Hello Bigs, Littles and Families!
As you know, the Governor released new recommendations and restrictions for the next four weeks (starting 11/20/20). Because of that, Big Brothers Big Sisters is asking that community-based matches suspend meeting in-person at this time. This virus has led to frequent changes in our processes, recommendations, and communications. We realize this is another change.
Even though Bigs and Littles can’t meet in person right now, a Big’s role as a caring, trustworthy, and supportive person in their Little’s life is very important, that hasn’t changed. We highly encourage Matches and families to stay in touch and provide support to one another – your relationships are more important than ever. You can stay in contact with each other via phone calls, text, emails, video chats (via Facetime, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) and letters. Please check out our Little Big Virtual Academy for fun activities to do virtually and to stay connected.
Thank you for caring about and standing with kids!
Be Well!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN
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Learn to Draw: Art For Kids Hub is a family YouTube channel for kids. New art lessons are uploaded M-F, every week. Follow along and learn how to draw plus other fun art lessons. Many of the lessons are perfect for any age, all you need is a few supplies! You and your match can each draw along to the video and show off your masterpieces! Click here for link to website.
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DECEMBER 4TH IS DICE DAY!
Celebrated each year on December 4th, National Dice Day recognizes and ancient gaming tool. Many games incorporate dice as a way to add random challenges or obstacles to the objectives. For example dice are frequently used in board games to randomize a player’s moves.
The origin of dice is uncertain. However, it is known that they have been around for thousands of years. Dice were originally made from the talus (ankle bone) of hoofed animals. Ivory, wood, and plastics are other materials used in making dice. They also come in many shapes and colors.
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Celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy by submitting an essay or piece of art inspired by his work. St. Cloud area students are invited to express their thoughts and reflections creatively. Work exhibits at the 8th Annual MLK Breakfast Celebration. This year it is virtual and a weekend-long event, January 16-18, 2021!
CONTEST QUOTE
"No one may forsake their neighbors when they are in trouble. Everybody is under obligation to help and support their neighbors as they would themselves like to be helped."
Based on the quote, how have you, or can you help your neighbor/classmate/friend? How does that action help MLK's dream come closer to reality? Create either a visual, written, or spoken word piece that expresses your understanding of the quote and questions.
While the quality of work is important, judging is also based on the relevance to the quote and interpretation of the questions, and the artist statement.
Kindergarten- 4th Grade
($25 AWARDS)
5th- 8th Grade
($50 AWARDS)
9th-12th Grade
($75 AWARDS)
College
($150 AWARDS)
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Great news - the 2021 Live Más Scholarship application period is now open!
This year, we’re giving away more than $7.5 million in scholarships to fund the educational goals of students passionate about creating a better world for all.
Whether you’re planning on attending a 4-year university, community college or a 2-year vocational school, this scholarship is for you! To apply, simply create a 2-minute video that tells us what your passion is and how you’ll use it to make a difference—no grades, essays or test scores required!
If selected as a recipient, you’ll join a community of passionate scholars who are driven to use their passion to ignite change in their communities and beyond. You’ll also receive access to unique opportunities and connections to help you impact the world.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Taco Bell Foundation
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Our online store is now open so you can order Big Brothers Big Sisters shirts, sweatshirts and swag! To see new colors, you'll need to click on the item and then you'll see color options (like the black fan tee also now comes in white).
Store closes on December 7th!
Your items will be delivered 4-6 weeks after the store closes.
If you do not choose the ship to you option, your order will come to our office
at 203 Cooper Ave N. St Cloud, and we will let you know when you can pick it up.
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LITTLE BIG VIRTUAL ACADEMY
The purpose of the Little Big Virtual Academy is to keep Littles and Bigs connected during times of physically distancing. When matches might not be able meet in-person, they can continue to communicate and interact via phone and computer. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota team has compiled a list of fun and interactive activities and resources for Littles and Bigs to do together- click here to link to the website!
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Listed below are several online resources. Please visit our BBBS website for a more extensive listing.
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PROGRAM STAFF CONTACT INFO |
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Please contact our staff if you have any questions regarding matches.
Ann Matvick, Program Director
Jamie Lodermeier, Program Coordinator
Kayla Meyer, Program Coordinator
Mary Bellefeuille, Lead Program Coordinator
Rebecca Fonss, Program Coordinator
Robyn Rieland, Program Coordinator
Tasha Bruns-Notsch, Lead Enrollment Coordinator
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Hey BIGS!! Do you know someone who would be a great mentor to a child in our community? Use the above Big Nomination graphic by sending it to them. You could message it, text it, print and hand deliver, or post it on their social media. Let them KNOW that you could see them as a BIG! We are now holding Info Sessions online via Zoom- let's create a waiting list of Bigs!
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Listed below are several community resources.
NEW! Crisis Text Line - Text MN741741 is Minnesota’s suicide prevention and mental health crisis texting service now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People who text MN to 741741 will be connected to Crisis Text Line. For callers who are the most in distress, average wait times for a response is only 39 seconds. Click here for link to website.
NEW! Job Search, Application and Resume Assistance - Career Solutions staff are at the St. Cloud Great River Regional Library Computer Lab from 2:30-4:30pm M-F. They are there temporarily until Career Solutions opens. Career Solutions staff are available to assist with Writing Resumes & Cover Letters, Resume Review, Online & Paper Job Applications, Employer Research, Interview Coaching, Job Search Websites, Community Resources, Labor Market Information, Employment & Training Programs and Job Search Workshop Referrals. Click here for more information on services.
Food Relief Bags - Catholic Charities Emergency Services continues to provide access to food to those in need. Food relief bags will be available for pick-up at the locations below.
United Way 2-1-1 Resource Hotline - United Way is encouraging anyone who may be in need of assistance accessing food, or any other essential service, to dial 2-1-1 or text MNCOVID to 898-211. Click here for more information.
Local Business Information - Many businesses are closed or have reduced their hours. Some stores and restaurants are offering curbside pick up or delivery. Click here for more information.
Great River Library - The library is now open with limited hours and curbside pick up. Information on returning books, overdue books, registering for a library card and more! Click here for more information.
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