January is National Mentoring Month, and we're celebrating those who are already volunteering as mentors, “Bigs”, and also recruiting volunteers. Every January, the news is full of the same stories: people are trying to eat more healthfully, hit the gym more often. This year, we're changing that story and asking: What if this year, you could resolve to something more…

MEET MARY BETH AND JARON Mary Beth always had a passion for helping and working with youth, which is why she decided to become a Big Sister several years ago. Little did she know that her experience as a Big Sister would turn out to make a lasting impact not only on her Little Brother, but on herself and her…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County has 600+ mentors in out program that invest in their Little by giving them time. We honor all 600+ mentors and the invisible work they do in our community each and every day. Thank you for giving BIG by being a Big! Big Brother of the Year - Gunnar Reichenberger Gunnar and his…

MEET PORSHA & RENAJAH Porsha's mom was a single mother, who worked hard and was focused on providing each day, but was still struggling to make ends meet. However, when Porsha was 11 years old, her mother recognized that Porsha needed another adult in her life. In 2003, Porsha was matched with Big Sister Sara. Sara provided Porsha with new…

Meet Kevin & Aden When Big Brother Kevin was young, his grandfather and uncles were strong male role models. He watched and learned from them. Their influence inspired Kevin to become a mentor - first in his home state of Michigan and again in Wisconsin. Kevin decided to become a Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County,…

Last year, we launched a new plan to increase our capacity to match more Littles…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County takes pride in preparing mentors to have a “Big” impact on the children they mentor. Now that children are out of school for the summer, many of us, whether we’re parents, caretakers, aunts and uncles or simply someone with influence over a child, have a great opportunity to keep the kids we love…

When Big Sister Gretchen first met Little Sister Brianna, she met a shy, smart, curious girl who often got into trouble. Brianna got upset quickly, threw fits, and fought with other kids. Spending time at school and eventually outside of school with Big Sister Gretchen was a big help, and Brianna began to gain confidence and focus.

When Little Brother Brandon was struggling with his identity and realizing he was gay, he wanted to tell his Big Brother Emilio. He was scared at first, but he says Emilio simply accepted him. “From my perspective, that’s my job as a Big Brother, just to listen and be supportive,” Emilio says.

Little Sister Mykayla’s mom wanted to have a relationship with her daughter like Rory and Lorelai from “Gilmore Girls.” The mom and daughter were already so close in age that they were best friends, but throughout Mykayla’s childhood, her mother was sick. She was diagnosed with cancer when Mykayla was just a toddler, and she dealt with other severe illnesses…