October 2021
Hello Friend!
I have had volunteer experiences that have enriched my life, expanded what I know and who I know, and in most cases, it was something to do with kids. I have treasured these opportunities and while it's cliché’, it’s true, I got way more out of it than what I gave. What might surprise you is that I consider myself a reluctant volunteer. I’ve had people ask me several times, and in one situation, several years to be a volunteer. It’s not that I don’t believe in volunteering, I do wholeheartedly. Since 1998, I have worked with volunteer programs in the role of the program director or the executive director. Yet, I still tend to be reluctant to say “yes.”
Some of the questions I look at when considering volunteering include: Will I be of value? Will I know what I’m doing? Will I let anyone down? Is it something that I believe in? If not me, then who can do this? What can I give up if I take this on? And probably the biggest question of all, do I have the time and energy?
With the different opportunities I’ve been fortunate to be a part of, I’ve learned that I can make the time and that doing something I’m passionate about energizes me. The other questions take care of themselves and are all a part of the process.
Have you been a reluctant volunteer? What are you passionate about? What energizes you? If it’s mentoring kids, I’m asking you to consider becoming a HEro for our kids. Learn how you can become involved and change lives, maybe your own.
Jackie Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET TODD AND KIAN!
Todd Kirchner and Kian are celebrating one year of their match together! Todd and Kian are always doing something fun together – going to the YMCA, Airmaxx, fishing, biking, the driving range, frisbee golfing, go-karts, and attending BBBS activities.
Todd does an awesome job at being a constant in Kian’s life which has really helped their friendship grow over this first year together. Kian’s mom appreciates Todd’s consistent communication and willingness to do activities Kian is interested in. When asked about his Big Brother Todd, Kian said, “He’s nice and he’s cool.” 😊 We are excited to see this friendship continue to grow!
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McKenna Privratsky & Simon are!
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VIKINGS GAME DAY!
SKOL! Several of our matches and their families enjoyed a beautiful day at US Bank Stadium watching a preseason Vikings game courtesy of J.D. Donovan, Inc. and Colleen Donovan. Everyone had a great time!
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TWINS GAME DAY!
Matches and Little's families spent a day at Target Field. Everyone had a great time and was very grateful for the experience! Transportation and spending money were provided by Jeff and Claudia Mallace and the tickets were donated by the Twins Community Fund. - thank you for making a great day!
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To see upcoming Match Activities please check out the BBBS website.
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BBBS NIGHT AT FOLEY GIRLS TENNIS MATCH!
There are seven Big Sisters on the Foley HS Girls tennis team! Their Littles were invited to the match and had a great time. They made signs for their Bigs and the Coach. The Littles were out on the court during player introductions and even had their names introduced and lined up with the team for handshakes. At the end, each Little got a giant tennis ball autographed by the team. Thank you, Foley Girls Tennis!
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SPORTS BUDDIES ARE NEEDED NOW!
We are looking for "Sports Buddies" to spend a couple of days a month hanging out with kids who love sports. The program is looking to match "Bigs" who enjoy sports and being active with kids who also love sports. The Sports Buddies program would pair the Bigs and youth to do sports-related activities like playing sports, watching sporting events, going on outdoor adventures, and attending sports clinics.
The activities are pre-planned by Big Brothers Big Sisters. A schedule of the activities will be released with details and locations, and Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will be around to assist with the activities.
The program began July 1, but signups to become a Big are ongoing. Bigs and kids will spend 1-2 days a month together, generally on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those interested in applying to be a Big can visit BigDefenders.org or contact Tina at 320-258-4537 and at SportsBuddies@BigDefenders.org.
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JUST TWICE A MONTH MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE!
Do you know someone who would make a great mentor?
We need YOUR help!!!
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for adult mentors (SCSU staff/faculty/alumni and local business professionals) to serve as mentors for Tech High School students by pairing them with a positive role model. These matches meet on the SCSU campus, twice a month on Wednesdays around noon, during the school year.
This program opens windows of opportunity for local youth by immersing them in the world of post-secondary education, helping them dream BIGGER, and navigating them on a positive path towards success. Please refer your friends/family/co-workers to BigDefenders.org or Email Tina or call her at 320.258.4537.
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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, EXPRESS!
This month our Partner Spotlight features Express! We are excited to partner with Express to create confidence and unlock potential for youth across Central MN. AND, wait ‘till you hear this ... in-store and online donations are being accepted as part of the Dream Big Project!
This project is not only focused on empowering young people, but also finding Mentors for each kid that could use some support. Visit your local Express stores in St. Cloud and Albertville or https://express.com/dreambigproject to participate. Thank you, Express, for inspiring confidence and self-expression!
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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TOP: Left to right: Kirby Hesler, Manager Zong Lor, Emily Steinmetz Corporate Engagement Manager, Cortney Algama, Bonnie Heidelberger at Express Albertville Premium Outlets
RIGHT: Left to right: BBBS Advancement Assistant Bradyn Petrek, Store Manager Dylan Rademacher, Jaelyn King at Express St. Cloud Crossroads Mall.
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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, Vince Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Curran Poganski, Marie Primus, Luke Riordan, Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.),
Alex Schoephoerster (President), Christie Schulte and Vicky Welty (Past President)
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Barb Anderson, Mimi Bitzan, Mark Coborn, Joe Francis, Brad Goskowicz, Keith Julson,
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, Gary Marsden, Karla Myres, Steve Sauer, Kurt Scepaniak, Joyce Schlough,
John Schnettler, Rob Schumann, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum, Mark Traut,
Joan Vincent, Bob Walter, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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