BBBSNEW Blog

Program Matches Children with Law Enforcement Mentors

 GREEN BAY, Monday, April 22, 2019 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin received a $5,000 AT&T contribution today to help expand their Bigs in Blue program to help more youth in local communities.

Bigs in Blue is a one-to-one mentoring program that connects youth with volunteers from local branches of law enforcement with a goal to build strong, trusting and lasting relationships.  These relationships can help children develop into confident adults and build stronger bonds between law enforcement and the families they serve.

“Our mission is to help children realize their potential and build their futures.  Our Bigs in Blue program is one way we work to nurture our youth and strengthen our communities,” said Katie Hess, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin.  “We are grateful to receive this AT&T contribution to help match more local students with law enforcement volunteers who will provide important mentorship, guidance and support.”

The $5,000 AT&T contribution will help support Big Brothers Big Sisters in its goal to expand the Bigs in Blue program to match an additional 12 students with law enforcement volunteers this year.  The goal is to create more matches to not only help youth achieve success, but to also build a stronger public presence of good around law enforcement officers in the area.

Katie Hess (center right), executive director, accepts a check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, from Robyn Gruner (far right), AT&T Director External Affairs, supporting Bigs in Blue, Also pictured are Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith (from left) and State Rep. Staush Gruszynski.

“We are very proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and their Bigs in Blue program, which helps connect youth with positive law enforcement mentors,” said Scott T. VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin.  “AT&T is committed to investing in local programs that prepare our young people for future success.”

Since its inception in 2016, the Bigs in Blue program has matched children with mentors from branches of law enforcement, emergency response and corrections from Green Bay, Brown County, Sturgeon Bay, Door County and Shawano agencies.  Big Brothers Big Sisters plans to continue these current relationships, as well as expand into many more departments to increase participation and recruit Bigs for the program.

“Bigs in Blue benefits our whole community by helping children and young adults form solid relationships that can positively impact their lives,” said State Representative Staush Gruszynski. “The program also helps build healthy, vibrant communities and positive relationships between the public and local law enforcement. I applaud Big Brothers Big Sisters for working to expand this important program in Northeast Wisconsin.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring programs have proven results for youth, including improved self-confidence, improved school attendance, higher rates of academic achievement and graduation, stronger self-efficacy, and the ability to resolve obstacles using healthy practices.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  Supported by donors and volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin has been professionally matching youth with mentors since 1972.  Its programs are based on the documented premise that youth need the influence of mature, responsible and supportive mentors during their formative years to reach full potential as adults.

As a company, AT&T is committed to providing funding to local organizations that enhance and give back to their communities.  AT&T also has a long-standing commitment through the AT&T Aspire program to advancing education and helping young people be successful in school and careers.

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