November 2023
Hello Friend!
As I write this, the headlines of today’s news is that there has been another mass shooting, this time in Maine. The political divide continues to grow. The opinions of our weather patterns range from extremely concerning to nothing to be worried about, depending on who is sharing their opinion. War and violence in the Middle East. War and violence in Ukraine. Etc., etc., etc. All this information and more is available in an instant. Is it any wonder why our kids are feeling stressed and discouraged? Is there any question that mental health is at the top of the list of factors negatively affecting our well-being?
When it all feels too overwhelming, what I find helpful is to narrow my field of vision and focus on what is good with a gratitude lens. It might take a few tries before I feel a shift. We are entering our country's designated season of focused gratitude, and we have much to be thankful for at Big Brothers Big Sisters! Our mission, to ignite the potential within every child, would not be possible without the steadfast, unwavering commitment of our volunteers and the generous contributions from our donors.
Our “Bigs” are more than mentors, they are lifelines. These selfless individuals devote their time, energy and wisdom to guide, support and inspire young minds for today and for tomorrow. The impact of our Bigs is not limited to our Littles. Their caring guidance creates a ripple effect, positively influencing families, schools, and our communities. Thank you!
We are grateful for our “Littles” and their families. It takes so much courage to step forward and ask for a Big to become a part of their lives. Our Littles are strong, brave, smart, and determined. All of our Bigs tell us that they get so much out of being a part of our program. That is because our Littles are so amazing! Thank you!
We experience the generosity of donors, granters, and supporters who provide the fuel for our mission engine. Your kindness and belief in the power of mentoring continues to change lives and shape our present and our future. Thank you!
We have many community partners, including schools, counselors, bus companies, and businesses, working together to provide space, resources, and referrals for our matches. Thank you!
As we look ahead to finishing out 2023 and preparing for 2024, let us remember that our community is only as strong as the love and support we provide one another. To our team, board and all those who believe in the power of mentoring and the healing power of caring, thank you. Together, we can make a world of difference.
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET MERARY AND ANAYSA!
Merary Rangel and Anaysa have been matched for one-and-a-half years! They are a part of the community-based program and they have enjoyed going to the movies, playing games, swimming, and playing at parks. Some of their favorite events and activities that they have done together is the rodeo, Airmaxx, and checking out the YMCA!
Anaysa always looks forward to hanging out with her Big, and Merary is always finding new activities for her and Anaysa to do. Merary is a great Big to Anaysa and encourages her to try new things!
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Heather, Kacie, and Owen Hendrickson and Illeana are!
Meet Heather, Kacie, and Owen Hendrickson and Illeana! Heather was a Little when she was growing up, and she's excited to have her kids join her as part of a Big Family. At their match meeting everyone was talking about their interests - animals, games, and Halloween costumes! We definitely see some laser tag in their future. As you are considering being a Big, check out our current list of new Matches.
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THANK YOU, COBORN'S!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Coborn's Inc.! As well as donating to BBBS of Central Minnesota yearly, Coborn's also supports the agency in a variety of other ways throughout the year. Employee Christie Schulte is a member of the Board of Directors, and both Andy Knoblauch and Mark Coborn - also Coborn's employees - are on the Advisory Council; Coborn's supports the agency's yearly Big Celebration; and the store donates each year to the agency's online auction fundraiser. Coborn's is a valuable partner in supporting BBBS' mission to defend the potential of local youth!
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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REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Matches were climbing the walls at Saint John's in October - the rock wall that is! Matches learned how to properly and safely use the harness, and got to try scaling the rock wall to reach the top. One Little's grandma even got in on the action! Thanks so much to the SJU Outdoor Education staff for hosting our group!
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PRINT PARTY WITH MARY BRUNO
Matches got to try their hand on an old-school letterpress thanks to Mary Bruno of Bruno Press. Mary invited the group to her workshop where she showed them how to work the press, and then everyone got to pick a font for their name and use the press to make their own poster to take home. Big thanks to current Big Rachel Schuneman for connecting BBBS and Mary - it was a really unique and fun experience!
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VIP TREATMENT AT ALLIANZ
Matches got a behind-the-scenes look at Allianz Field and some soccer tips and tricks from the pros. The Minnesota United soccer team hosted matches from all three Minnesota agencies for a soccer clinic, pizza, games, and a tour of the field. BIG thanks to the United for hosting all of the matches, Federated Insurance for sponsoring the event, and Jeff and Claudia Mallace for sponsoring the bus from St. Cloud to St. Paul so that matches could learn more about professional soccer in Minnesota!
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GIVE TO THE MAX - NOV. 16
Your gifts are important every day, but now through Nov. 16, your donations can make an extra BIG difference for local youth. Give to the Max Day in Minnesota is Thursday, Nov. 16, and that day, there are extra prize grants given out every 15 minutes and every hour - the more you donate to BBBS of Central Minnesota, the more chances the agency has to win those grants! There are also daily prize grants Nov. 1 through Nov. 15 during the early donating period. Donate here now through Nov. 16!
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BBBS APPAREL STORE OPEN!
The Fall 2023 BBBS apparel store is now open! Check out the store, put together by Krillan in Sartell, and take a look at new apparel options. Be sure to click on each item to see different colors available. The store closes this Friday, Nov. 10, and orders will be delivered before Christmas. Check out the store here!
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CONGRATULATIONS, JACKIE!
On Friday, Oct. 6, part of the BBBS staff traded in their green for some red to attend the #OurSCSU Gala and support Executive Director Jackie Johnson as she received the Alumni Service Award as part of St. Cloud State's homecoming celebration. Jackie was honored for her work in the St. Cloud Community since graduating from SCSU in 1986. Congratulations, Jackie, and thank you for your work for kids in Central Minnesota!
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ROUND UP AT MACY'S FOR BBBS
For the second year in a row, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Macy's are partnering up over the holidays to help defend the potential of youth. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, you can round up at the register to support your local BBBS! Do your holiday shopping at the Macy's in the Crossroads Center Shopping Mall in Waite Park to participate and send your spare change to BBBS of Central Minnesota!
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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. 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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