About
Our story
Our mission is to educate, uplift, and empower individuals, children, and families impacted by the systemic barriers of poverty, incarceration, and cultural bias, equipping them with the tools, resources, and opportunities to build stronger futures.
How we got here
2013
Breaking Barriers Mentoring is founded in Madison, Wisconsin.
Early years
Peer counseling and one-to-one mentoring take root.
Growth
Youth leadership and school engagement work expands.
Madison
Community violence-prevention work begins in Madison.
Kenosha
Community work extends to Kenosha.
Milwaukee
The organization expands into Milwaukee.
Youth Be Well
Wellness programming launches for young people.
Today
Mentoring, outreach, wellness, and opportunity initiatives continue across Wisconsin.
Our values
- Dignity
- Accountability
- Community
- Lived Experience
- Compassion
- Leadership
- Opportunity
- Restoration
- Collaboration
- Equity
We are a community-led organization. The people who guide this work are neighbors, parents, mentors, and people who have moved through the criminal legal system themselves.