February 2022

Hello Friend!

Growing up, what kind of telephone did you have? We had a rotary dial telephone anchored to a wall, it was a party line, and it had a very long cord. The long cord gave some sense of privacy, taking the receiver and sitting as far down on the basement steps that we could get. What type of phone do you have now? How many functions does it serve? So much has changed. Our precursor to our current phones were only imagined by the Jetsons.

We have been working towards improved and more efficient communication to better serve our parents, Littles, and Bigs. We recently discontinued Big Brothers Big Sisters’ landlines and cell phones for the replacement of using our laptops for calls (our phone numbers are still the same). Crazy, huh? The newest phone is no phone.

No matter how much has changed in technology, one thing is constant, we need connection. It doesn’t need to be with the latest technology, it just needs to be sincere. We need relationships. This is our GNP at Big Brothers Big Sisters, relationships. We match people together that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to know each other. We know our Littles’ lives are changed, forever, for the better. Our Bigs tell us that their lives are changed too, forever, for the better. Connections and relationships.

With all the static happening in our world today, now is a time to go back to basics. I’m not talking about stringing the receiver down the steps, but by forming a relationship with a child. Sharing your experiences, learning about theirs. Mattering to another person who will remember you throughout their life. It doesn’t get more advanced or high tech than that. Thank you to all who make it possible for kids to have mentors, and for mentors to have kids, we’ll never invent anything more important that determines our future.
Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
MEET ALI & JOSIE!

Ali Kremer and Josie have been matched for almost two years in our school based program. The two were matched during Ali’s senior year and they continued their friendship as she began college.

Together Ali and Josie like to talk, play games, and color. Their friendship began at the start of a very uncertain time and they developed a strong friendship through meeting virtually and then finally were able to meet consistently in person.

They have created a strong bond and enjoy their time together each and every week!

Luke Sobania & Carter are!

Luke & Carter have a TON in common; their favorite sport is football, favorite class is gym, and both dislike reading. They were eager to get to an activity today, so they were able to steal some time to play catch while they got to know one another! As you are considering being a Big, check out our current list of new Matches.

We would also like to congratulate these Matches who are celebrating milestone anniversaries! We ask all Bigs to commit to at least one year of mentorship - that one year of consistency makes a BIG difference in the life of a child.
Crew Carwash is Going Big for Kids! Visit the St. Cloud location (right across from Crossroads Mall) February 25-27th and get a FREE Ultimate Wash with any donation to BBBS! Please help us spread the word!
SPORTS BUDDIES TRIVIA AND GAME NIGHT!

In January some of our Sports Buddies matches met and played Sports Trivia (the Littles were way better at this than the Bigs), Wii and board games. The matches had a great time!
FOLEY HS MN HONOR SOCIETY RAISES FUNDS

Foley High School’s MHS (MN Honor Society) recently presented Big Brothers Big Sisters with a $1,000 check to support its mentoring program. The students, led by their advisor, Jamie Score, planned and organized Breakfast with Santa, a festive community event that benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters.      
 
Each year, approximately 80 Foley High School students serve as “Bigs”/mentors in the program distinguishing Foley as the only school district in which the number of available mentors is often greater than the number of children in need of a mentor.
Kayla Braun, President of the Foley HS MN Honor Society President presents the check to Robyn Rieland, BBBS Program Coordinator.
Jackie Johnson, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, states, “Foley High School is an example of true community where the high school students reach out and befriend a younger student. Big Brothers Big Sisters is only successful in the district because of the support and advocacy of the administrators, teachers, and staff. They have been integral to helping us enhance and expand our school-based program, which has served thousands of children within the Foley district.”  
PILGRIM'S DONATION WILL SUPPORT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Pilgrim’s Cold Spring has donated $200,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota.
 
The funding will be used to support the mentoring program, including the Bigs on Campus and Sports Buddies initiatives. It will also be used to aid in the recruitment of mentors.
 
The donation is a part of the Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative, which designated $3.5 million in funding to three communities in Minnesota. The goal of the Hometown Strong initiative is to provide meaningful investments in projects that have a lasting impact in the company’s communities for generations to come.
 
One of Cold Spring's largest employers, Pilgrim’s employs nearly 1,200 people. The newly established partnership between Pilgrim’s Cold Spring and Big Brothers Big Sisters will also encourage employee engagement through volunteerism.  
 
Jackie Johnson, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, states "We are deeply grateful for Pilgrim's commitment and support to our shared communities through their investment in our impactful mentoring program."
UPDATE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES

Dr Artika Tyner said in her MLK Day address, “Children are our future and we need to train and inspire those who will be the next drum majors, doers, builders, leaders." Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is focused on helping youth reach their potential and build their futures.

We are also dedicated to inclusiveness. Everyone is welcome.

We pride ourselves on making Big Brothers Big Sisters a safe place for everyone. Just as we welcome children and families from a diverse array of backgrounds, we welcome diverse volunteers as well. We believe that diversity and uniqueness are assets and by modeling this for our youth, we help encourage them to be, and believe in, themselves. We recognize that the bias that exists in our culture puts BIPOC and LGBTQ youth (and adults) at a greater risk for negative health and safety outcomes, such as depression, bullying, homelessness, suicidality, and substance abuse. We also know that the best protective factor against these risks is for a young person to have a positive, supportive, consistent adult in their life. We are building our community.

We defend the potential of all youth and celebrate the diversity of every person who walks through our doors; whether a Big, Little, parent/guardian, employee, board member, or community partner.
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!
Reach out to Tina with any questions or referrals, Tina@BigDefenders.org.
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.
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!
THANK YOU, PILGRIM'S!

This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Pilgrim’s. We are proud to announce Pilgrim’s Cold Spring has donated $200,000 to BBBS!

The funding will be used to support the mentoring program, including the Bigs on Campus and Sports Buddies initiatives. It will also be used to aid in the recruitment of mentors. The donation is part of the Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative, which designated $3.5 million in funding to three communities in Minnesota. 

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
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
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, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann