October 2023
Hello Friend!
I’m a fan of the CBS News Sunday Morning show. On one episode, Michael J. Fox was interviewed and shared these words that have become an earworm for me: “With gratitude, optimism becomes sustainable."
Maintaining an optimistic outlook is not always easy, especially in the face of adversity. This is where gratitude comes into play. Gratitude has a way of reframing our experiences and helping us to see that in our difficult days when we have challenges, worries, and disappointment, there is still reason to have hope.
Many of our kids are facing high levels of stress and, at times, feeling hopeless as they experience challenges and uncertainties. This is a space where a mentor can help them look for those reasons to be grateful, to encourage the child, and to let them know that they are seen and cared for. Doesn’t that just make all the difference?
Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we focus on gratitude for all those who step forward to support a child, whether that is through volunteering or financially supporting the agency. We are so grateful for the generosity of others to support kids they may never know. Those same kids tell us that the difference in their life is that someone cared - someone showed up for them. Our Bigs share that their lives are richer because of the gift of having another youth in their life. We are grateful for our kids who are brave and smart and let someone in their life. It is such a win/win and allows for so much gratitude, therefore bringing optimism for today and tomorrow.
We are so grateful for each of you, and because of that, we have hope!
P.S. I would be amiss if I didn’t point out how deeply grateful I am for our team. They are talented, caring, and dedicated - and a whole lot of fun.
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET BRYCE & PRESTON!
Bryce Sweeter and Preston have been matched for four years! Their first three years together were spent in the school-based program where they enjoyed playing chess, board games, and various sports in the field house. When Bryce graduated from high school, they moved their match to the community-based program. Since then they stay in touch through phone calls, texts, and letters, and meet up in person when Bryce is home from college.
Some of their favorite activities have been fishing on the Mississippi River, bowling, and going to a Rox game. Bryce is an awesome role model for Preston to look up to and connect with when life gets stressful. Preston is in football and band, and Bryce is always encouraging him. These two have an incredible bond and we foresee many years of friendship in their future!
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Tori Varhol and Cora are!
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THANK YOU, LES VOYAGEURS, INC.!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Les Voyageurs Inc.! Les Voyageurs hosted a canoeing activity and nature skill's activity for BBBS in both 2022 and 2023. Program director Zach Fritz helps the group expose kids to the outdoors in any way possible. When matches go to programs with Les Voyageurs, it's often their first time canoeing, using a compass, starting a fire, or putting up a tent, and Zach and his team help teach both Bigs and Littles important life lessons!
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 Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or [email protected].
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HOOPIN' WITH THE HUSKIES
Bigs and Littles joined the St. Cloud State men's basketball team in Halenbeck Hall for a night of drills, basketball how-tos, and games. Everyone got a Husky men's basketball T-shirt and each of the Littles got their own basketball to bring home, and everyone is excited for the group to go cheer on SCSU later this winter!
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MATCHES HIT THE TRACK
Everyone got to try something new in September thanks to Pineview Park BMX! Matches were invited to the track to try out riding a BMX-style bike on some of the courses at the track. The track provided the bikes and helmets - matches just needed to be ready for some fun and adventure! Everyone had a great time learning a new skill, and can't wait to get back out there next year!
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DISC GOLF 101
Matches had the chance to learn from a local disc golf pro in September! Tony Conrad met the group at Millstream Park in St. Joe and taught everyone the ins and outs of disc golf. It was drizzling off and on, but everyone learned a lot and had a lot of fun with Tony, who has shared his knowledge and talent with our matches several times. Finding an apple tree at the end of the course and grabbing a snack was the perfect way to end the night!
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LET US CELEBRATE YOU!
All year, friends like you make it possible for us to live out our mission of creating one-to-one mentoring relationships for kids right here in Central Minnesota. On Tuesday, Nov. 14, we want to celebrate you and say a great big thank you for all of your support. Please join us from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The Regency in downtown St. Cloud for The Big Thanks Social, presented by PCI. There will be light appetizers, a cash bar, and a short program at 6 p.m. Feel free to invite a friend or coworker from your network who is interested in learning more about being a Big or supporting BBBS! Please RSVP here by Oct. 31.
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AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!
Nominations for Bigs and Littles of the Year for 2024 are now open! If you know someone who has been a great Big, or a Little who has made BIG strides while a part of the program, nominate them for an award! Nominations are accepted for Big Brother and Big Sister of the year, Big Family or Big Duo of the year, High School Big Brother and Sister of the year, and Little Brother and Little Sister of the Year. Nominations are due by Wednesday, Nov. 1, and honorees will be selected on Nov. 17. They will receive their awards at the Big Celebration on April 24, 2024. Click here to nominate a Big or Little today!
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BBBS PRIDE TEES AVAILABLE
Show off your Pride and support BBBS with this BBBS Pride T-shirt! BBBS of Central Minnesota has a limited number of Pride shirts for sale. The T-shirts are $15 each and come in black or white, and are available in sizes small, medium, large, or extra large. Shirts will be available for pickup in late July at the BBBS St. Cloud office. Email [email protected] to secure your shirt today!
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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR BBBS!
Show your support for BBBS of Central Minnesota to everyone in your neighborhood and help us recruit new mentors with a branded yard sign! Email [email protected] if you're interested in putting a sign in your yard or stop by the St. Cloud office today to pick one up! (The signs measure two feet wide by 1 1/2 feet tall and come with a metal stake to keep it in the ground.)
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BIGS ON CAMPUS NEEDS YOUR HELP
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 Bigs on Campus initiative at St. Cloud State, St. Cloud Tech & Community College, and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University for Fall 2023. Meet with your mentee twice a month for an hour at a time at SCSU, SCTCC, or CSB/SJU and help them get accustomed to life on a college campus! Click here for more information or to sign up to be part of the Bigs on Campus program!
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SUPPORT BBBS WHEN YOU SHOP!
Every time you shop, your spare change can help to support local youth! When you sign up today to donate on the BBBS of Central Minnesota website, you can round up every purchase on the credit card of your choosing. Every time you swipe that card, the total is rounded up to the nearest dollar - and that extra change stays right here in Central Minnesota! Your extra change could make a BIG difference to local youth - give it a try!
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Daine Billmark, Jenna Binsfeld, Debbie Clausen, Patty Funk (Secretary), Melinda Gau, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, 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), Christie Schulte, and Vicky Welty (Past Pres.).
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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, and Don Watkins.
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