March 2022
Hello Friend!
When I was in my early grade school years, I would sometimes get to tag along with my older sisters’ babysitting jobs. To me, it was like going to a party. I got to play with other kids, we had delicious Swanson TV dinners; it was a blast. The summer I turned 10, one of the moms called asking for a babysitter and none of my older sisters were available. But I was. So ... I got my first solo babysitting job. $.50/hour. And I never looked back. I babysat every chance that I could get. I loved it! I eventually doubled my hourly rate and it was my source of income through the end of high school. When my family gathered, you could find me with my nieces and nephews rather than my siblings. I then went on to build my career with a focus on kids. As my career moved forward, my direct interaction with kids lessened.
In addition, being an empty nester, I have really missed being with kids. I have missed the spontaneous joy of a child. I have missed hearing what is happening in their lives. I have missed hearing their honest assessment followed by some pretty tough questions. Not to mention, I have become very outdated on what the latest is.
I recently became a Big Sister in our school-based program. I was so excited to meet her. Now, I find myself looking forward to meeting with her and getting to know her better. We’ll play games, color, make silly rhymes, and more. Oh, it will be as fun as it was tagging along with my sister, now I have to figure out how to get those delicious TV dinners delivered to the school.
For those of you that are mentors, thank you for the BIG impact you make in your Littles lives.
For those of you that are thinking about becoming a mentor, I encourage you to embark on this unique, life-enriching journey. We will find the program and Little that is the best fit for you, and our team will support you every step of the way.
And of course, thank you to each and every donor for making it possible to open our door and turn the lights on every day!
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET JOHN, CASSIE & DEONTAY!
Jon and Cassie Notsch have been matched with Deontay for a year and a half. Deontay has two younger siblings at home so his mom was looking for someone who could give Deontay undivided attention and spend that time doing activities he enjoys.
Since getting matched Jon, Cassie, and Deontay have had a lot of fun together! Some activities they have enjoyed have been frisbee golf, bowling, fishing, going to the park, cooking, baking, and going to the zoo.
Deontay is always excited for the next time he gets to hang out with his Bigs!
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CONGRATS BIGS AND LITTLES OF THE YEAR!
A BIG Congrats to these well-deserving Bigs and Littles of the Year! Take a few minutes and watch their Match video by clicking on their pic. We promise these stories will inspire you! Thanks to all of our Bigs who defend the potential of youth every day!
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Big Brother of the Year John Hoffman and Little Kaiden |
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State and Local Big Duo of the Year Alex and Brittney Schoephoerster and Christian |
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Big Sister of the Year Jill Oldakowski and Little Savana |
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State and Local High School Big Brother of the Year Bryce Sweeter and Little Preston |
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State and Local High School Big Sister of the Year Kayla Braun and Maria |
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Little Sister of the Year Harlow and
Big Erica Mortenson!
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Little Brother of the Year Nick and
Big Kelly Simondet
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BIGS ON CAMPUS SCSU NURSING LAB TOUR!
In February several of our Bigs on Campus matches from Tech High School had the opportunity to tour the Nursing Lab at SCSU. The matches had a chance to learn about a career in nursing. There will a be another tour for Matches in March.
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Matches touring the SCSU Nursing Lab. |
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION SURVEY REMINDER
In February Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota (BBBS) sent out a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion assessment survey to current Bigs as well as Parents and Guardians of matched Littles.
We value your insight and experience so if you received a survey and responded, we thank you! If you have not yet responded, we encourage you to make your voice heard and take a few minutes to complete it so BBBS can build a more inclusive organization and community.
The survey is available by clicking here and will remain open for your feedback until March 10, 2022. Please remember to select the role for which you are currently serving as it pertains to BBBS. For example, Parents and Guardians of Littles would select the role of Program Participant and Bigs would select Volunteer.
Thank you for your commitment to the youth served by BBBS.
Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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CINDER BOUTIQUE'S SHOP FOR A CAUSE FOR BBBS
How Can You Help?
With every purchase during March, Cinder Boutique will donate a percentage of your sale!
OR
Make a direct monetary donation in March to boutique owner Lori Gertken Ruhland via Venmo, handle Lori-Ruhland.
Cinder Boutique will be donating a percentage of all sales made in March and will present a check to BBBS of Central MN at the beginning of April. Cinder Boutique says, "thank you for your help + trusting in Cinder because we know TOGETHER is better than ALONE.🤍"
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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, MARCO!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Marco! For nearly 20 years the team at Marco has been supporting youth mentoring initiatives alongside BBBS! From sponsorships to bowling and golf teams to auction item donations and volunteers – the generosity and support from Marco and their staff have positively impacted Central MN youth. Thank you for coming on board as the presenting sponsor for The Big Auction, held April 29 – May 6, 2022!
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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Bottom Picture: Tina Johanning, BBBS Community Engagement Manager, hosting a Marco Employee Information Session. |
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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.
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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, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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