Big Impact – Proven Results
The focus at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin is on creating long and sustaining relationships that will have the greatest impact on the children we serve. We know that having a Big Brother or Big Sister can help children reach their potential and get set on the right path in life.
Research proves that children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are more likely to improve in school, have better relationships with family and friends, are less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol, and have higher aspirations and better self-confidence.
Success in Education
We know that having a Big Brother or Big Sister can have a positive impact on the educational success of the children in our program.
A national study conducted by Public/Private Ventures found that children in our program:
Skipped fewer classes and days than their peers.
Felt more competent about their schoolwork.
Showed improvements in the number of homework and in-class assignments turned in.
In 2009, Harris Interactive conducted an online survey of alumni Littles from across the nation. Among those former Littles:
77% reported doing better in school because of their Big.
65% agreed their Big helped them reach a higher level of education that they thought possible.
52% agreed their Big kept them from dropping out of high school.
Guidance Counselor
Andrew Brandenburg
Avoidance of Risky Behaviors
When kids stay out of trouble, they do better in school and in life, and their communities become stronger, safer places to live. There are proven results which show that children who have a Big Brother or Big Sister are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
A national study conducted by Public/Private Ventures found that children in our program:
Were 46% less likely to start using drugs.
Were 27% less likely to start using alcohol.
Were almost 1/3 less likely to hit someone.
The 2009 Harris Interactive survey of former Littles showed that:
90% said their relationship with their Big helped them make better choices throughout their childhood.
86% said their relationship with their Big has helped them make better choices throughout their adult life.
76% said they learned right from wrong from their Big.
Match Feature
Kodie + Vergene
Higher Aspirations, Greater Confidence, Better Relationships
Do you remember someone who encouraged you to believe in yourself, who encouraged you to work hard in school and in life? Big Brothers Big Sisters, with the help of donors, volunteers, partners, advocates, and supporters, encourages the next generation of children to reach their dreams. Our programs encourage children to set higher goals for themselves, help them improve their confidence in themselves, and help them have better and stronger relationships with their family and peers.
A national study conducted by Public/Private Ventures found that of the children in our program:
94% said they had a lot or some confidence they would reach their goals.
93% of Littles said to have adults who care and look out for them is very important to helping them achieve their goals.
80% of Littles said they feel their Bigs help them a lot.
The 2009 Harris Interactive survey of former Littles showed that:
81% agreed their Big changed their perspective on what they thought possible in life.
77% said they set higher goals than they would have on their own because of their Big.
65% agreed their Big helped them reach a higher level of education than they thought possible.
86% agreed they lead a fulfilling life.
72% said they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their relationships with friends.
// For more information on the impact on confidence, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
// Learn more about making a donation.
// Learn more about being a Big.
// Learn more about enrolling a child.
match feature
Nakia, Noel & Vicki
Local Story:
Gloria & Natasha
“I care about the whole her.”
When you meet Gloria and Natasha, you get a sense that their friendship has lasted a lifetime. They laugh and joke about things only they would understand. Little Sister Natasha is now in tenth grade, but when they first met she was a precocious 9 year old. She recalls meeting her Big Sister for the first time and asking, “How old are you?” To which, Gloria quipped, “Old enough to be your grandmother!”
Having a Big Sister was truly needed for Natasha. Her father, Jeff, explained, “I was a single parent at the time with four kids and was trying to keep a full time job. It was really hard.” Gloria describes her role as Big Sister as being a “soft place to fall when times are hard,” and “always encouraging and supportive.”
Gloria is a retired educator which helped make their school-based match feel natural. Much of their match focuses on learning but mostly they just talk. “I care about the whole her,” says Gloria. School hasn’t always been Natasha’s favorite thing, but in high school she started taking Japanese and something clicked. Now when they meet, Natasha teaches Gloria what she’s learning and hopes to teach English in Japan someday. Gloria is joyful knowing that they’ve developed a deep friendship and that she’s played a part in Natasha’s future success.