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Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. In 2004, the organization served more than 225,000 youth ages five through 18, in 5,000 communities across the country, through a network of 470 agencies.

National research has shown that the positive relationships between Big Brothers and Big Sisters and their Littles have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children’s lives. Research and anecdotal evidence show specifically that BBBS one-to-one mentoring helps at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face. Little Brothers and Sisters are less likely to begin using illegal drugs, consume alcohol, skip school and classes, or engage in acts of violence. They have greater self-esteem, confidence in their schoolwork performance, and are able to get along better with their friends and families.

In 2003, Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top ten charities, making the publication’s “gold star” list of charities which it believes are worthy of donor consideration, in its annual survey of 200 large charities. The magazine surveyed 200 non-profits and rated them on how efficiently they collect and distribute dollars. Forbes looked at three categories: charitable commitment; fundraising efficiency, and donor dependency. Big Brothers Big Sisters has an annual budget of approximately $205M of which $15M represents the national office budget.

As you surf through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwoods website, we hope that you will agree with Forbes Magazine and see the value of becoming a part of our organization.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwoods was established in 1983 to serve Price, Southern Ashland, Taylor, Vilas, and Oneida Counties. For more information on a program in your area please contact us.