Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood County

Mission Statement: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood County develops and supports one-to- one relationships between children and caring adult volunteers to provide a positive experience for both child and adult. These friendships are a strong investment in the future of our community.

Brief Agency Overview: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood County helps build responsible, independent children and youth by developing positive one-to-one relationships with a supportive and caring adult role model. We are part of the oldest, largest, and most well-respected youth mentoring organization in America.

Hours of Operation: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday - Friday. On occasion, our jobs take us out of the office.

Contact Person: Lisa Larson

List of programs, descriptions, eligibility requirements and costs of each: Community Based Program - Community-Based mentoring is included in the Traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and has been in existence in the Marshfield Area for almost 40 years. In the Traditional Program we provide positive role models and friendship for children ages 6-14 through a one-to-one relationship with an adult. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and agree to commit to a few hours a week in a year-long match, but it is hoped the friendship that develops will last a lifetime. Matching is based on interests, personality, geographic location, needs and expectations to ensure the best possible compatibility between the mentor and child. Staff has regular contact between the parent, child, and volunteer for the duration of the match. The mentors are not parent substitutes, but give the child a sense of worth by letting he or she know someone else takes the time to care.

School-Based Program - School-Based mentoring is a part of our School Buddy Program and focuses on improving the self-esteem, attendance, and academic achievemnets of children 6-14. Volunteers are matched in a one-to-one relationship with a child who has been referred to us by a teacher, guidance counselor or parent who feels the child could benefit from a mentoring relationship or a positive adult role model. Both mentor and child make a school year commitment to the program and agree to meet at least one-half to 1 hour every week at the child's school to help provide extra attention and support. The meeting times may occur before, during or after school. Partnerships with area school districts allows volunteers to pick an elementary school of their choice to make it as convenient as possible. A School Buddy Coordinator works closely with volunteers, parents, and school social workers or guidance counselors to establish and monitor goals and objectives for each relationship.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America recently compared different types of school-based mentoring programs and found that those that focused on social/emotional development had a greater positive impact on children's grades than those programs focused on tutoring!

Volunteer Opportunities: Traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, School Buddy Program, to become a Board Member, sponsor an activity or volunteer for one of our fundraisers, please contact our office.

Contact Information
Street Address: 837 South Central Ave.
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip: Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449
Phone: (715) 387-6198
Fax: (715) 384-7145
Web Address: wwwbbbswood.org
E-Mail Address: heidi@bbswood.org