June 2023
Hello Friend!
In the spring of 2016, we approached President Earl Potter with St. Cloud State University (SCSU) and Superintendent Willie Jett with ISD742 (St. Cloud) to start an initiative that pairs university faculty, staff, and other business professionals with students that would be bussed to the SCSU campus. Superintendent Jett was immediately on board; next we had to get buy-in from SCSU.
Dr. Potter was very excited about this program and saw the value to the campus, kids, and overall community. He told his leadership “work out the details and bring it to me, I will sign it.” In a recent conversation with his daughter Margaret, who has been a Big since the initiative's inception, she said that one of her last conversations with her dad was him sharing his excitement about the possibilities of this partnership. Unfortunately, Dr. Potter passed away in an accident three weeks after signing the agreement. Seven years later, we continue to thrive and are honored to help carry on his legacy.
In addition to the original initiative, we’ve been able to grow our Dr. Potter Bigs on Campus Mentoring Initiative (BOC) to the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, and this fall we’ll be launching at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. The Bigs on Campus initiative also laid the groundwork for another initiative we started last fall, BIG Partners, a powerful mentoring collaboration with ISD742 and Granite Partners.
At the end of the school year, we have made it a tradition to celebrate these initiatives, and it has been nothing less than incredible. I haven’t been a part of the ongoing meetings, I only get to meet the matches at the celebration. It is so impressive to witness the connection of two people who otherwise would not know each other to have developed this trusting and rewarding friendship. The mentors claim to get more out of it than the mentees, and the mentees look to their mentors with appreciation and admiration. All of the mentees talked about how their mentor is helping them to look to the future.
Seven of the 10 graduating seniors in the St. Cloud State BOC intiative plan to stay in this community and attend SCSU, most with an interest in health care. Isn’t that good news for our community? This initiative has given the students direction and hope. And can’t we all use direction peppered with hope? Words can’t express how deeply rewarding it is to witness young people becoming such amazing adults. I am so proud of our team for being creative, passionate, and committed to this life-changing mission, and I am humbled to be a part of it.
None of this is possible without others who see this as investable. Specifically for these initiatives, we’ve had generous support from Pilgrim’s, Granite Partners, Federated Challenge, United Way of Central Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF), Spanier Bus Service, and Trobec’s Bus Service. Thank YOU for making Big Brothers Big Sisters a reality and for helping dreams to come true!
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BBBS of Central Minnesota celebrated the end of the year with each initiative in May. From left: Andy Bulson and Ibrahim share their experiences with BIG Partners; future Huskies at the St. Cloud State BOC celebration; and playing cards after lunch at the CSB/SJU end of the year celebration. |
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET THE BURNS FAMILY, BIG FAMILY OF THE YEAR!
Keyvonte was nine years old when he joined Big Brothers Big Sisters because his mom wanted to make sure he had someone in his life that he really connected with.
Fast forward four years and Keyvonte doesn’t just have one person to connect with – he has five.
Keyvonte matched with the Burns family of Sartell in 2018. Hilary and Bryan Burns and their children – Addie, Caitlyn, and Alex – had been looking for a way to give back to the community as a family, and heard about BBBS through a staff member. The family signed up together right away, and were matched with Keyvonte – who they all affectionally call Key – a short time later.
The first meeting with Keyvonte wasn’t easy. Hilary remembers thinking that her family was nervous to meet him, so she couldn’t imagine how he felt when all five of them walked into the room together. He was quiet and shy, but over the course of their four-year match, the family has been patient and watched as he’s opened up to them and others in his life.
Now, the family involves Keyvonte in their active lifestyle. The group of six enjoys going to the YMCA to play basketball, they cook and play games together, and they attend many BBBS sponsored events. Keyvonte is on two different basketball teams, and he often has five cheerleaders in the stands.
Each of the Burns children enjoys different things about spending time with Keyvonte. Alex is in seventh grade, and he and Keyvonte spend a lot of time outside throwing the football around or playing basketball together. Addie, a senior in high school, enjoys helping him with schoolwork and watching him learn and pick up on new ideas. Caitlyn, a sophomore, has enjoyed watching Keyvonte grow as a person and noticing how much more comfortable he is with the family and how his confidence level has grown.
The three Burns children have come to understand that being a part of BBBS is much more than just hanging out and having fun with another kid – it’s about sharing their life and experiences with Keyvonte, and learning from what he shares. Working around the busy schedules of four teenagers has made it harder for the Burns family and Keyvonte to get together as a group of six, but everyone understands that even a little time can make a big difference – for all of them – so they do their best to make it work. Hilary said she hopes Keyvonte knows that he will always have five cheerleaders in his corner, and that they hope to always be a part of his life. “We are so fortunate to call Keyvonte family!” she said.
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Sandra Middendorf and Isabel are!
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THANK YOU, CLIFTONLARSONALLEN!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)! CLA exists to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. We are proud to share they have been supporting BBBS for more than 20 years, but did you know they have been providing quality, service, and experience to privately held businesses, government entities and nonprofits for more than 60 years? Their promise is “to know you and help you,” and they live up to that promise every time for BBBS. Their focus on the youth of Central MN has taken many forms, from bowling teams to event sponsorships and everything in between! This year they would like to help us spread the message that it costs $2,000 to professionally support a match for one year. Thank you CLA, you are in the business of doing BIG things.
