![BBBS of Central Minnesota Director Jackie Johnson poses with the Biggie Award](https://bigdefenders.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/06/Jackie-Biggie-2024.jpg)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota received two national awards at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Conference this week.
The agency, which serves kinds in a five-county area surrounding St. Cloud, has been recognized as a Growth Award Winner for program excellence in 2023, and also received a Bronze Biggie Award for its 2023 annual report.
This marks the second Biggie Award for an annual report in the last three years for BBBS of Central Minnesota. The agency also received a Biggie Award for its 2021 annual report. Biggie Awards are given to the top three marketing pieces in various categories across the country each year.
Each year, BBBS agencies are recognized by the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made of up local BBBS agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s mentoring program. Out of more then 230 BBBS agencies across the country, the Central Minnesota agency is one of 100 organizations to receive the Growth Award in 2023.
The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of mentors, Bigs, and mentees, Littles, who are matched through the program, year over year. In 2023, BBBS of Central Minnesota served more than 700 youth in its various mentoring programs.
“I am so proud of our board and staff for making quality programming a priority for our local kids,” said Jackie Johnson, Executive Director of BBBS of Central Minnesota. “Their hard work means more mentorship in Central Minnesota, and a brighter future for our kids.”
Along with the Growth Award, BBBS of Central Minnesota was also recognized for the quality of its 2023 annual report. Biggie Awards recognize the best of the best in BBBS marketing pieces from across the country. Those assets are then shared with the entire network.
BBBS of Central Minnesota creates its annual report each year with the help of designer Kim Windschitl of Creative Apparatus. Windschitl also designed the 2021 report that won a Biggie Award.
For 120 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being, and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota’s commitment to creating and fostering positive mentoring relationships is a testament to the individuals within their organization,” said BBBSA CEO Artis Stevens. “Through a shared dedication to meeting the needs of youth in their communities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota continues to empower young people to reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize the agency for its excellence in building brighter futures and championing new possibilities.”