There are few service opportunities that are anywhere near as rewarding as having a litter brother or sister.
The local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters is based in Fond du Lac. However, they have multiple programs in the Ripon community as well.
“What we do is a voluntary program. We offer friendships to kids who need and want them. They come from all kinds of backgrounds. They want to be matched,” notes Tiffany Heim, Program Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac. “You’re not there to help the child or fix the child but to be a friend which in and of itself is going to take them places. The idea is that they’re good kids, but they need a bit of extra support and want to experience things that they don’t usually get to experience.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters screens Bigs and Littles to find the best match for both parties. In addition, their staff stay in contact throughout the match to make sure neither party is confused or discontent. In general, Big Brothers Big Sisters look for a one year commitment when creating a match; however, many matches extend beyond the first year and become lifelong friendships.
“We really like it when people are satisfied with their match and their support,” shares Heim.
There are three types of matches. The first is site-based where the child’s parent brings him or her to campus once a week for a two hour hangout. Current matches in the site-based program play games with their Littles, cook, or explore Ripon’s campus.
Big Brothers Big Sisters also has school-based programs at the elementary schools in the area. These are one hour meetings during or after school with matches. The last option is community matches which spend four to six hours a month hanging out and doing activities in the off-campus, Ripon area.
“Some kids don’t think about college, so this is kind of offering them time to spend time on a campus with a college student to show them around and show them what college life is about,” continues Heim.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is actually holding an upcoming fundraiser. “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” is a fun way to raise money for their local chapter. The theme this year is “Score one for the kids.” Participants gather pledges from family and friends prior to the event. They ask for seventy-five dollars for every adult, which figures into only thirteen five dollar donations (or some other combination). Participants are then thanked for supporting the kids in the community with two free games of bowling and a night of fun. March 1 through 3 is the bowling celebration dates for Parkway Lanes in Fond du Lac. Plaza Bowl, in Ripon, is holding celebratory bowling shifts on March 16. For more information about bowling schedules or to download the pledge sheet, visit http://bbbsfdl.org.
