Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County develops and supports long-lasting friendships between children and caring, responsible volunteers to provide a positive experience for both child and adult. These friendships are a strong investment in the future of our community.

Description:
In 2004, Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating 100 years as the nation's preeminent youth-service mentoring organization. We have proven success in creating and nurturing positive relationships that benefit everyone involved, including the volunteer, the child, families and the community.

In our own lives, each of us was touched by someone, other than our parents, who introduced us to new worlds and brought a little magic into our lives. By becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can do the same for a child. Volunteers ideally spend several hours with their Little Brother or Little Sister a few times each month. You must be at least 16 years old and have access to private or public transportation.

The volunteer and the child decide how to spend their time together. You may do things as simple as washing the car or making dinner. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister simply means being a genuine friend to a child. It's all about Little Moments, Big Magic.

History:
Since 1966, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County has been matching adult volunteers to children primarily from single-parent homes. On average, nearly 1,000 children are served each year. Altogether, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Dane County volunteer more than 1,000 hours each week. Yet more than 200 children are still waiting for a mentor.

We've formed more than 6,500 friendships over the years, many of which continue today. We often hear from former Little Brothers and Little Sisters who credit their special adult friend with having a dramatic effect on their lives. As a volunteer, you can celebrate the joy of everyday moments and bring magic into a child's life.

Contact person: Alyssa Mick, Program Director, (608) 661-4394, (email)
Office fax number: (608) 663-5444

Address:

2059 Atwood Avenue Madison, WI 53704 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.bbbsmadison.org

Directions:

From the West: Take East Washington to First Street, turn right. Turn left at the first set of stoplights onto Atwood Avenue. Follow the street as it curves to the right at the next stoplight. Immediately look for the 4-story. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Will you be using VolunteerYourTime.org for Donation Match ONLY?
	No

Overall Experience   
One of the simplest and most meaningful ways you can spend your lunch hour.

I am grateful to the children who give up recess with their friends once a week to spend time with me. They are so much fun! What we do together is so simple: eat lunch and play games, and yet there are so many rewards for a mentor and child. My "littles" tell me that they wish they could have lunch with me everyday. I wish so too! posted by saranaatz on February 8, 2005