SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac is giving $10,000 to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County to support its Bigs and Littles program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit agency that matches children with adults who help by simply being a special friend.

“Throughout the course of our 56-year history, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County has matched thousands of Bigs and Littles through our one-to-one mentoring program,” according to Tammy Young, executive director. “These matches have impacted lives, changed trajectories, and provided innumerable memories to last the youth we serve – ages 6-18 – for the rest of their lives.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters increases Littles’ social and well-being as well as their success at school. It also decreases their tendency to engage in risky behaviors. It is proven that children who have a mentor are less likely to begin using illegal drugs or alcohol, less likely to skip school or class and are more confident in their schoolwork performance and are able to get along better with their families.

“Research indicates that positive role models increase a child’s chance to break generational cycles of risky behavior and poverty, to grow and become health adults,” Young explains. “We serve children and families by providing a caring adult in the life of an at-risk child. At this time, we have more than 100 local children waiting for a mentor.”

SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac is making this investment to empower children in our community to live a healthier and happier life.

“We know that the last several years have brought unexpected challenges for all of us,” says Katherine Vergos, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital president. “Children are often affected by the pain of anxiety and stress just like adults. They often just need someone to talk to. We know that spending quality time with an adult mentor has a tremendous impact and does make a difference. Our gift reflects years of support to this very important local resource, not only financially, but through our employees who are serving as mentors.”

To learn more, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County at 920-922-8200 or visit www.bbbsfdl.org.

In 2022, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac’s community benefit ministry totaled more than $400,000 across the communities it serves. This investment helps ensure access to health care for patients who are uninsured or underinsured, train the next generation of health professionals to care for those in need, and fund programs to address the most pressing health needs of our communities.