April 2022
Hello Friend!
Have you ever considered the health risk of loneliness? “Although it’s hard to measure social isolation and loneliness precisely, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk.” While this study is focused on someone age 50+, common sense would tell us that the health risks from being lonely would not start at age 50, we can guess that loneliness is a health risk for all ages.
Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
- Social isolation was associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.
- Poor social relationships were associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
- Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
- Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
I googled “volunteering benefits health and wellbeing” and 99,800,000 results populated in .55 seconds. That’s a bit overwhelming. Instead, I focused on an article on the Mayo Clinic’s website, which again is looking at older adults, this time age 60+. Again, we can make the assumption that there are benefits for those younger than 60.
- Improves physical and mental health.
- Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.
- Nurture new and existing relationships.
Consistently we hear from our volunteers that they get more out of being a Big than they give. I don’t have a study to measure that, however, I can tell you, without a doubt, that both benefit from the relationship. Take a few minutes and head to our website www.BigDefenders.org to meet our Bigs and Littles of the Year. They are amazing! And they represent hundreds of other amazing Bigs and Littles in our program.
For as little as two hours a month, you can make an amazing difference in a child’s life, and your own.
As always thank you to all of our volunteers and our youth. And thank you to our donors who believe in bettering other people’s lives through their generosity.
Resources:
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET OUR BIGS OF THE YEAR! |
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Big Brother of the Year: John Hoffman |
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Kaiden was just 7 years old when he was matched with his Big Brother John Hoffman.
John and Kaiden share a passion for athleticism and being active. Throughout their time together, they have been frequent visitors of the YMCA. In addition to being a supporter of an active lifestyle and fueling a passion for physical activities, John has been a dedicated spectator of Kaiden’s sports career and can regularly be found in the stands cheering him on!
After being matched for 10 years, they have formed a close, familial bond.
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Now 17 years old, Kaiden has grown into a polite, hard-working, and conscientious young man. John’s loyalty and perseverance played a pivotal role in shaping Kaiden into the charismatic, courteous person he is today.
Kaiden states, “I’ve learned a lot of lessons from John over the years. I think the biggest one would probably have to be‑ go do it. You may not ever have the chance to do it again. Today is your day. Shine every day!”
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Big Sister of the Year: Jill Oldakowski |
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Big Sister Jill and Little Sister Savana were matched in April of 2018.
Jill and Savana are always having fun together; volunteering at the humane society, horseback riding, playing board games, swimming, walking Jill’s dog, painting nails, ice skating and shopping are some of the many exciting activities they have done together. They are also on the hunt to find the best Chinese food in the area.
Savana says Jill is “a friend I can trust to tell my stuff with.”
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Jill’s consistency and dedication through the years, and throughout various stages of life, has set an incredible example for her Little Sister. Savana knows she can always count on Jill to show up. Savana says, “a goal I have is to be friends with Jill forever!”
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Big Duo of the Year: Alex & Brittney Schoephoerster |
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Christian was matched with Big Duo Alex & Brittney Schoephoerster when he was 13-years-old.
Christian, Alex, and Brittney have done a variety of fun activities together like making pizza, playing laser tag, going to Airmaxx trampoline park, playing board games, visiting a pumpkin patch and apple orchard, taking walks, going to Summertime by George, a local community festival, and baking cookies.
One of the most meaningful aspects of their match is that Christian has watched their family grow and become a part of it. He attended their son’s first birthday party and continues to be present for many pivotal family moments.
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Through their 4 years together, Alex and Brittney have exhibited the perfect balance of patience and perseverance. They are there to support and encourage Christian through all of life’s opportunities and challenges. |
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Zach Dwyer and Ja'Cobi are!
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SPORTS BUDDIES GAME NIGHT!
Our Matches had a great time hanging out at our Sports Buddies game night. They got in some Wii sports and Throw Throw Burrito!
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BBBS MARCH MADNESS!
Our Littles and Bigs had their own March Madness at the YFC gym. They played several games as well as horse.
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BIGS ON CAMPUS SKATING DAY!
Bigs on Campus matches from Tech had the chance to go ice skating at SCSU! So many of the kids had never been skating before and there were lots of comments from Bigs that it had been years since they had skated. A few matches stayed in Halenbeck Hall and played other games as well. Such a cool experience for all!!
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BBBS BINGO NIGHT!
Thrivent hosted a BBBS Bingo Night. We had a great turnout! Zach from Thrivent was our Bingo caller and he also showed up with a ton of snacks and beverages for all attendees! Everyone loved the prizes, the gift bag with snacks and Chuck E. Cheese goodies, and the BBBS T-shirts for Bigs and Littles.
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APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH! |
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We would like to thank all of our volunteers!
From Bigs to Board Members, Committee Members and all those who help in the office and with events. Without these individuals it would be impossible to carry out our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Thank you again to all of our volunteers for their time and treasure!
We couldn't do it without you!
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION SURVEY CLOSED
This year's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion assessment survey has closed. We would like to thank everyone who registered and completed the survey!
Our Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee will dig deeper in the work of analyzing the survey data. This data will be a roadmap for our Board and staff. We appreciate your time and your insight in helping BBBS build a more inclusive and meaningful program and community.
Thank you for your commitment to our shared community and our youth served by BBBS.
Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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REGISTER AND SAVE THE DATE: THE BIG AUCTION!
Place your bids and stand with kids! Let's have some FUN bidding on some great items and supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. Since 1969, we have defended the potential of youth. You can be a part of it with your bids and donations!
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THE BIG RAFFLE April 29!! Tickets available by calling 320-253-1616! |
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BE BIG IN 22!
Visit BigDefenders.org to learn more.
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Are you a current Big? Do you stand with youth? Let everyone know! Go to your Facebook profile and click to change your profile pic. Then click on frames, search BBBS of Central MN and add it to your profile pic! |
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THANK YOU, CREW CARWASH!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Crew Carwash. This “crew” of amazing people are our newest community partner and we couldn’t be prouder!
Headquartered in Illinois, they have been supporting BBBS agencies across the Midwest…. including us! We are still on cloud 9 after an incredible Crew Carwash Grand Opening Fundraiser that brought in over $11,000 to support kids in Central MN. Thank you Crew Carwash!
We are grateful to all our Community Partners. Check out this list and the next time you are at that business or organization, please thank them for standing with kids!
If you are interested in serving on an event or sponsorship committee or have questions about it contact Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or Emily@BigDefenders.org
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Big Brother Chris Wieland and Little Eric with Pete Hanson from Radio Station 98.1 at the BBBS Crew Carwash Fundraiser. |
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Jenna Binsfeld, Peggy Brown (DEI Officer), Debbie Clausen, Kevin Fitzpatrick,
Patty Funk (Secretary), Jeff Gannon, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer),
Bill Martin-Chaffee, Lori Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Curran Poganski, Marie Primus, Luke Riordan,
Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.), Alex Schoephoerster (President), Christie Schulte, and Vicky Welty.
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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, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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