BIG DAY AT ST. THOMAS
The BBBS Twin Cities office has organized a University of St. Thomas College Virtual Tour and has graciously invited our matches to join them.
When: Thursday, April 22nd 4-5 p.m.
Who: Whether you are just beginning to think about going to college or are deep in the process of applying, this event will have something for you.
What: Big Day at St. Thomas will include four mini sessions:
- Campus Life - participate in a fly over tour and dorm room exploration
- Hands on Learning - experiment and flex creative muscles at the UST create
- Explore a Classroom - hear from real college students about how they learn, connect, and change the world
- Read All About It - tour the campus library and read a story with a St. Thomas Alumni
Registrants will be emailed a Zoom link and receive a virtual activity pack to participate in an evening for learning and fun. When registering please select "I can't remember" as your Match Engagement Coordinator. Register HERE.
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HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS TRAINING
When: Monday, April 26th 6:00-6:30pm
Who: Bigs and parents/guardians of Littles
Where: Zoom (link will be sent a few days ahead of time)
What: Join us for a training led by AnnaMarie’s Alliance staff regarding healthy relationships including characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. There will be time to ask specific questions if you have any!
1 in 3 teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a partner before they become adults - making this a very important topic to talk about. Sign up here.
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FISHING WITH MUSKIES INC.
When: Saturday, May 1st 10:00am-1:00pm
Who: All matches and waiting Littles. Littles must attend with a Big or parent/guardian.
Where: Bernick’s Pond (801 Sundial Drive, Waite Park, MN 56387)
What: Go fishing! Fishing pole, tackle box, and lunch will be provided. Volunteers from Muskies Inc. will be present to help.
Limit: 25 Littles and their Big/parent/guardian
RSVP: Mary@BigDefenders.org
*Masks must be worn for this activity.
*We recommend that attendees bring a blanket or camp chair to sit on for fishing and eating. This will also allow for safe social distancing while eating lunch.
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APRIL 18-24TH IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK!
We would like to thank all of our volunteers! From our Bigs to our Board Members and to all of our Committee Members as well as those who help in the office and with our events. Without these individuals it would be impossible to carry out our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Thank you again to all of our volunteers for their time and treasure! We couldn't do it without you!
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SAINT GERMAIN SPRING STREET MARKET
Shopping local and experiencing downtown St. Cloud is always fun, but the Saint Germain Spring Street Market is even better! Tons of downtown businesses will be offering deals, specials, classes and more. Plus, most of these businesses are also going to be hosting local artists at their storefronts. Bring the family downtown and be prepared to stroll, shop, learn, grab lunch, and have a great spring day! Saturday, April 24th from 10am-4pm. Keep an eye on the weather as this is an outdoor event. Please click here for more information.
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SPRING FEVER CRAFT & GIFT EXPO
If you love crafts and shopping for little gifts the Spring Fever Craft & Gift Expo will be at the St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center on Saturday, April 24th from 10am to 3pm. This a free event and this is the 2nd time it is being held in St. Cloud. There will be over 75 vendors and crafters with their products. Please click here for more information.
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We need you! Volunteer with us and help get Pine Grove Zoo ready for the season. Bring a pair of working gloves or rake if you have them. Age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We look forward to a fun and productive day! For more info click here.
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EXPLORING CAREER PATHWAYS FOR OUR FUTURE LEADERS
GSDC, along with several community partners, are very committed to helping connect classrooms to careers and life to learning. Luke Greiner, our local DEED Labor Market Analyst, shares some great information and tools regarding career exploration and education.
If you are a graduating senior, the task of picking a career or education pathway can be a daunting task, possibly the reason why so many students plan to "figure it out later". Committing time to research occupations and educational options is competing against a plethora of more exciting activities, but the value of gaining some baseline knowledge and direction can empower you to achieve your dream job.
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AROUND CLOUD TUTORS AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER!
Around Cloud Tutors service will be available during the summer for those who will be in summer school or want to brush up on a few subjects over the summer.
Junior and Seniors who would like help with ACT Prep can also utilize this free service. There are also additional College and Career Advice sessions such as Essay Editing, College Application Assistance and Trades and Skilled Worker Advising to name a few. Please click here for link.
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LITTLE BIG VIRTUAL ACADEMY
The purpose of the Little Big Virtual Academy is to keep Littles and Bigs connected during times of physically distancing. When matches might not be able meet in-person, they can continue to communicate and interact via phone and computer. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota team has compiled a list of fun and interactive activities and resources for Littles and Bigs to do together- click here to link to the website!
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PROGRAM STAFF CONTACT INFO |
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Please contact our staff if you have any questions regarding matches.
Ann Matvick, Program Director
Jamie Lodermeier, Program Coordinator
Kayla Meyer, Program Coordinator
Mary Bellefeuille, Lead Program Coordinator
Rebecca Fonss, Program Coordinator
Robyn Rieland, Program Coordinator
Tasha Bruns-Notsch, Lead Enrollment Coordinator
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Hey BIGS!! Do you know someone who would be a great mentor to a child in our community? Use the above Big Nomination graphic by sending it to them. You could message it, text it, print and hand deliver, or post it on their social media. Let them KNOW that you could see them as a BIG! We are now holding Info Sessions online via Zoom- let's create a waiting list of Bigs!
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Listed below are several community resources. Please visit our updated BBBS website Resources page for a more extensive listing, including tutors, food and heating assistance, and mental health resources.
Career Solutions - Career Solutions offers career counseling, job search assistance and even potential retraining available at no cost. They are supported by State and Federal funds to help people who are unemployed find meaningful employment as quickly as possible, and can provide information on the Dislocated Worker Program. They serve Stearns and Benton county residents and are one of the partners of CareerForce (formerly the WorkForce Center) – St. Cloud. Click here to learn more.
Vaccine Connector - Minnesotans can sign up at mn.gov/vaccineconnector. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotline at 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.
CARE Free Food Distribution - COVID Food Assistance Program open to all households that are in need! Each household will receive Meat, Milk and Dry Goods. February 15th, March 15th, and April 19th 11:00am - 1:00pm or while boxes last. CARE Parking Lot 321 6th Ave Foley, MN 56329. Please stay in your vehicle. Phone: 320-968-7848 or email: info@CAREelders.org
United Way 2-1-1 Resource Hotline - United Way is encouraging anyone who may be in need of assistance accessing food, rent, mortgage, utility assistance or any other essential service, to dial 2-1-1 or text MNCOVID to 898-211. Click here for more information.
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