August 2024
Hello Friend!
In June, I had the incredible experience of attending the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America national conference in Dallas. It was an event that left an indelible mark on my commitment to our mission. This year’s theme, “It Takes Little to Be Big,” hit home as we delved into the amazing impact of mentorship on young lives across the nation.
Artis Stevens, our inspiring BBBSA President and CEO, kicked things off with a keynote address that felt like a blockbuster movie. He took us on a journey—our own hero’s journey—filled with purpose, challenges, and growth. Drawing brilliant parallels between comic book superheroes and real-life mentors within our BBBS network, Artis highlighted the incredible transformative power we all have. He asked us to think about our own origin stories and how we overcome adversity, reminding us that true heroes aren't defined by the obstacles they face but by their resilience in conquering them.
Artis painted a powerful image: 10 million children in America facing life's toughest challenges without a mentor. These numbers could make any superhero's knees wobble! The need for positive role models has never been more critical. We’re on a mission to break these cycles of hardship, affecting not just individuals but the fabric of our communities.
To our current heroes—the Bigs who selflessly dedicate their time and compassion—thank you! Your commitment changes lives, offering guidance and inspiration that transcends generations. To our Littles and their families – thank you for being so brave to let someone into your life that you otherwise would not know. That takes courage! And to those supporting our mission in other ways, we couldn't do this important work without you. You are all the true superheroes in our communities.
As we reflect on the powerful messages from the conference, I invite each of you to join us in this life-changing journey. You can be a hero. You can change a life. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or support, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can create brighter futures and empower youth to reach their full potential.
Let’s embrace the power of mentoring, knowing that in every match, we are shaping a better tomorrow. Join us in our mission to make a meaningful impact for not only a child, but for you, too.
With hope and gratitude,
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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Artis speaks to the crowd at the BBBSA National Conference with an upbeat and uplifting keynote address. | |
MEET MICHAEL & JOHNNY!
Michael Olson and Johnny have been matched for almost a year and a half through our Bigs on Campus initiative with St. Cloud State University. When they were first matched, they were both a bit shy, but have since opened up to each other and have gained more confidence in themselves.
They get to see each other twice a month, and they love hanging out together on campus. Their favorite activity is to visit Halenbeck and play racquetball, catch, and basketball! We can't wait to get them reunited again this fall!
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THANK YOU TO OUR BIGS ON CAMPUS PARTNERS!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to the local colleges that host our Bigs on Campus initiatives each school year. The initiative has been going strong for eight years at St. Cloud State, two years at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, and the first year of the initiative recently wrapped up at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. Through Bigs on Campus, mentors - faculty and staff from the colleges or local business professionals - meet with their mentees from the St. Cloud or Sauk Rapids-Rice school districts twice a month to learn more about college and life after high school. The colleges host tours for the groups and allow them to wander around campus to get a feel for college life. We are currently looking for mentors at all three Bigs on Campus sites - learn more about the initiative here! Thank you to each of the colleges for your partnership - we love watching kids in Central Minnesota flourish with their mentors!
We are grateful to all our Community Partners. Check out these lists, and the next time you are at that business or organization, please thank them for standing with kids!
BBBS of Central Minnesota is always looking for businesses to host or sponsor match activities. If you or your business are willing to sponsor or host a match activity, contact Jackie Johnson at 320-258-4510 or Jackie@BigDefenders.org.
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SUMMER FUN AT THE PARK
Matches in Holdingford and Foley took advantage of some perfect Midwest summer evenings to get together, spend some time outside, and reconnect in July! Our school-based matches don't have as many opportunities to spend time with one another during the summer, so this was a fun way for them to catch up before school starts in September. Yard games, jungle gyms, and time together made for a few great evenings!
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BBBS IS HIRING
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is looking for its next Advancement Director! Along with playing an important role on the agency’s leadership team, this position works to build relationships with and secure funding from key donors to ensure that we can continue to serve kids around Central Minnesota. BBBS is recognized as the top one-to-one mentoring program in the country, and the Central Minnesota agency is poised for the Advancement Director to come in and elevate the agency’s fundraising structure and stature in the community. Learn more about the position here.
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UNITED WAY DAYS OF CARING
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota office is getting a little sprucing up - and we need your help! The agency is looking for volunteers to help paint several office walls during the 2024 United Way Day(s) of Caring. BBBS is needs help painting several walls in the office from 8 a.m.-noon or 12:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, and from 8 a.m.-noon Friday, Sept. 20. This project will be on the United Way site, and volunteer registration opens Monday, Aug. 12, so be sure to sign up to help make the BBBS office look a little fresher this fall!
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HELP A LITTLE BACK TO SCHOOL
Back to school can be tough on kids. Between now and Aug. 30, BBBS of Central Minnesota is looking for 60 new adult mentors to help make that transition back to the classroom easier on local kids! If you or someone you know has ever thought about being a mentor, now is the perfect time to get started! Whether you're into fishing, cars, crafts, or books, there's a Little out there just waiting to spend time with you. Email Tasha@BigDefenders.org or fill out this form to start your journey to become a mentor!
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BE BIG IN THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR!
Have you ever thought about being a Big? Do you know someone who would be a great Big? BBBS of Central Minnesota is looking for mentors to be a part of the both the Bigs on Campus initiative and at all six of our school-based locations. Bigs on Campus mentors meet with their mentees twice a month for an hour at a time at St. Cloud State, St. Cloud Technical & Community College, or College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University and help them get accustomed to life on a college campus. School-based matched meet once a week for 30 minutes at the Little's school in St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids-Rice, Pierz, Holdingford, or Foley. Click here for more information or to become a Big!
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BBBS YARD SIGNS AVAILABLE
Show your support of BBBS of Central Minnesota and encourage your neighbors to become Bigs with one of our yard signs! Email Community Engagement Coordinator Emmitt Edwards to come pick up a yard sign today or set up a delivery to your home or business. Put up a sign and support kids - it's that easy!
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Daine Billmark, Jenna Binsfeld, Patty Funk (Secretary), Melinda Gau, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Preston Kopel, Jake Krippner, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer), Bill Martin-Chaffee (DEI Officer), Lori Mohs, Mardi Noyes, Emmanuel Oppong, Chris Owen, Curran Poganski, Jason Primus, Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.), Alex Schoephoerster (President), and Christie Schulte. | |
Barb Anderson, Mimi Bitzan, Mark Coborn, Joe Francis, Keith Julson, Lori Kloos, Andy Knoblauch,
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, John Mahowald, Mike Markman, Gary Marsden, Vince Mohs, Steve Sauer,
Kurt Scepaniak, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum,
Mark Traut, Joan Vincent, Bob Walter, Don Watkins, and Vicky Welty.
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