About Us

Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha is a 501(c)(3) youth serving organization.  Founded in 1973 by the YWCA, Big Sisters of Neenah-Menasha emerged because mentoring opportunities did not exist for girls.  It was not until the early 80's that our organization began to serve boys. 

In August of 1984, after much consideration, we changed our name to Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha and opened up our program to both boys and girls!

As a partner agency of United Way Fox Cities and with strong support from the community we are here today, proudly serving the children and families of the Neenah-Menasha area. 

Staff

Dawn Gohlke     Executive Director
Linda Heisler     Administrative Assistant/Marketing Specialist
Patti Houlihan     Program Services Coordinator
Maia Van Groll     Program Services Coordinator
Lisa Thiede     Family Services Coordinator
Gretchyn Karch     Program Services Coordinator   
Ellen Kunz     Bookkeeper

Mission Statement

To help young people thrive through the power of mentoring friendships and supportive family networks.

Board of Directors

Jeffrey Williams, Chief Gov. Officer
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Donna Moder, Vice-Chief Gov. Officer
Retirement Plan Partners
Steven Bruss, Treasurer
Kerber Rose & Associates
Dawn Sonnenberg, Secretary
Tegron Staffing
William Bickel
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Randy Henderson
Windstream Communications
Phil Jankowski
Lakeview Credit Union
Brenda Leopold
Interact Marketing
David Platt
Godfrey & Kahn
Renee Schroeder
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans