United Way funding is helping Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin support one-to-one mentoring relationships for youths in Shawano County, providing consistent guidance and encouragement to help young people build confidence and succeed in school and life.
The funding this year supported the organization’s one-to-one mentoring program, which matches youths facing adversity with caring adult volunteers. The program serves children and adolescents who may experience social isolation, economic hardship or limited access to positive role models.
United Way’s investment supports mentor recruitment, background checks, match supervision and youth development programming to help keep mentoring relationships safe, effective and sustainable.
Through the organization’s evidence-based mentoring model, each youth, known as a “Little,” is matched with a volunteer mentor, or “Big,” based on shared interests, personality and life experiences.
Professional program staff provide training, resources and ongoing support to mentors and families. Activities range from academic support and career exploration to community involvement and recreation, helping youths strengthen social-emotional skills, improve academic engagement and develop confidence.
The Shawano County program also offers site-based mentoring in structured settings such as schools, after-school programs and workplace mentoring locations.
Volunteers meet with youths at scheduled times, typically during or immediately after the school day, for academic support, skill-building, goal setting and positive social interaction.
To learn more or get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Shawano County, visit bbbsnew.org or contact Cassiti Schultz at cassitis@bbbsnew.org or 715-853-6716.
Learn more about other organizations funded by the Shawano Area United Way this year at shawanocountyunitedway.org/agency-funding-2026-shawano-area-united-way.
