John and Nyeer have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters for over six years, beginning in 2019. Nominated by Nyeer’s grandmother, Jean, and his mother, Fawn, the Match quickly became a steady and meaningful relationship in Nyeer’s life. From the start, John and Nyeer discovered shared interests, especially art and creativity, which helped lay the foundation for a strong…

Terry and Chris have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters for over three years, beginning in 2022. Nominated by Terry, Chris’s mom, Elizabeth, and their Match Support Specialist, Stevie, their relationship has grown into a strong, trust-filled connection rooted in curiosity, exploration, and consistent support. From the very beginning, Terry has been a steady and encouraging presence in Chris’s…

For 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County has been grounded in a simple but powerful belief: when young people have consistent, caring mentors in their lives, they are more likely to reach their full potential. Across six decades, thousands of Bigs, Littles, families, donors, and partners have come together to create life-changing friendships that strengthen not only…

As the year comes to a close, many of us take time to reflect on what matters most - family, community, and the impact we can make in the lives of others. End-of-year giving is more than a tradition; it’s an opportunity to create lasting change. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, we know firsthand how powerful that…

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we believe in the transformative power of one-to-one mentoring, but we also look to groundbreaking national research that reinforces what we’ve long known: these trusted relationships really make a difference. Rigorous National Study Validates Mentorship Matters A newly published, four-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated BBBS’s Community-Based Mentoring programs and found significant long-term benefits for…

Mike and Kevin have been matched for 1 1/2 years. They were nominated by Kevin’s mom, Ronni: “Mike has been an incredible source of support and stability for my son, Kevin. Through both the highs and the challenging moments, Mike has consistently stood by Kevin’s side. In October, our family faced a pivotal moment that could have changed Kevin’s life…

Marisa and Jayla have been matched for 8 1/2 years. They were nominated by Jayla's mom, Shaunda: “Marisa has been an incredible influence in Jayla’s life, guiding her to embrace new experiences, become more social, and excel in school. She is truly like a big sister to Jayla, always offering support and encouragement, even when she’s away traveling. Marisa’s family…

Amanda and Lindsey have been matched for 10 years. They were nominated by their Match Support Specialist, Allegra: “From the very beginning, Lindsey formed a strong bond with her Big Sister, Amanda. Her mom, Jennifer, recalls Lindsey feeling so close to Amanda that she didn’t want to share her—especially when Amanda started dating her now-husband. Lindsey’s initial worries about “losing”…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County is excited to introduce The BIG Difference—our very first podcast!  Hosted by our very own Community Partnerships Manager, Tracy Anderson, this series celebrates the power of mentorship and explores how one-to-one relationships positively transform young lives and strengthen our community. Our premiere episode features an inspiring conversation between CEO Sandy Morales and former…