By Heather Graves
Editor
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – For the past 50 years, everyday volunteers doing everyday things have made a difference in thousands of children’s lives throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
“Our program is carried out by an army of volunteers in the community,” Monica McClure, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, said. “What matters with our program is consistency, not doing extravagant activities.”
Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential.
McClure said as the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters strives to make meaningful matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles), ages seven through young adulthood.
“We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people,” McClure said.
As Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin (BBBSNEW) celebrates its 50th anniversary, those involved reflect on how the organization got to where it is today and what the future holds.
The beginning
McClure said the origins of the Northeast Wisconsin chapter date back to 1972.
“(It) started as an unofficial, part-time Big Brothers program in 1972 with no national affiliation,” she said. “Community leaders recognized the benefits of a youth mentoring program for the Green Bay community.”
From there, with the help of the YMCA, McClure said the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Brown County was founded in 1977 and affiliated with the national BBBS movement.
She said in 1983, BBBS of Brown County absorbed a similar YWCA Big Sister program, which was founded in 1974, and changed its name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin.
“Service to Oconto County began in 1985, service to Door County began in 2001 and service to Shawano County began in September 2014,” McClure said.
She said the organization changed its name slightly in 2018 – becoming Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, and in 2019 moved from its longtime home at 1345 W. Mason St. to the Broadway District.
The importance
McClure said each time BBBSNEW pairs a child with a role model, something incredible is started – “a one-to-one relationship built on trust and friendship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential.”
“BBBSNEW specializes in creating and supporting relationships that help Littles develop the characteristics needed for academic, social and economic success,” she said.
As an evidence-based mentoring organization, McClure said BBBSNEW prides itself on building and supporting impactful relationships.
According to a study conducted by Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, McClure said BBBSNEW one-to-one matches are the driving force behind making an impact on children.
She said the study states, “In mentoring programs without this infrastructure, we have found that relationships evaporate too soon for effects to be possible.”
McClure said the study reports that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, compared to those children not in the program, Little Brothers and Little Sisters, were:
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip class
• 33% less likely to hit someone
The impact
Since its inception, McClure said BBBSNEW has helped foster more than 10,000 matches.
“BBBSNEW’s program does not take place in a building,” she said. “Our volunteers are students. They are professionals, homemakers, tradespersons and retirees. But above all, they are compassionate individuals who choose to spend their time supporting youth. Through their consistent support and guidance, volunteer mentors empower youth to achieve their full potential.”
Deb Whitelaw said she became a Big after looking for more ways to get involved with students and provide mentorship.
“My match with my Little started when she was in first grade and she will be a freshman in high school next year,” Whitelaw said. “I have continued for such a long time because our relationship is so rewarding to me and, I believe, to my Little also. We enjoy each other’s company and we have had many fun adventures together.”
She said, for her, seeing her Little succeed and take new challenges and opportunities with an increased willingness and confidence is the most rewarding part of being a Big.
“Sharing a part of your life with a youth and helping make a difference makes Big Brothers and Big Sisters a terrific organization to be involved with,” Whitelaw said. “I have been very grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend participating.”
50 Bigs in 50 Days
To help celebrate 50 years of growth, BBBSNEW is launching the 50 Bigs in 50 Days campaign, with an ultimate goal of increasing awareness for those Littles still waiting for their Big.
“The 50 Bigs in 50 Days campaign is an initiative to address the nearly 90 children on our waitlist,” McClure said. “The campaign will recognize the incredible growth our organization has experienced over the past 50 years, but also highlight the immense need for mentors.”
She said the campaign, which runs through June 22, will include a closer look at previous BBBSNEW matches in Flashback Fridays, social events, highlighting current Bigs and Littles and friendly competitions.
“If you are considering becoming a Big, take the leap,” McClure said. “Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you’ll ever do. You can help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering them to achieve. And the best part is, it’s actually a lot of fun.”
Volunteering options
McClure said BBBSNEW offers many volunteering opportunities.
“We have many options available to volunteers, including signing up as a Big Couple,” she said. “If you are worried about fitting the opportunity into your schedule, we can work with you on the best option. Being a Big is never something you will regret. We have children waiting for mentors, and they are so excited to meet their future Big Sister or Big Brother. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.”
McClure said there are two ways to participate as a mentor.
“Our community-based model is the traditional model, which involves spending time with your Little in the community,” she said. “Matches can go on bike rides, visit the parks, run errands together and spend time at the Bigs’ house doing everyday things – playing video games, baking, watching movies, playing board games.”
McClure said the other is the site-based model, which takes place within the schools.
“Matches spend time together during a designated time at the Littles’ school,” she said. “The time commitment for being a Big ranges from two to four times a month and the length of time together depends on the activity. Typical activities last between 90 minutes and two hours.”
More information about BBBSNEW and its volunteering opportunities can be found at bbbsnew.org/be-a-big.