Sheboygan, WI (March 25, 2026) – Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS) Impact Award Winner for program excellence in 2025. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, BBBS WI Shoreline is one of 20 organizations to receive this top honor.
 
The Impact Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated outstanding success in retaining mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, BBBS WI Shoreline has served more than 300 Sheboygan and Manitowoc area youth. However, approximately 200 youth remain on a waiting list to meet their Big Brother or Big Sister.
 
 “This award truly reflects the dedication and heart of our entire community,” said Denise Wittstock, CEO of BBBS WI Shoreline. “At the same time, we know our work isn’t done. There are still so many young people who could benefit from being connected with a caring adult mentor—someone who will listen, encourage, and help them see what’s possible. If you’ve ever thought about making a difference in a young person’s life, now is a wonderful time to reach out and get involved.”
 
For over 120 years, BBBS has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that help build self-confidence and emotional wellbeing. These relationships also strengthen our community as a whole—reducing long-term social costs by supporting youth on a more stable path, improving academic and career readiness, and lowering the likelihood of involvement in risky or unsafe situations. As a result, our programs not only change individual lives but also contribute to a safer, more connected, and more financially resilient community.
 
“Building meaningful connections through mentorship is at the core of our mission, and BBBS WI Shoreline brings this to life by cultivating strong, lasting relationships between Bigs and Littles,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Their dedication is reflected in exceptional match retention, ensuring young people benefit from the steady support and guidance they need to grow and succeed.”
 
About Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline 
Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline helps children realize their potential and build their futures through evidence-based mentoring programs that match trusted volunteer mentors with children who need additional support and guidance. Through the careful pairing of an adult with a child, BBBS can combine the abilities of the mentor with the needs of the child to produce safe, goal-oriented, friendships. Agency professionals work with each relationship to ensure the interaction leads to more self-confident and self-reliant young people. 
 
For more information about BBBSWIS, click here. 
 
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: bbbs.org.