October 2022
Hello Friend!
As some of you know, I grew up on a small family farm, the youngest of 12. People always ask the age spread (18 years) and if I knew my siblings (yes). The one sibling that arguably has had the greatest impact on my family is smack dab in the middle, Donna.
Donna was born with Down Syndrome in an era where there wasn’t any support to keep her home. My parents made the difficult choice of putting her in an institution until she was 14. I always knew Donna and knew that she was my sister. She would spend holidays and some weekends with us - and then the heartbreaking task of taking her back. When she caught sight of the Brainerd State Hospital’s pink water tower, she would start to cry, and whoever was in the car with her would start to cry, too. When she was 14, she was able to come and live with us permanently.
At that time, local programming for kids with special needs had started in a nearby school district and transportation was provided. After some years of classroom learning, she transitioned to what became known as Employment Enterprises, Inc., where she went every day until her retirement. Looking back on her influence on our family, she brought incredible gifts that have become her legacy. I can’t imagine having it any other way than with her, with us.
Isn’t it often the case that our biggest gifts in life sometime show up as someone who needs us and then it turns around and we realize that we might be the one to get way more out of the relationship? We hear this same sentiment from our Bigs, true for my entire 12 years here, and when I talk to others who have been with BBBS longer, it is also true for them. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for our teachers to come in “Little” ways to us, to help us grow, to help us heal the community. Thank you to all of you for making these connections possible.
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Jackie and Donna at Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud in 2012. |
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET JACOB & CHRIS!
Chris Bernard and Jacob have been matched since January 2015. They started as a school-based match – Chris would come to Jacob’s school to play in the gym or go outside. After almost a year, the match switched to the community-based program and have really grown their friendship through shared activities.
Chris and Jacob enjoy listening to live music, watching movies, swimming, hiking, biking, and going to Valleyfair. The match also enjoys fishing year round. In the last few years they have enjoyed exploring Minnesota by going to Duluth, Kathio State Park, Pipestone, and Forestville State Park. This past summer Chris and Jacob hiked the highest point in Minnesota – Eagle Mountain!
Chris was instrumental in encouraging Jacob to get involved in robotics and Career One. Chris is great at showing up consistently for Jacob and the two of them are always trying to find new and interesting places to explore together.
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Maddie Gynild and Sonja are!
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THANK YOU, BEAVER ISLAND!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Beaver Island Brewing. On Sept. 14, Beaver Island hosted a Tending for a Cause event for BBBS of Central Minnesota. That evening, a portion of every sale and all tips went directly to BBBS of Central MN! It was a fun night of socializing and connecting with some new faces. Thank you Beaver Island - we appreciate your support!
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!
If you have questions about how your business can get involved with BBBS of Central MN, contact Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or Emily@BigDefenders.org
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Thanks to Beaver Island for partnering with BBBS of Central MN and hosting Tending for a Cause on Sept. 14! |
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Big Brother Jim Anderson was matched with his Little Brother Tyler in July 2003, when Tyler was just eight years old. Fast forward 20 years, and Jim was invited to attend Tyler's wedding this summer!
When they were matched, Tyler would spend time at Jim's house with Jim and his family, and he became good friends with Jim's children. Now Tyler is starting a family of his own!
We love hearing stories about the connections Bigs and Littles maintain throughout their lives - email BBBS@BigDefenders.org with photos or stories!
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KINGS AND QUEENS OF THE COURT
The Sports Buddies matches tested out their hand-eye coordination with some tennis lessons in September! Kayla, a former collegiate tennis player at Saint Benedict, showed the matches some tips and tricks and helped perfect everyone's swing!
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A NIGHT AT ALLIANZ FIELD
A group of Bigs and Littles were treated to a night in St. Paul at Allianz Field in late September. Thanks to Federated Insurance, matches from all three Minnesota BBBS agencies met at Allianz and got to play games on the concourse - and pass a soccer ball around with the pros. After some pizza, they got to have a Q&A and take some selfies with three members of the MN United squad, and ended the night with a tour of the stadium - and practicing a Minnesota United chant!
