November 2021
Hello Friend!
When you were growing up, did you identify anyone as your hero? Or looking back, can you see where a hero stepped in for you, although you may not have recognized it at the time?
While the title of a “hero” might be intimidating, we know that our Littles look to their Bigs as heroes. Our Littles value that their Bigs follow through with plans, are good listeners, and are someone they can talk to. Our Bigs introduce them to opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have. Our kids aren’t looking for a Disney World experience, they are looking for someone who takes the time to make them a priority.
We all know that kids are facing obstacles and stress, with added layers from social media and the pandemic. We also know that having a reliable and caring Big in their lives makes all of those stresses more manageable. Even though our program’s mission is to benefit kids, Bigs have told us on a consistent basis that they get more out of it than they give. They share that their Little has expanded their world and that they’ve learned so much from their Little. That they are cool again.
Maybe it is time to think about how you can deepen your relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Would you consider becoming a Big? Would you consider joining a committee? Would you consider becoming a monthly donor? We have heroes in all aspects of our program, and we have room for you too. Together, we can make a better community, a better Minnesota, and a better world for all our children.
Jackie Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET AVA & JAELYN!
Ava Swart and Jaelyn have been matched a full year this November. They were both eager to meet each other when they were matched as they thought the other sounded really fun, and they were not disappointed!
These two have been enjoying a lot of activities together. They have enjoyed going to Airmaxx, chatting and playing games over zoom, playing charades, Pictionary, ice skating, going to the movies, taking walks, participated in fishing and Summerland with BBBS, swimming, painting, and got in a Vikings game!
It has been great to see Ava and Jaelyn develop a close friendship this last year and we look forward to seeing their fun adventures!
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PUMPKIN PAINTING!
Thank you to Stoney Brook Farms for providing pumpkins for our pumpkin painting activity! The matches had so much fun and the weather was perfect to be outside! The matches also played Human Bingo and it really got people talking and connecting with each other. Some Littles even made new friends!
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Matches spent an evening watching a St. Cloud State Huskies hockey game. Thank you Marilyn Birkland for donating the tickets! |
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To see upcoming Match Activities please check out the BBBS website.
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OPTIMIST YOUTH APPRECIATION BREAKFAST!
Yuli, a Little in our program, was one of nine youth recognized by the St. Cloud Morning Optimists as an outstanding youth demonstrating academic excellence, community service, and leadership and has positively impacted their organization. Congratulations, Yuli!
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YOU DON'T NEED A CAPE TO BE A BIG HERO FOR A KID!
You may have noticed that we launched our Big HEro campaign this fall. This campaign is aimed at recruiting male mentors to pair with boys on their waiting list. The goal of this campaign is to recruit 100 men by November 30. We are so thankful to Gaslight Creative for designing this awesome campaign for us!
Recruiting male mentors is one of the greatest challenges that mentoring programs face. Boys typically wait longer than girls to be matched. Nationally, 66% of youth on the waiting list for Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations are boys, but only 36% of volunteer mentors are men.
We aspire to impact that statistic. Alongside our recruitment efforts, which include 2 traveling life-sized cardboard cutouts of Big Brothers involved with the program, we have also launched a new mentoring initiative called Sports Buddies.
Sports Buddies, presented by Scheels, pairs mentors with youth (ages 8-16). They meet 1-2 times a month and spend their time together participating in a variety of sports-related activities. Big Brothers Big Sisters plans and coordinates these events, making this program an excellent option for individuals who have considered becoming a mentor but were hesitant about activity planning.
We currently have over 100 children waiting for a mentor. To learn how you can make a difference in the life of a child, please call (320) 253-1616 or visit 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, CAPITAL ONE!
The November Partner Spotlight is Capital One! They had this to share, “The St. Cloud site has been a part of supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters for 19 years participating in events like Bowl for Kids' Sake now known as Go Big for Kids! allowing us to get together as a team while supporting a great cause!
Volunteering is a large part of Capital One's mission and in supporting our local BBBS chapter we are able to contribute to Defending the Potential of the youth in our community. We also have a number of Associates who are current and past Bigs in the program and we've heard a number of feel good stories about those relationships throughout the years.” Thank you Capital One!
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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Jake Childers, Capital One GBFK Committee Volunteer |
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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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