Big Brothers/Sisters make big difference in kids’ lives
October 30, 2025
| By La Crosse Community Foundation |
Big Brother Kole Schilling (right) and his Little, 12-year-old Cyren Wiese (left), spend time together through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region.
Sometimes the biggest difference in a child’s life starts with something small — like an hour a week spent with a trusted adult.
That’s the idea behind Big Brothers Big Sisters, which connects young people with caring adult mentors for steady, one-to-one relationships. Here in the Coulee Region, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region makes those matches possible — pairing Bigs and Littles and providing staff support to help the relationships grow. It costs about $108 a month to sustain a match, a small investment compared with the benefits.
Decades of research show the impact. Littles are 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin drinking alcohol, and 52% less likely to skip school. They’re more likely to enroll in college, achieve higher lifetime earnings, and build stronger relationships. Each year of mentoring — while costing about $2,000–$3,000 — has been shown to generate more than double that amount in long-term public value.
Even with proven results, the need remains great. Across the country, and in our own communities, more children are waiting for a Big than there are adults volunteering. That means many young people are still hoping for someone to step forward.
One of those who did is Kole Schilling. As a Big Brother to Cyren Wiese, he’s experienced the program from the inside out — and seen how showing up, consistently and with care, can make a difference.
How did you become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters has become a kind of tradition in my family. It started with my paternal grandfather, Allan Schilling, shortly after the program came to the area. He was a Big Brother and made a positive impact on his Little Brother. He got involved with the program to prepare himself for fatherhood. Then, his elder son, Chip (my uncle), was also a Big Brother.
I was looking for an opportunity to get involved in the community a couple of years ago, and, of course, Big Brothers Big Sisters was a natural choice. I wanted to make a difference, and it is the best thing I have ever done.
Why do you choose to spend your time as a “Big”?
I choose to spend my time as a Big because I love fostering connections and making a positive difference in the lives of youth. I’ve always had a soft spot for kids.
With Cyren, our time together goes far beyond the contract. We get together as often as seven or eight times a month, whether it’s Myrick Park, the trampoline park, the Children’s Museum, the movies, or even big touring shows like “The Lion King” in Appleton. The most rewarding part is seeing his happiness and hearing him say I’m the best Big ever. His kindness, excitement, and his mom’s words remind me that this role matters.
How has being part of Big Brothers Big Sisters helped your family bridge divides or form unexpected relationships in the community?
Being part of Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped bridge divides by creating connections and a sense of belonging for both adults and youth with different back stories. I never imagined I would meet someone quite like Cyren. He has truly been a blessing in my life, impressing me every time with his good heart and kind soul.
Through the program, I’ve also gotten to know other Bigs, and it’s clear how much kindness and positivity the organization encourages. On a personal level, I’ve built a strong relationship with Cyren’s mom. She often tells me I’m like family to them, which means the world to me.
Our time together has gone beyond just the two of us. I’ve taken him and some of his friends on outings, like Action City in Eau Claire and the movies, and those experiences have been just as rewarding for me as they are for them.
Being a Big is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. It’s given me a sense of accomplishment and pride, and I’ve learned to care for Cyren like he’s my own. I encourage anyone willing and able to make a positive difference to consider this program.
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up for a child who’s waiting for someone to care. If you’d like to become a Big in the greater La Crosse area, visit 7riversbbbs.org.
