Our Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee County, Inc. provides a unique, prevention-focused approach to youth development. Our positive, broad-based programs focus less on specific problems after they occur, and more on meeting youth’s most basic developmental needs. The one-to-one mentoring relationships we build and support provide guidance to help children develop the positive values and self-worth they need to make sound decisions about issues that impact their future development including decisions about drug and alcohol use, early parenting, peer and family relationships.
Just think about it: Young people saying ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol, improving their school performance, getting along better with peers – all because they had a Big Brother or Big Sister.
The impact made by providing another caring adult in the life of every child is not just a dream"– it’s a reality, and we have a study by a nationally acclaimed, experienced research group to prove it*. Researchers found that 18 months after beginning a match, Little Brothers and Little Sisters 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 a class
- more confident of their performance in school
- one-third less likely to hit someone
- getting along better with their peers
Children experience many challenges, and a special friend to listen to them, to whom they can talk and do fun activities, someone to “Turn Little Moments Into Big Magic” makes all the difference in the world.
“Making a Difference, An Impact Study of Big Brothers and Big Sisters”; Public/Private Ventures, 1996
Community Based Program
This program provides Ozaukee County youth between the ages of 5 through 15, with the opportunity to develop a special friendship with another caring adult. The ‘new friends’ spend an average of 3 hours together 2-3 times per month exploring interests, sharing stories, and enjoying the experience of being together.
School-Based Mentoring Program
This program provides Ozaukee County elementary and middle school students the chance to develop a positive attitude toward learning while having fun with a special friend as they do so. The School-Based volunteers and children spend approximately one hour a week during the school day participating in activities that help to strengthen the child’s academic, social, and organizational skills. The program also aims to help guide students as they become more confident and goal orientated.