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LEARNING FROM A PRO
The Sports Buddies matches got the chance to take a disc golf lesson from a true professional in September. Anthony Conrad, a disc golf pro, met the matches at Millstream Park in St. Joe and showed everyone different grips, throws, and explained what each disc is used for. He also donated some discs to the matches so that they could take some home to practice!
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SHOOTIN' HOOPS WITH THE HUSKIES
The St. Cloud State men's basketball team is gearing up for the 2022-23 season, but the Huskies took some time to shoot hoops with a group of matches! The group went through some drills and basketball fundamentals, and wrapped up the evening with a classic - a game of lightning!
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YOUTH HONORED AT OPTIMIST APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
Abigail, a Little in the BBBS of Central Minnesota program, was one of seven youth recognized by the St. Cloud Morning Optimists at the Sept. 21 meeting. The individuals were recognized as outstanding youth demonstrating academic excellence, community service, and leadership who have positively impacted their organization. Congratulations, Abigail!
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PATH TO SUCCESS MINI COLLEGE FAIR
Thinking about the future can be scary for youth - but it doesn't have to be. Come learn about your options at the 2022 Path to Success! Recruiters from 11 Minnesota colleges as well as three branches of the armed forces will be at St. Cloud Tech & Community College from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 12. Learn about the ACTs, financial aid, scholarships, apprenticeships and more at this mini college fair. Click here to register by Oct. 10.
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JWRC VIRTUAL TRAINING
On Monday, Nov. 21, the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center is hosting a virtual training for Bigs, Parents/Guardians, and other adults in the community to help navigate the virtual landscape and watch for potential red flags. This presentation, which runs from 6-7:30 p.m., details the risks students are facing, and practical, positive ways that adults can respond. Click here to register by Nov. 16.
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BEAN BAG TOURNEY FUNDRAISER
Join BBBS of Central Minnesota and our partners at Thrivent on Thursday, Nov. 10, for a bean bag tournament fundraiser! Stop by Bad Habit in St. Joe from 4-7 p.m. for socializing, refreshments and a bean bag tournament. Cost to enter the tournament is $20 per team, and all proceeds go to BBBS of Central MN! Email Emily Steinmetz to RSVP!
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NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, tune in for a virtual neurodiversity training. Not sure what ADHD, autism or dyslexia means? This short, interactive presentation will teach you the basics. The training starts at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom and will be recorded. It is geared towards high school and college students as well as parents/guardians. Click here for more info or to register by Oct 12.
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BBBS PARTNERS WITH THRIVENT
Are you a Thrivent member with a Thrivent Action Team, or do you know someone who is? Starting this Fall, BBBS is partnering with Thrivent on a number of fundraisers that will utilize their generosity programs to further Thrivent's event impact. Get involved by reaching out to Emily Steinmetz at Emily@BigDefenders.org. Please click here for more information.
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BACK TO SCHOOL WITH BBBS!
As youth around Central Minnesota get ready to head back to school, BBBS is gearing up to support them! Between Aug. 22 and Oct. 31, BBBS of Central MN is looking to recruit 100 new Bigs to support waiting Littles in the area. If you know anyone interested in being a Big or someone who would be a great mentor, send them here for more information!
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TEXT TO DONATE!
Giving to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN is now as easy as sending a text! Simply text the word BIGS to 269-89 and you are able to donate right from your smartphone. Text today to help support one-to-one mentoring for local youth in the community!
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Daine Billmark, Jenna Binsfeld, Peggy Brown (DEI Officer), Debbie Clausen,
Patty Funk (Secretary), Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer), Bill Martin-Chaffee,
Lori Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Chris Owen, Curran Poganski, Marie Primus, Luke Riordan,
Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.), Alex Schoephoerster (President), Christie Schulte, and Vicky Welty (Past Pres.).
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Barb Anderson, Mimi Bitzan, Mark Coborn, Joe Francis, Brad Goskowicz, Keith Julson,
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, Gary Marsden, Vince Mohs, Karla Myres, Steve Sauer, Kurt Scepaniak,
Chris Schellinger, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Rob Schumann, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum, Mark Traut, Joan Vincent, Don Watkins, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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