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!
If you have questions about how your business can get involved with BBBS of Central MN, contact Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or [email protected].
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CELEBRATING A BIG YEAR TOGETHER
As classes wind down at local colleges and area high schools and middle schools, BBBS of Central Minnesota celebrated its Bigs on Campus initiatives at St. Cloud State and CSB/SJU and the BIG Partners initiative in May. Each group got together one last time this school year to share a meal, celebrate awards and accomplishments, and hang out before summer break starts. Thanks to everyone who made each initiative so successful!
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FISHING WITH MUSKIES INC.
Our matches braved the cold weather earlier this spring and tossed a few lines in Lake George. The bites were few and far between at first, but patience paid off, and after lunch our Bigs and Littles caught some sunfish - and one lucky Little even caught a carp! This event was hosted by St. Cloud Muskies, Inc. and marks the 20th year of the group hosting the activity for our matches. They even had a fishing pole and tackle box for each Little to take home!
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ROPIN' AND RIDIN' LIKE PROS
Matches had the chance to get a taste of the Wild West! The Silver Bullet Saddle Club - Home of the Clearwater Rodeo hosted matches at the Clearwater Rodeo arena, and the group got to groom a horse, clean a saddle, learn to rope and saddle, balance on barrels in a saddle, and toss hay bales. Everyone had a great time learning something new, and getting the chance to be around the horses!
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BECOMING ONE WITH NATURE
Matches got to learn more about nature and how to enjoy their time outdoors with Zach from Les Voyageurs! Zach showed the group how to pitch a tent, use a compass, portage a canoe, and - most importantly - work as a team. The windy weather couldn't put a damper on everyone's excitement as they used the compasses during a scavenger hunt and learned more about Les Voyageurs.
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WELCOMING SUMMER TOGETHER
As spring finally turns to summer, our school-based matches are taking the time to celebrate together and hang out one last time before the school year comes to a close. Matches in Pierz, Foley, and Sartell all had their end of the year celebrations in May - and for some it was their first time being able to play outside together! Playground equipment and some new yard games were a big hit for these matches!
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JUMPIN' AROUND AT AIRMAXX
Matches got to expend their energy together at AirMaxx - which is always a group favorite! Several matches spent their evening playing dodgeball together, but everyone had fun jumping, trying out the hurricane simulator, and just being silly together! Thanks to AirMaxx for partnering with us again to host a great night for our matches!
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GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY!
Mid-May had a few cooler than normal days, but our matches didn't mind, and they took advantage of sun and a bright green grass field and played some kickball! It was one Little's first time playing, and with everyone cheering everyone on, a good time was had by all. A parent even stepped in as all-time pitcher so that matches and Littles could have the fun roles - kicking the ball!
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR BIDS!
The 2023 Big Auction wrapped up at the beginning of the month, and thanks to the support of donors and bidders, we had another BIG year! This year's auction raised nearly $30,000 - and all of that money stays right here in Central Minnesota to support local youth. Thank you to everyone who donated an item, everyone who bid, and everyone who helped spread the news - you helped make this year's auction a great success!
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BBBS APPAREL STORE OPENING SOON!
Are you in need of some new Big Brothers Big Sisters apparel? You're in luck! BBBS of Central Minnesota's Summer 2023 apparel store is opening soon. The store, put together by Krillan, features T-shirts and sweatshirts, professional wear and golf polos, hats and bags and more! Visit the BBBS website for store details and merchandise, and follow us on social media for updates on the dates of the online store.
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YOU SPOKE - WE'RE LISTENING
Thank you to everyone who filled out our DEI survey earlier this spring. This marks the third year of using the survey, and we have seen consistent feedback each year: more voices need to be heard. The voices of our Littles is top of mind in every decision we make, and in order to get more parents and participants involved, we're working to add current or past Bigs and parents of Littles to our committees. Our committees help us work on everything from programming to DEI to recruiting to budget, and we would love to add more voices! Email [email protected] if you would be interested in joining one of our committees.
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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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ROUND UP AT THE REGISTER
Amazon recently sunsetted its AmazonSmile program, but we have a new and easy way for you to support local youth. When you sign up today to donate on the BBBS of Central Minnesota website, you can choose to 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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BBBS PARTNERS WITH THRIVENT
Are you a Thrivent member with a Thrivent Action Team, or do you know someone who is? BBBS is now partnering with Thrivent on a number of fundraisers that will utilize their generosity programs to further Thrivent's event impact. Get involved by reaching out to Emily Steinmetz at [email protected]. Please click here for more information.
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Daine Billmark, Jenna Binsfeld, Peggy Brown (DEI Officer), Debbie Clausen,
Patty Funk (Secretary), Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer), Bill Martin-Chaffee,
Lori Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Chris Owen, Curran Poganski, Marie 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, Brad Goskowicz, Keith Julson,
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, Gary Marsden, Vince Mohs, Karla Myres, Steve Sauer, Kurt Scepaniak,
Chris Schellinger, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Rob Schumann, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum, Mark Traut, Joan Vincent, Bob Walter, Don Watkins, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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