Mission: Big brothers big sisters of metro milwaukee's mentoring program addresses the needs of children facing adversity by creatig and supporting strong one-to-one mentoring relationships between children and caring volunteer adult mentors. In 2016, our mentoring program served 1,376 youth ages 6-18 in milwaukee and waukesha counties who were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (82%), were from single-parent households (69%) and/or had an incarcerated parent (15%). Each mentoring relationship received monthly one-to-one case management to track progress towards educational benchmarks, coach mentors and children through difficult situations, connect mentoring matches to educational and community resources, and increase positive youth outcomes. The value of mentoring services is estimated to be worth $2,600,000 for 113,000 hours for the year ended june 30, 2017. Big brothers big sisters' is dedicated to helping children thrive. We hold ourselves accountable for each child in our mentoring p
Programs: Community-based mentoring:this is the traditional one-to-one mentoring option where children and volunteer mentors meet weekly through the metro milwaukee community and spend time together engaged in activities they choose based on mutual interest. Through community-based mentoring, a child experiences a wide range of new, fun, and educational activities; builds confidence; and gains a new perspective. In 2016, big brothers big sisters served 680 youth through community based mentoring.
school-based mentoring: students meet with volunteer mentors weekly during or after the school day at one of 12 partner elementary or middle school locations for educationally-focused mentoring. Through the support of their mentors, children develop positive attitudes toward school, achieve higher grades, become more confident, and improve relationships with adults and peers. All interaction between children and mentors is overseen by big brothers big sisters' professional staff. In 2016, big brothers big sisters served 532 youth through school-based mentoring.
mentor2. 0:high school youth who are low-income and first generation college students are matched with college educated mentors to promote high school graduation, college readiness, post-secondary enrollment, and post-secondary success. Mentor2. 0 combines in-person mentoring with safe, secure online communication and a comprehensive weekly curriculum focused on college readiness. Mentors are matched with students at the beginning of their freshmen year of high school. Relationships continue throughout high school and through the first year of post-secondary education. In 2016, big brothers big sisters served 164 youth through mentor2. 0.
I am so disappointed by the previous post. BBBS Milwaukee is a fantastic organization and is making a tremendous difference for thousands of children in our community. The vast majority of "littles" come from single-parent, low income families. They truly benefit from having another, perhaps more stable, individual in their lives.
I have been a "Big" for ten years and have seen my "little" grow and thrive. She is now in college! BBBS did a great job matching us in the first place and they have provided guidance and support throughout the years. A tremendously worthwhile organization, I support BBBS with both my time and wallet.
I have been a "Big" for over a year with this organization, and it has been a totally underwhelming experience. I see my "Little" a minimum of 3 times a month. I made a commitment to complete 2 years with my "Little" so I will continue until the end of the second year. To be candid, my "Little" is not remotely needy: on the honor roll, active in sports/ music/theatre, and has a very close and loving family with a parent who is an educated professional. Unfortunately, despite multiple communications with the agency, they affirm that the child is appropriate for the program. It is my impression that they are keeping this child in the program to bolster their "success" rates. I believe my time is wasted being a playmate when I could be truly helping a child in need. Even as a highly active volunteer, I am constantly getting requests to donate money to the organization (which I think is in poor taste). I would not recommend this organization for volunteering or charitable giving.
