Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral WI

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin has been walking alongside local youth since 1976. As the gold standard in youth mentoring, we create one‑to‑one matches that help young people build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.

Every match strengthens our community — one relationship at a time.

Both of our mentoring programs create space for simple, consistent moments of connection — the kind that help young people feel supported, build confidence, and see new possibilities for their future. Whether volunteers meet with a Little out in the community or during the school day, the heart of the work is the same: showing up with kindness, curiosity, and care.

Community‑Based Mentoring

Volunteers (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) meet out in the community to share everyday experiences — grabbing ice cream, exploring a park, cooking together, attending a festival, or trying something new. These unstructured, relationship‑building moments help youth:

• Grow confidence and resilience

• Strengthen decision‑making skills

• Build healthy, trusting relationships

• Explore interests beyond their neighborhood or routine

School‑Based Mentoring

During the school year, Bigs meet with Littles once a week for 30 minutes at school or a partner site. They might play games, read together, craft, or simply talk about their week. This consistent time supports:

• Positive attendance and engagement

• Stronger peer and adult relationships

• A more confident attitude toward school

• Academic enrichment through encouragement and connection

Across both programs, volunteers don’t need special skills — just reliability, warmth, and a willingness to show up. Those small, steady moments make a lasting difference.