Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shawano County
BBBS Mission:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, including the Shawano County program, creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Through carefully matched relationships with caring adult mentors, we help young people build confidence, strengthen social-emotional skills, and achieve greater success in school and life. By providing consistent support to both mentors and families, we empower youth to realize their full potential and become engaged, contributing members of their communities.
United Way Funding in 2026:
United Way funding this year supported BBBSNEW's one-to-one mentoring program, which matches youth facing adversity with caring adult mentors who provide consistent guidance, encouragement, and support. The program serves children and adolescents who may be experiencing challenges such as social isolation, economic hardship, or limited access to positive role models.
Through our evidence-based mentoring model, each youth ("Little") is thoughtfully matched with a volunteer mentor ("Big") based on shared interests, personality, and life experiences. These relationships are designed to be long-term and supported by professional program staff who provide training, resources, and ongoing support to both the mentor and the family. Mentoring activities may include academic support, career exploration, community engagement, and recreational activities that help build trust and confidence. United Way funding helps ensure that these mentoring relationships remain safe, impactful, and sustainable by supporting mentor recruitment, background checks, match supervision, and youth development programming. Through this investment, youth across Shawano are able to build strong relationships with mentors who help them strengthen social-emotional skills, improve academic engagement, and develop the confidence needed to reach their full potential.
Additional Programming:
In addition to this program, BBBS Shawano County offers Site-Based Mentoring Programming too. The site-based program takes place in structured settings such as schools, after-school programs, or workplace mentoring locations. Volunteers meet with youth at a designated site during scheduled times, typically during the school day or immediately after school. Activities often focus on academic support, skill-building, goal setting, and positive social interaction. This program provides youth with consistent mentorship while creating a structured and supportive environment that encourages learning, confidence, and personal growth.
Impact Story:
Mentorship starts with something simple: showing up. For Jorel, that has meant gaining confidence, believing in himself, and having a consistent, trusted relationship he can count on.
Big Brother Tony was matched with Little Brother Jorel in 2017, when he was just 9 years old. From the beginning, Tony showed up week after week at Jorel’s school, building a strong foundation of trust, encouragement, and consistency as Jorel navigated middle school.
In 2021, Tony’s wife Jen officially joined the match, and together they became a Big Couple in the community-based program. With both Tony and Jen by his side, Jorel gained a steady, reliable support system.
Over the years, they have shared everyday moments that matter most. Tony and Jen have been there for Jorel’s orchestra concerts and sporting events, cheering him on from the audience and the sidelines. They have spent time together at the lake, boating, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Through these experiences, their relationship has continued to grow in trust, connection, and confidence.
One of the most meaningful moments in their journey came when Jorel invited Tony and Jen to attend his adoption hearing. Being included in such an important milestone reflects the depth of their relationship. It meant the world to all of them to share that moment together.
Now 18, Jorel recently completed his senior wrestling season and is preparing for his next chapter, including playing club soccer and planning for life after high school. Through it all, Tony and Jen continue to show up, offering guidance, encouragement, and support every step of the way.
From everyday moments to life-changing milestones, this match is a powerful example of what mentorship can grow into over time.
Because when a young person has someone who consistently shows up, believes in them, and stands beside them, it can change everything.
Interested in getting involved?
Visit www.bbbsnew.org or contact Cassiti Schultz at cassitis@bbbsnew.org or 715-853-6716.