Big Brothers Big Sisters

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County, our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBS is the nation’s oldest and largest mentoring organization and the only evidence-based program of its kind.

Locally, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County has been empowering children with social, emotional and character development through one-to-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers since 1967.  We serve all of Fond du Lac County and the northern portion of Dodge County. Being matched with a mentor increases a Little’s social and emotional well-being as well as their success at school. It also decreases their tendency to engage in risky behaviors.

Children that have a mentor are:

• Less likely to begin using illegal drugs or alcohol
• Less likely to skip school or class and are more confident in their schoolwork performance
• Able to get along better with their families

A little time can make a BIG impact. There are hundreds of Bigs in our community who are helping change a child’s life in just a few hours a month. Being a Big Brother, Sister, Couple, or Family is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you will ever do.

There’s more than one way to be a mentor—our programs are designed so you can get involved in the way that works best for you. Are you ready to take the first step? Check out our volunteer "Opportunities" on this site, call us at 920-922-8200 or visit www.bbbsfdl.org to learn more.  

"Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story." -Josh Shipp

Meet Wolfgang.  Wolfgang enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Little in 2016.  He comes from a tough background.  With a history of abuse and a stressful home environment, Wolfgang struggled significantly in school and had a hard time fitting in. It was clear that he could really benefit from the positive influence of a consistent adult role model.

Enter Frank.  A former Little himself, Frank gets what the program is all about.  He enrolled to be a Big and said "give me your toughest kid," and their match began.

If you ask Frank, he'll tell you he's just an average guy that gets to relive his childhood by being a Big.  Going to movies, the park, & BBBS monthly activities, this match does it all.  But it's not just the places they go that makes this match so special.  Frank has modeled kindness and treating others with respect, to Wolfgang. He's helped his Little grow in positive communication & interpersonal skills, like walking in a room, making eye contact and shake someone's hand.  It may not seem like much to the average person, but the change we have seen in Wolfgang in the past 8 years is nothing short of amazing.

Frank has given Wolfgang some of the best gifts a person could ask for: trust and friendship. When Wolfgang was asked what he thought about his Big, his reply said it all.  “He’s really kind and treats me like family.  He is energetic, patient and wise.  He respects my opinion and understands me when others have not.”  Frank is a true inspiration and the very definition of a Big Brother.  Matches like Frank and Wolfgang’s are what BBBS is all about.  They are proof of the impact a Big can have in a Little's life, empowering and inspiring him or her to reach their full potential.