Big Brothers Big Sisters pitches Fastenal partnership to pilot site-based mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region presented a plan Nov. 15 to launch "Leaders in Littles," a site-based mentoring pilot in Winona that would partner with Fastenal to place company employees as mentors in an elementary school.

Jeanne Meyer, executive director for the region, and Allison (operations director) described the site-based model and the program's national research: mentoring improves confidence and reduces risky behaviors, they said, and the local pilot would aim for 4'8 mentor'child matches during the first year. "We're only asking for about an hour a week from our mentors," Allison said.

Commissioners asked whether donated funds would be governed locally and whether Fastenal would contribute financially. Meyer said locally donated money "stays in Winona County," and the organization is negotiating the company's contribution; final partnership terms had not been completed at the time of the presentation. Board members also asked about age focus and sustainability; presenters said the pilot targeted elementary students but could expand to middle and high school programs in the future.

No funding request was formally on the agenda and no county money was committed. Commissioners thanked the presenters and asked staff to share supplemental information about the program budget, how local donations would be managed, and the planned elementary-school site before the board would consider any county allocation.

The board discussion made clear commissioners favor private-public partnerships but want assurances about local governance and long-term sustainability before diverting county funds.