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A Reflection of Why I Am A Big

Big Brother Jacob reflects on why he's a Big and how his Little Brother has affected his life in a positive way. "I first became a Big because it seemed like a uniquely fun way to volunteer. The idea of having an impact in my community while simply playing with, teaching, or just chitchatting with a friend was so appealing.…
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Big Couple Bruce and Di & Little Brother James

Bruce and Di have been involved with BBBS for over 40 years, serving as Bigs for three Little Brothers. Bruce started as a Big to Little Brother Erik when he was still single, and the Match continued as Bruce and Di got married and started their family. Bruce was able to help Erik through some very difficult times, which made…
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Big Sister Ann & Little Sister Fatou

For some Matches, there isn’t always an immediate spark - connection takes time. That was the case for Big Sister Ann and Little Sister Fatou. When the pair were first matched in 2012, Ann never knew quite where she stood with her Little Sister. Fatou was reserved, giving one-word answers to Ann’s questions. But Fatou kept showing up each Friday,…
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Big Brother Dan & Little Brother Kordell

Big Brother Dan was matched with Kordell in 2018, and they hit it off immediately on their first outing to Java Cat, where they connected over hot chocolate and games. They continued getting together weekly, with Dan showing up for Kordell’s soccer games and birthday parties. When COVID hit in 2020 and they had to move their relationship online, they…
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How Representation of Black Leadership Can Impact a Child

BBBS Board Member Kiah Calmese Walker shares why mentoring is important to her: In February, my elementary school principal, childhood mentor, and role model, Dr. Feager A. Coe-Pertilla, passed away. This amazing woman provided such a beautiful, poised, classy, firm, highly-educated, and controlled representation of Black Leadership for me. When black excellence was rarely recognized in the educational systems, she…
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Meet Big Sister Liz & Little Essence

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County is pleased to recognize Big Sister Liz Todd as the Big of the Month. Big Sister Liz works for the City of Madison as a Park Worker and is always up for a new adventure or skill to learn. Liz wanted to become a Big to give a child a chance to have…
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Meet Big Couple Lucas & Kaitlin Walker and Little Ave

Kaitlin and Lucas are a Big Couple in our program and have been mentoring their Little Brother Ave together since February 20th, 2018.
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A Very Joyful Holiday Season

Our Annual Holiday Party took place this past weekend at the Sun Prairie Ice Arena, and it’s safe to say our Matches had a blast! Over 41 Matches joined us for ice skating, a visit with Santa, and tasty take-home treats.Thanks to the generosity of many businesses and individuals in our community, we were also able to distribute over $26,000…
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2021 Bigs of the Year

Big of the Year: Big Sister Krista Wozniak Little Sister Mia’s mom, Vanessa, reflects on how Big Sister Krista impacted Mia’s life: “A few years ago, our family went through some unexpected trauma, and I was suddenly filling the role of mother, father, and friend for my children. My 13-year-old daughter, Mia, struggled in the aftermath, and I knew I…
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Statement in Support of our Black Youth and Community

June 1, 2020When your mission is to ignite the power and promise of all youth, it is impossible to stand by and watch the appalling acts of racism that threaten that promise, especially to the 88% of our youth who are black and brown, and whom we proudly serve by providing caring, adult mentors that commit to their well-being. Youth…
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