September 2022
Hello Friend!
Can’t you just feel it in the air? It's back-to-school time. This time of the year brings back some vivid memories of the excitement, nervousness, and anticipation of what the new school year would bring. I would always be most excited about being with my friends, the actual education part was a distant second for me - and the lunch menu also contributed to the spectrum of excitement. Our kids returning to school today have added stresses that I couldn’t have even imagined.
We are in the midst of our “Back to School” campaign. Have you been following the fun and encouraging posts on social media? We have an aggressive goal of adding 100 Bigs for 100 kids this fall. For as little as two hours a month, you can be an active, effective, life-changing mentor in one of our school or site-based initiatives. This usually works best with a schedule, such as the first and third Wednesday of the month, noon to 1 p.m. What is significant is the building of a trusting friendship. These opportunities are available in: Foley, Holdingford (new this year), Pierz, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and St. Cloud.
We want you to consider going back to school, only this time you don’t have to think about the classes- just seeing your friend.
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET KALEB & TYLER!
Tyler Walz and Kaleb have been matched for six years in the School-Based program. They were matched when Kaleb was in fourth grade, and he will enter his sophomore year of high school this fall.
Tyler and Kaleb enjoy chatting and catching up during their time together, with an occasional game of Uno. Tyler has helped Kaleb learn about careers, finance, and how to the be the best version of himself. He even helped coach Kaleb through getting his first job.
Kaleb’s face lights up each and every week that Tyler comes to visit, and Tyler has shared that he is fully invested and is excited to see Kaleb through to the end: graduation in a few years!
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Amber Jones and La'Rissa are!
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THANK YOU, GILLELAND CHEVROLET!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Gilleland Chevrolet. Last month, Gilleland held a raffle for its employees, and the winner got to choose which local organization to donate the money to. Jerel, an employee at St. Cloud Quick Lube, won a moped through the raffle and selected BBBS of Central MN as his nonprofit of choice. Thanks to Jerel and everyone in the Gilleland Chevrolet family - 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 [email protected]
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Executive Director Jackie Johnson, along with members of the BBBS of Central MN staff, accepts a check for $1,630 from Jerel, an employee at St. Cloud Quick Lube. |
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AN EVENING ON THE WATER
An evening on the water turned into exploring Lake Sag for Sports Buddies matches in August. Zach from Les Voyageurs guided the matches through the weeds - and into a hidden section of the lake! It was a beautiful evening, and everyone got a good workout in!
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TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
A group of matches took a bus to Minneapolis in late August to take part in America's pastime - a baseball game! The group watched as the Minnesota Twins hosted the Texas Rangers, and were treated to a close game. Sweatshirts came out at the end of the game, but overall it was a great night!
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HITTING THE LINKS
A handful of Sports Buddies matches had the chance to learn about golf last month. From learning about all the different clubs to what you need in your golf bag to course etiquette, they took it all in. Then they hit the links and took on the driving range, practiced chipping, hit out of sand traps, and had a putting contest. Watch out for some future pros from this group!
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BACK AT LAKE SAG
After the first night of canoeing was such a success, a second group of matches went out with Zach from Les Voyageurs later in August. This group paddled over a very calm, glass-like Lake Sag - and maybe got a little competitive as they went from place to place!
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JOIN US AT THE BIG THANKS
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota had a BIG year in 2021-22, and we couldn't have done any of it without the help of our board, advisory committee, staff, volunteers, donors or supporters. To celebrate the year and kick start 2022-23, our supporters who are 21+ are invited to the Big Thanks Social! On Thursday, Sept. 29, join us at The Regency in downtown St. Cloud from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for hor d'oeuvres, a cash bar and time to mingle and celebrate BBBS with friends and colleagues. Thanks to Vince and Lori Mohs for hosting this event! Email Julie Schmidt by Friday, Sept. 16, to RSVP.
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BBBS APPAREL STORE NOW OPEN
Do you need more Big Brothers Big Sisters swag? Check out the Fall 2022 BBBS of Central MN Online Store! T-shirts, sweatshirts, leggings and more are available for purchase through Sunday, Sept. 11. Click here to view the online store.
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DEI SURVEY: YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED
Thank you to everyone who completed the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion survey this spring. We heard you, and this is how we are improving based on the results: inviting the voice of a youth and the voice of a parent or guardian to help with program planning and implementation, continued outreach to underserved communities, and additional training for our team members. You told us and we are listening.
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SUPPORT BBBS AT TENDING FOR A CAUSE
Are you looking for a fun way to relax and wind down after work? On Wednesday, Sept. 14, head to Beaver Island Brewing Company in downtown St. Cloud to support BBBS as it teams up with Beaver Island for Tending for a Cause! From 5-7 p.m. at the brewery at 216 6th Ave. S, a portion of every sale will go directly to BBBS! Our partners at Thrivent Financial will also be on hand to help support this Big cause. This event is 21+.
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MENTORING IN MINNESOTA CHAT
Jackie Johnson, the Executive Director of BBBS of Central MN, is teaming up with Michelle Redman from BBBS of Southern MN and Pat Sukhum of BBBS Twin Cities to host a virtual community conversation! On Sept. 21, the three leaders will share their expertise and insights. Please click here for more information.
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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 [email protected]. 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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ROUND UP FOR BBBS!
Are you looking for an easy way to give back to BBBS of Central MN every month? Start rounding up! Connect a card of your choice, and every time you make a purchase with that card, the total is rounded up to the next dollar - and that money goes to BBBS of Central MN! Round Up change accumulates and is donated on the last day of the month. Click here for more information!
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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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