Big Brothers Big Sisters
Potential is Everywhere.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we know that there is potential in every child, and we are here to defend it. Stand with us. Igniting the power and promise of youth through one-to-one friendship, guidance, and opportunities.
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives and futures of children in our community - today and forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters programs inspire children to realize their full potential and build brighter futures by providing strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. This opens up new perspectives for children by offering friendship, guidance and opportunities with caring volunteers.
It Takes Little to Be Big.
By partnering with families, volunteers, and others in the community, we strive to help children achieve their biggest possible future. But we have good news... It doesn't take much to make a Big Difference. It all starts with a Little.
We nurture children and strengthen communities. Whether you get involved as a donor, volunteer, partner, advocate, or family member… You have the power to be a part of something Big.
Local BBBS selected as Agency of the Year and Recognized for Outstanding Team Leadership in Providing 1-to-1 Mentoring for Local Youth
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Pinnacle Award Winner for Program Excellence. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula is one of only 3 organizations to receive this top honor.
In June of 2026, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western U.P. was named the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America **Agency of the Year**! This award is a celebration of the passion and steadfast commitment of an entire Village standing together.
Selected from more than 230 agencies nationwide, this prestigious honor recognizes excellence in program quality, innovation, community impact, and an unwavering commitment to defending the potential of young people.
Paint the Town Green
What if one week could spark hundreds of conversations about mentoring? That's Paint the Town Green!
From September 14–20, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations across Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula & Northwest Wisconsin (And, throughout the Lower Peninsula in Southwest Michigan, too!) will "paint" their corner of the community green however they see fit to show that mentoring matters.
It's not a fundraiser.
It's a community-wide awareness campaign.
There's no wrong way to participate!
Whether you decorate your storefront, wear green, create a special menu item, or light up your building, every act helps spread one important message: every young person deserves someone additional in their corner.
Tell us how YOU will Paint the Town Green by Registering Today
Changing perspectives. Changing lives.
Our one-to-one mentoring relationships support the critical social and emotional development needed to help build resilience and promote the mental health and well-being of hundreds of children we serve across the western Upper Peninsula. Now more than ever, we are stepping up to find innovative ways in serving our community to #KeepKidsConnected.
Our Service Area includes BARAGA, HOUGHTON, KEWEENAW, ONTONAGON & GOGEBIC Counties in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula and IRON County, Wisconsin.
BBBS Programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters programs inspire children to realize their full potential and build brighter futures by providing strong and enduring, professionally-supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. This opens up new perspectives for children by offering friendship, guidance and opportunities with caring volunteers.
Bowl for Kids' Sake
Each year, thousands of people across the western Upper Peninsula take part in our Bowl for Kids Campaign to support mentoring programs for youth in our local communities. Whether you decide to be a Sponsor, Team Captain, Bowler, Event Volunteer or Individual Donor… You can make a difference!
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the mission of creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The ways to get involved are endless! Enroll a child, volunteer, support us through an in-kind gift, invite us to talk to your group/school/church, start a mentoring program, and much more!
Ways to Give
No matter how little or big the amount, donating can start making a difference in the lives of young people around you. Your donation will help us provide our programs and services in your local community. How do you prefer to give?
