Group helps build strong, supportive relationships for youth
What we do: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Green County provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Children ("littles") ages 6 to 18 are matched to a volunteer mentor ("Bigs") and typically spend time together weekly doing just about anything you can imagine together-cook a meal together, walking, talking, playing at a park, learn new skills or experience something they've never seen or done ... the opportunities are endless.
Our organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Green County has been in the community since 1985 serving hundreds of children each year with our three programs: Community-based mentoring, Lunch Buddies and School Friends programming. Our agency serves the families and communities within Green County. We have a staff of five led by Executive Director Shannon Kaszuba and supported by a board of directors. Each year we support between 200-250 matches between the three programs in addition to a list of children waiting to be matched to a mentor, so we always have a need for volunteers (especially male mentors) interested in mentoring the youth of our county. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and receive partial funding from the United Way of Green County each year. Additional funding is acquired through grants, individual donations and business sponsorships brought in through special fundraising events held throughout the year.
What volunteers do for us: First and foremost, mentors provide the youth in our programs with someone they can look up to, confide in and depend upon for guidance and support. Volunteers are also a necessity to assist with the success of our fundraising events throughout the year, so if planning, organizing and being social are some of your traits, we would love to talk to you about how we can partner together to make these events as fruitful as possible in order to continue serving the youth and families of Green County.
What we need: We currently have over 20 children waiting to matched to a Big Brother or Big Sister within Green County; some of them have been waiting over a year or more. Financial support is always appreciated, but more importantly, fulfilling the dream of a waiting child with a mentor is our number one priority. If you have an hour or two a week to share with a child, please contact us to "Start Something" with BBBS of Green County.
Contact: Shannon Kaszuba, executive director, 1505 Ninth St., Monroe; 608.325.7855; bbbsgreencounty.org
What I do as a volunteer: My Little Sister and I get together once a week to do various activities. Some of our favorites are listening to music, baking, shopping at thrift stores and taking pictures, just to name a few. During these times we do lots of talking as well. My Little Sis loves to talk. Our conversations range from school to boys to other life events. It gives us a chance to discuss important and complex topics in a safe, nurturing environment.
Why I enjoy volunteering: After raising two boys it was time to have a girl in my life. It has been a lot of fun hanging out with her and doing girl things together. My Little Sister is a very special person and has positively impacted me just as much as I hope I have impacted her.
One thing I've learned as a volunteer: It's important for adults to be there for these kids. Some of them have been through a lot in their lives. It takes a community to raise a child and these kids are the future of our community. They definitely deserve as much time as we can give them.
If I could grant one wish for Big Brothers Big Sisters, it would be: For every child who is waiting for a big brother or big sister to get one right away. A lot of "Littles" are waiting for "Bigs." There are many great people in Green County who could add a lot of value to Big Brother Big Sisters and the youth in this community.