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December 2024


Hello Friend!


In my role, I’m privileged to witness the transformative power of mentorship every single day. It is inspiring to see how mentorship can be a lifeline in the growing anxiety many of today’s youth face.


Recently, the Rotary Club I am a part of read and discussed the book The Anxious Generation. I’m more convinced than ever that our youth’s challenges and mental health concerns must be addressed with care, intention, and mentoring. The book highlights just how much pressure kids are under—pressures that can easily lead to overwhelming levels of anxiety. It’s a reality that parents, educators, mentors, and all of us are working to navigate as we try to guide the next generation. 


Several years ago, Lee Hurd recommended another impactful book to me—The Other Wes Moore. In it, Wes Moore emphasizes the importance of exposing young people to new things, different people, and a variety of experiences. This message is right in line with what we do every day at Big Brothers Big Sisters. We focus on creating opportunities for children to experience the world in new ways to help broaden their minds. By offering kids the chance to engage in unfamiliar environments and meet different types of people, we help them build resilience, confidence, and curiosity. Whether it’s trying a new activity, meeting someone from a different background, or visiting a new place, these experiences build on their emotional strength to combat the anxieties that are so prevalent today. 


We all know that growing up today is more complex than ever. Social media amplifies every comparison, screens pull kids away from face-to-face interactions, and they may feel more pressure than ever before. Our families are doing their best under these circumstances, but they can’t do it alone. This is why mentors, donors, and volunteers play such a vital role. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful your involvement is. With your support, we extend a helping hand to children and families, offering the guidance and friendship they need to feel reassured and connected. 


The best present you can give is your presence. Being there for a child—showing up with a steady, supportive relationship—is exactly what they need most. To our generous donors, your contributions aren’t just financial; they’re an investment in a future where young people feel less alone, more empowered, and better prepared to face life’s challenges. To our incredible volunteers, you are the heart of our mission. Every time you show up for a young person, you’re offering them something invaluable: stability, encouragement, and a different perspective that can help them see beyond their current anxieties to a future filled with possibilities. To our Littles, you are brave and strong and we believe in you! 


A recent event truly captured the spirit of what we do. Thanks to Krewe, our team member Callie, and State Farm Agent Dustin Upgren and Big Brother Nate Molitor, our Bigs and Littles had an unforgettable night of fine dining at Krewe Restaurant. Matches heard the inspiring story of Erin and Mateo’s journey with Krewe, and Littles got to try whatever they wanted from the menu—some even daring to taste oysters for the first time! The consensus was unanimous: each dish was better than the last. It was a night filled with fun, connection, and growth, all thanks to the generosity and vision of our supporters. 


Thank you to all who support this work—your time, your resources, and your presence make all the difference in the lives of our youth. Thanks for being such a gift to our work. 


P.S. Nate was inspired to offer this opportunity after reading Wes Moore’s book.  


With hope and gratitude, 

Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
Kaitlyn Smude and Madilynn 2024

MEET KAITLYN & MADILYNN!


Kaitlyn Smude and Madilynn have been matched for nearly three years in the Pierz school-based program. They love playing outside, playing board games together, and Madilynn loves to teach Kaitlyn gymnastics and dance moves. Kaitlyn has helped teach Madilynn some new games, and has helped Madilynn be more comfortable with trying new things.


Madilynn looks forward to seeing Kaitlyn each week, and counts down the days until she gets to see her again. Kaitlyn has made a positive impact on Madilynn’s self-esteem and social skills, and we love seeing them connect in such a positive way! 

Shaunta Adams and Nylah

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?


Shaunta Adams and Nylah are!


Meet Shaunta Adams and Nylah! They both enjoy being creative and active, and immediately after being matched they signed up to attend the AirMaxx and jewelry making match activities! Shaunta was a Little when she was growing up, and is still in contact with her Big. She has been a Big before in Central Minnesota, and is excited to start building her relationship with Nylah! As you are considering being a Big, check out our current list of new Matches.


We would also like to congratulate these Matches who are celebrating milestone anniversaries! We ask all Bigs to commit to at least one year of mentorship - that one year of consistency makes a BIG difference in the life of a child.

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union

THANK YOU TO SCFCU!

 

This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to St. Cloud Financial Credit Union! SCFCU was a sponsor for the recent Big Thanks Social, and also agreed to sponsor our January match activity at Blacklight Adventures! This is one of the most popular activities of the year, and it wouldn't be possible without a community sponsor like St. Cloud Financial Credit Union. Thank you for all you do for our community and our kids!


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 Kristin Hannon at 320-258-4515 or Kristin@BigDefenders.org.

Big Thanks Presenting Sponsors 2024

THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU!


There are so many supporters, volunteers, donors, and friends of BBBS of Central Minnesota in the community, and on Nov. 14 we had the best time celebrating all of you! We couldn't do any of our work without the support of our donors and their belief in our mission and vision, and we had a wonderful evening catching up, making new connections and saying hi to longtime friends and colleagues, and sharing a bit about where we are at as an agency. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, and thank you for your belief in our mission and vision! Special thanks to the event's Presenting Sponsors: APH and Creative Planning.

