BBBS of the 7 Rivers Region has been bringing life-changing friendships to children in the Coulee Region since 1969. We started as a program that was run by La Crosse County until the early 1990s. In 1994 we became our own independent agency, BBBS of the Coulee Region. Through the 1990s we expanded our La Crosse area mentoring programs to include Sparta and West Salem. In 1999 a satellite office was opened in Winona and in 2002 we expanded to Trempealeau County. On January 1st, 2009 BBBS of the Coulee Region officially changed it’s name to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region to better reflect the many communities we serve. In 2011 mentoring programs in Vernon County and Black River Falls were started. Today we serve several hundred children each year in both Wisconsin and Minnesota!
Our Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and the promise of youth.
Our Vision: For all youth to achieve their full potential.
Accountability: by partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community we are accountable for each:
- Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
- Avoidance of risky behaviors
- Educational success
Outcomes: National research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. By participating in our programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are:
- more confident
- more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol
- do better in school
- get along better with their family and friends
- feel better about themselves
