January 2022
Hello Friend!
Are you like me and have a love/hate relationship with New Year’s Resolutions? While it seems like the perfect time to focus on some new goals with a fresh new number for the year, the old habits seem to be waiting for us saying “welcome back, I knew you would return.” I remember one year I made a resolution of being more intentional and sitting down to eat. By 10am on New Year’s Day I was standing over the kitchen sink after finding some leftovers for lunch. That was the end of that goal.
One goal that I hope everyone considers is how can you serve to make someone else’s life better? Yes, you. What has been nudging you to take those first steps? Where is your passion? What do you get excited about? Of course, I want you to consider becoming a Big with us. I know that there are many options, as local as your neighbor and as far away as the other side of the world, that would benefit from your caring, passion, and skills. The first steps are the hardest, it requires one to be vulnerable without a guarantee of success. But really, you have little to lose and much to gain. How often do we get the chance to make a REAL difference, well, we are offering you it this year. Stay well and Happy New Year!
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET KYLE & AMARE!
Kyle Breitkreutz & Amare (pictured above) have been matched in the school-based program for almost 5 years!! They have built a wonderful friendship that is built on trust and shared interests.
Kyle has helped Amare to develop his skills, and they always have a fun time together. It’s great to see their friendship continue to grow over time!
We have loved watching these two grow together and are eager to see what the rest of the school year has in store!
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Othniel Williams & Justin are!
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HOLIDAY BOWLING PARTY!
In December we had our Holiday Bowling Party. All the matches had a great time! It was fun to see all the matches interact with one another. Thank you to Great River Bowl for providing free bowling shoe rental for our matches!
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FEDERATED SCHOLARSHIP NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
The application for scholarships for Fall 2022 semester is now open. Thanks to the generosity of the Federated Challenge we are offering a scholarship for up to $5,000 for students to attend a non-four year education that focuses on obtaining an apprenticeship, certificate or associate’s degree. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 15th. Please click here eligibility requirements and application details.
Interested students may fill out the online application individually, but are encouraged to contact Ann Matvick, Program Director, at Ann@BigDefenders.org or 320-258-4517 for assistance with filling out the application and with any questions.
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BRIANNA KRUZEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
BriAnna Kruzel is a former Little Sister and High School Big Sister, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in September 2013. BriAnna believed strongly in giving and volunteering. She was an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteered with Sartell Community Education, her church, and would help anyone that needed assistance.
If you have any questions please contact Ann Matvick @ 320.258.4517 or ann@BigDefenders.org
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THE BCI BIG COMMITMENT!
BCI Construction, Inc. (BCI) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota have entered into a new partnership, the BCI Big Commitment.
Through this partnership, BCI pledges to recruit five Bigs/mentors from within the company to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota and participate in activities at their workplace and around the community. In addition, BCI will generously donate $2,500 for each Big to support the costs associated with making and maintaining the mentoring match.
Ryan Cross, President & CEO of BCI states, “The goals of Big Brothers Big Sisters align well with ours at BCI. I see great potential for us to participate and pay forward all the blessings we’ve received. I am excited for our employees to participate in this, as well as the community at large to see how we (and they) can make a difference. This is a BIG step for us, and I am excited we get to take it.”
BCI is a premier commercial contractor, emphasizing design-build, general contracting, and construction management services. During recent years, BCI’s vision steered to focusing on local projects to create a healthier work-life balance for employees and truly invest in the communities in which they belong.
We are grateful for this partnership and encourage other companies to find out more by contacting Emily Steinmetz, Corporate Engagement Manager, at 320.258.4515.
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For this new year, BE BIG IN 22! We are looking for adults & high school students to ignite the potential of our youth by becoming Bigs. Click here to get started today!
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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, ATS!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Anderson Trucking Service!
For nearly 20 Years ATS has offered care and support to the youth served by BBBS! Year after year their investment in the mission of BBBS affirms the powerful impact of the Mentor – Mentee relationship.
ATS is a trusted foundational partner and this agency is beyond proud to serve area kids alongside them. Plus, did you know that BBBS calls the former ATS building our home? Thank you ATS, you value helping others in need and it shows!
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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Brent Anderson - President of Anderson Trucking Service. |
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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 (Past President)
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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, 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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