Our Impact

Mentoring Works!

The BBBS organization defined the meaning of one-to-one mentoring. Behind the BBBS name are many professionals who have developed, refined, and delivered this premier system to recruit and screen candidates, match Littles to Bigs, and support these relationships with skill and compassion.

The impact of the program is big. An independent impact study by Veteran research group, Private Public Ventures P/PV confirmed what we inherently knew: children are more likely to excel and make better choices with their lives when they have felt the quiet power of the match experience. P/PV research showed that children matched one-to-one with and adult mentor 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
  • More confident in their schoolwork performance
  • Able to get along better with their families

BBBS of Fond du Lac County continues to prove year after year that the children served by the agency improve in self confidence, competence, and caring behaviors. It is possible to change the world, one child at a time.

We are proud to be a United Way Agency Partner.

Testimonials

Abbigail Chisnell

“Joining BBBS has made a huge impact on MY life.”

I became a big when I was part-way through my college experience at Marian. I had known since high school that I wanted to do something to help out my community, but I never knew quite what I could do to benefit such a large group of people. When Big Brothers/Big Sisters came to Marian for a small event, I was able to talk to Jennifer Smith and express my *timid* interest in the program. I was really worried that I wouldn’t have enough time to commit, and that I wouldn’t know what to do with a younger “sibling” or how to be a “positive mentor.”

After playing with one of the kids at the event for 10 minutes or so, he mentioned to me with sadness in his eyes that “he wished he’d been matched with a big brother, because he had always wanted someone to look up to.” At that moment, I knew this program was the way I could help my community. I had to settle with knowing that I would only be able to help one child from one family, but I knew I had to start somewhere. Joining BBBS has made a huge impact on my life. My little sister and I have been matched for over 3 years now, and she has become part of my family. I have become more confident, more selfless, and more mature after being involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Everyone says they “don’t have the time for another commitment,” but after making a difference for just one child, there’s no way I could go back and take back my decision to devote my time to become part of such a great program.

Brooke Haen

“I hope he has learned as much from me as I did from him. “

A little over two years ago I decided to become a BIG with hopes of making a positive impact on a child’s life. To be honest, it was a little nerve wrecking at first. Not knowing who I would end up with, whether or not we would get along, and if I was the right person for such an important responsibility. I was also unsure I would be able to follow through with the commitment because I live a very busy lifestyle. One of the things that attracted me to the program was that I only needed to be available every other week for a few hours. This worked out very well for me.

After meeting with the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff they found me the perfect match. His name is Hunter and he loves sports and fishing (Just like me!). I have never had a younger brother or sister so I was quite excited to meet him and start building our relationship. We have done many activities over the past two years such as playing basketball, going to the batting cages, going out for dinner, kayaking, fishing, going to the movies, attending sporting events, and bowling just to name a few. We have a lot of fun when we are together.

Hunter will be turning 16 this year and will be getting his driver’s license (can’t believe he is that old already!). As he gets older I realize he will want to be with his friends more and he will eventually go on to college and/or be in the workforce so we will not be able to hang out as much as we used to. I am grateful for the time we do get to spend together. I hope he has learned as much from me as I did from him. I am proud and confident in saying we will be life-long friends.

Tori Wondra

“My mission was to become that figure they looked forward to seeing each time we got together!”

I originally became a Big because I wanted to better the life of a young child who needed an extra ray of sunshine in their life. My mission was to become that figure they looked forward to seeing each time we got together.

I wanted to help them become the best version of them self and be there to encourage every step of the way. Throughout the match my little and I have done a variety of fun activities of which include: rollerblading, ice skating, going to plays and movies, lunch/ ice cream dates, swimming, bowling, and lots of crafts (which include pottery & painting). My favorite would have to be our time ice skating, swimming, and painting. I also enjoy our lunches together as it is a chance to get lots of talking in and catch up. I am very fortunate to get to watch my little grow and learn. Each time I see her is a new adventure!

Frank Bonincontri

“If you are not involved with BBBS, you need to check it out “

I became a BIG almost 3 years ago.  I wanted to be a positive influence in a littles life and help them in their own experiences throughout life. We enjoy swimming, going to movies, outdoor activities and some sports.

We share a lot of the same interests and have fun dreaming out loud, sharing stories and laughing about many odd things we find humor in. Since our first hang out, I have seen growth in many areas and am happy that I could be a part of it. BBBS did an outstanding job matching me up with someone and made everything super easy. If you are not involved with BBBS, you need to check it out and get matched up with a little. It is tons of fun and brings out my inner 12 year old every time we hang out!

Brianna Bakri

“When we are together we play games, read, work on homework or make up assignments, and sometimes even just talk.”

The Big Brothers Big Sisters School Based Program has been amazing for me and I know for my little sister, Yajaira, too. I became a big sister last year because I love kids and interacting with them. I have wanted to be a teacher for the longest time, and the idea of getting to see a child once every week for the duration of a school year sounded like a ton of fun! These last two years have been a blast.  I’ve seen my little sister grow so much as a person, and even as a student. Through our time together, we’ve become great friends. When we are together we play games, read, work on homework or make up assignments, and sometimes even just talk. The program has also been very inspiring for me, and it is such an incredible feeling to know that she looks forward to seeing me every Thursday at school.  I definitely plan to continue my time with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program through college!

Lacey Wendorff

“My time with My Little has given me a greater appreciation for the little things in life”

I could write a book about all of our different adventures we have been on…but it is the simple moments on our hikes that I cherish the most.  This is when she opens up and talks about her dreams of becoming a veterinarian one day.  There are no other distractions – it’s just Morgan, myself and Mother Nature, and the opportunity for Morgan to dream big.

I enjoy my time with Morgan for many of the same reasons she enjoys spending time with me.  It is a time for me to get away from the daily stresses of life and work, and really appreciate what matters most in life – WHO you spend it with.  My time with Morgan has also given me a greater appreciation for the little things in life, like sitting around a campfire and roasting marshmallows.  Seeing her eyes light up during the simple moments reminds me we don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to find happiness in life.