Big Thanks - Knoblauchs and Krippner
Big Thanks - Johnsons and Christie
Big Thanks - Lee and Eric
Big Thanks - Kopels

HANDS-ON LEARNING AT SCTCC


Bigs and Littles got the opportunity to do some hands-on learning with staff and students at St. Cloud Technical and Community College in November! Everyone learned more about the Trade Skills programs the college offers, and then got to wire their own backboard and play with remote control cars. It was a fantastic opportunity for Littles to see what sort of career options are available to them after high school - and how much fun some of those career options can be!

SCTCC Trade Skills 2024
SCTCC Trade Skills 2024
SCTCC Trade Skills 2024

BIG ADVENTURES WITH BIGS ON CAMPUS


Our Bigs on Campus matches have been busy this fall! Matches at St. Cloud Technical & Community College had the opportunity to hang out at the YMCA together - and a handful of matches decided they wanted to try the rock climbing wall! Even our Bigs were climbing to the top to ring the bell. At the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, matches got the chance to tour the new Outdoor Athletic Complex at Saint Ben's. Head softball coach Rachael Click - a Big in the program - showed everyone the press box, the locker rooms, got them on the softball field - and even fired up the popcorn machine in the concessions stand!

CSBSJU BOC Facility Tour
SCTCC BOC Rock Climbing
SCTCC BOC Rock Climbing

GETTING CREATIVE TOGETHER


Matches had the opportunity to make their own jewelry with Laura from Cattail Cove Inc.! Laura brought all the supplies so that matches could make polymer clay earrings, hammered copper pendants, and copper bracelets with pendants they could draw on and design themselves. Everyone had the best time getting creative, and there were plenty of Big/Little and best friend matching bracelets that got shared when the night was over. No one was ready for this activity to end!

Jewelry Making 2024
Jewelry Making 2024
Jewelry Making 2024

BOUNCING AROUND AT AIRMAXX


Matches made another trip to AirMaxx in November, and once again it was one of the monthly highlights! Along with some intense dodgeball games, matches were trying flips and just enjoying spending time together. This activity is always a favorite for the staff because it is so fun to see the community the matches have built amongst each other and to watch them bond over dodgeball games!

AirMaxx November 2024
AirMaxx November 2024
Applebee's Flyer 2025

EAT GOOD AND SUPPORT BBBS!

If you're looking for a fun and easy - and delicious - way to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, look no further. On Thursday, Jan. 9, head to Applebee's in St. Cloud for a tasty meal - and to support local kids! From 11 a.m. until close that day, 15 percent of proceeds come back to BBBS to help find mentors for kids in Central Minnesota. Simply show the flyer above to your server when ordering in the restaurant, or use the promo code DOINGOOD when ordering online or through the mobile app. Order, eat, and support kids - it's that easy!

Scheels Giving 2024

VOTE FOR BBBS!

The St. Cloud Scheels Giving Campaign is going on now, and we need your help in securing a donation! Between now and Sunday, Dec. 15, Scheels is asking people to nominate their nonprofit of choice via this Google form. Simply fill out the form with your information and put Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota in the Name of Organization field (our website is www.bigdefenders.org!) to keep BBBS in the running for some of the $10,000 Scheels is giving away. Tell your friends too! Thank you for voting for BBBS!

Homestead Artisans

HOMESTEAD ARTISANS POP-UP

Homestead Artisans LLC, a unique craft and gift store, is supporting BBBS of Central Minnesota in one of its final three pop-ups of 2024! From Dec. 13-15, stop by the barn at 135 Ct Rd 120 in St. Cloud (next to the Sauk River Regional Park) to check out crafts, furniture, decorations and more from local small businesses! The shop features a variety of artisans from around Central Minnesota, and that weekend, a portion of the proceeds from the pop-up will be donated to BBBS. Thank you to owners Duane and Loyola for selecting BBBS to benefit from this sale! Learn more about Homestead Artisans here.

BBBS Scholarships Graphic

BBBS SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN NOW

Applications for Fall 2025 for three scholarships are open now. The Federated Challenge Scholarship, BriAnna Kruzel Memorial Scholarship, and Dahlias Alongside Grand Lake Scholarship are available to current and former Littles and High School Bigs who were a part of the agency for at least 18 months. The deadline to apply for all three scholarships is Sunday, March 23, 2025, and the winners will be notified in April 2025. Scholarship criteria, eligibility, and links to apply for all three are available available here.

Breakfast with Santa 2024

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Make plans to have breakfast with Santa and support BBBS! On Saturday, Dec. 14, head to the Foley High School for breakfast and some family Christmas fun. From 8-10:30 a.m., enjoy breakfast, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts, and more - all for just $7 per person! If you bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate, you receive $2 off the price of one ticket. This event is hosted by the Foley High School Minnesota Honor Society, and a portion of the proceeds benefit BBBS of Central Minnesota.

Macy's Promo 2024

BBBS AND MACY'S TEAM UP

Together with Macy's, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is empowering every kid with a positive mentor this holiday season. From now until Dec. 24, donate when you shop online at Macy's or round up in-store through Mission Every One. This social purpose platform invests in youth and helps fuel life-changing mentoring experiences for kids right here in Central Minnesota!

YEAR-END GIVING REMINDERS

As the holiday season draws closer, it is time to look ahead at deadlines for year-end giving. All mailed year-end gifts to BBBS of Central Minnesota must be postmarked by Dec. 31 to be eligible for a 2024 tax deduction. Donations may also be dropped off at the BBBS office at 203 Cooper Ave N, Suite 162, in St. Cloud. The office will be open until 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Click here to donate online.

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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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

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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