What is Big Brothers Big Sisters and our History

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the oldest and most well respected youth mentoring program in the world. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rock, Walworth & Jefferson Counties is one of over 500 affiliates who provide mentoring services in their local community. Since the mid 1970’s, our nonprofit agency has professionally matched children from primarily single parent households with volunteer mentors. Our approach to mentoring focuses on meeting youths’ most basic developmental needs early rather than solving problems after they occur.

It has been proven that one-on-one youth mentoring has a positive impact on children and their futures. Statistics have proven that a child matched for a year with a mentor shows an increase in self-esteem, stronger communication skills, a more positive attitude towards school and a decrease in truancy, drugs and alcohol. When a child feels good about themselves, the ripple effect is amazing they have a positive influence on their friends, in school and in their community. Spending a few hours a month one-on-one with a child can change their life forever.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches Bigs and Littles based on compatible personalities, hobbies, and interests. Bigs and Littles share simple, everyday moments together. Activities might include playing catch, working on crafts, learning to cook/bake, playing board games, bike ride, visiting the library, attending community events or BBBS activities/events or just ‘hanging out’…the possibilities are truly endless!

Big Brothers Big Sisters is also actively partnering with many area school districts with their Lunch Buddies Mentoring Programs. Lunch Buddies can be found in over 20 area schools. Volunteers visit their elementary aged or middle school aged ‘buddy’ one lunch hour a week to enjoy conversation, games, recess and lunch together. The kids are so excited to share this special time with a volunteer and look forward to them returning every week! This program is perfect for the busy business professional who has a flexible lunch schedule, college students, retirees or stay-at-home individuals.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rock, Walworth & Jefferson Counties proudly serves the communities of Beloit, Janesville, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Whitewater, Delavan, Lake Geneva, East Troy, Elkhorn and surrounding communities.