La Crosse, WI
