BBBS of Washington County Celebrates the power of mentorship during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month with “30 Bigs in 30 Days”

‍West Bend, WI (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County) – Every September, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Washington County recognizes the impact of its programming, mentorship, and matches during national Big Brothers Big Sisters Month. BBBS of Washington County will kick-off its commemoration during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, celebrating matches at every stage. With 20 million BBBS alumni worldwide, their stories make up the foundation of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ impact and longevity.

In our local community alone, adult “Bigs” volunteered over 6,000 hours by serving 114 youth in 2025. 89% of our Littles avoided risky behaviors and enjoyed being in school, 100% of Littles reported that their Big Brother or Sister is an important adult in their life. These statistics prove that BBBS of Washington County, along with every other BBBS agency across the country, continues to foster positive and enduring relationships that have a direct impact on the lives of young people.

“During national Big Brothers Big Sisters month, recognizing that mentorship is essential to our future is imperative,” says BBBS of Washington County Executive Director Heidi Sternig. “It’s a necessary and smart investment—one that yields measurable returns and drives long-term growth in our communities. Mentorship is the essential infrastructure our future needs now!”

This September, BBBS of Washington County is shifting perceptions of mentorship and redefining the little everyday moments that can make a big impact on the lives of young people—time already spent going to a movie, sharing a slice of pizza, and getting coffee.

From now until September 30th, BBBS of Washington County is launching their month-long “30 Bigs in 30 Days” campaign, in an effort to recruit new “Bigs” to guide waiting “Littles.”

There are over 30 youth (“Littles”) between the ages of 6-17 in Washington County who are waiting for their volunteer mentor (“Big”) over the age of 16.

“In this community, mentorship is helping build a stronger future, one match at a time,” says BBBS of Washington County Outreach and Development Coordinator Caitlin Elftman. “Our current ‘Littles’ connected to mentors through BBBS of Washington County let us see what’s possible when young people have someone in their corner. That’s why, during BBBS Month, we need you to help make mentorship possible to even more young people in Washington County. We are asking our community members to become a ‘Big’ or encourage someone they know to take that first step. Help us get 30 new Bigs in these next 30 days!”

Big Brother Erik and Little Brother Skylar have been matched for nearly 7 years. When they were first matched, Big Brother Erik would watch Little Brother Skylar play on his school’s wrestling, baseball, and football teams. Today, they enjoy going to see the Milwaukee Brewers, Admirals and Bucks play, as well as going to the movies.

For Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, BBBS of Washington County also invites the community to share their most pivotal mentorship moments, no matter how big or small, on all social media channels using the hashtag #BeBig and #BBBSMonth. This tapestry of stories will serve as a testament to the significant impact and universality of mentorship moments. To learn more about becoming a mentor and bridging the gap between people and possibility, please call BBBS at 262-334-7896, Email: info@bbbswashco.org or visit our website at www.bbbswashco.org.