NEWS ROOM

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

September 2023

Hello Friend!

Can you feel it in the air? I know I can. "Back-to-School" is abuzz all around us. This time of year, I can't help remembering my back-to-school years, both as a student and as a mom: the excitement, the anxiety, the fear, the anticipation. As a student, wondering about my classes, who would I eat lunch with, and secretly hoping that a cute boy would be in some of my classes. As a mom, studying the classroom list and trying to make sure our son had everything he needed for a good start. Then the day would come and I would wish him good luck, smile and wave, and save my cry until the bus headed to the next stop.

Being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters keeps me in the loop of this special time of year. We are in the middle of a recruitment campaign for 100 new adult Bigs. As a part of the campaign, we have testimonial videos on our social media. These testimonials tell the story better than I can. Please take some time to watch:

Big Vic Funk and his Little Dion talk about fishing as their favorite activity and they also have a mess of fish teed up to eat
Board member and DEI Co-Chair Bill Martin-Chaffee thanks current Bigs shares how you can become a Big
Lori Kloos, SCTCC President, expresses her excitement about starting a new Bigs on Campus initiative with Sauk Rapids-Rice High School at SCTCC
ISD 728 Superintendent Dan Bittman shares his endorsement for supporting kids through BBBS as a community member, parent, and education leader
Big Dave Henkel and his Little Alex demonstrate how easy it is, and how fun it is, to be matched and spend time together
Big Duane Bryngelson talks about the joy he has watching his Little grow, and that making a difference is very rewarding
Pierz Superintendent George Weber talks about the key for a child is to have someone checking in with them, making the difference from enjoying school and learning instead of being stressed and worried.
Gail Cruikshank with Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation states that BBBS plays a critical role with youth to provide mentorship and guidance for our future workforce
ISD 742 Superintendent Laurie Putnam shares that BBBS is the vital difference for students who need additional support and encouragement
Big Duo Rachel Schuneman and Yang Koua Lo talk about their joy and fulfillment having their Little Journi in their lives
Big Laura Hammond shares how she finds time to volunteer

Maybe when you watch the videos, you'll be inspired to encourage your friend or talk to your employer about your business becoming involved, or consider being a mentor.

Thank you to everyone who is participating in this campaign; we are on our way to 100, but we aren't there just yet.

PS - Stay tuned, more videos to come…

Jackie Johnson
Executive Director

BIG TIMES MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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September 2023 Big Times

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What's New

Jackie Johnson poses with Big and RDO Equipment Co. employee David Henkel and his Little, Alex, while accepting a check

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Awarded Grant from Offutt Family Foundation’s Community Builder Program

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, which pairs adult mentors with youth mentees in one-to-one mentoring relationships, is the recipient of a special Community Builder…

Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Awarded Grant from Offutt Family Foundation’s Community Builder Program

Jackie Johnson Named 2023 SCSU Alumni Service Award Winner

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Since graduating from St. Cloud State University, Jackie Johnson has dedicated…

Read more about Jackie Johnson Named 2023 SCSU Alumni Service Award Winner

Senator Aric Putnam Named Legislator of the Year by BBBS of Central MN

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – During the 2023 legislative sessions, Senator Aric Putnam played a key…

Read more about Senator Aric Putnam Named Legislator of the Year by BBBS of Central MN

BBBS Executive Director Jackie Johnson and Dr. Perian Stavrum pose in front of the Optimist Club Friend of Youth banner

Dr. Perian Stavrum Honored with Optimist’s Friend of Youth Award

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, the board of…

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kicks Off Back to School Campaign

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – School supplies are on the shelves at stores around the area,…

Leaders from the three Minnesota BBBS agencies, as well as two mentees, pose on a stage as they receive a check from the Federated Challenge gala

2023 Federated Challenge® raises a record-breaking $4,012,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters®

The 2023 Federated Challenge raised a record-breaking $4,012,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters, during its…

Four people - one man and three women - pose in front of the B at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office to celebrate the final term for two board members.

BBBS Announces Changes to Board, Advisory Council

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The new fiscal year officially kicked off on July 1, and…

IN THE NEWS

Pierz Native Named SCSU Alumni Service Award Winner - Morrison County Record, Sept. 22, 2023

Putnam Honored by BBBS of Central Minnesota- KNSI, Aug. 29, 2023

Stavrum honored with Friend of Youth Award- St. Joe Newsleader, Aug. 25, 2023

Headshot of Emmitt Edwards and Kat and info on Sherburne Cty United Way Podcast

Emmitt Edwards on Aug. 15 Sherburne County Area United Way Podcast - Aug. 15, 2023

Learn About Becoming a Big at Iron Street Tuesday - 98.1 Website, July 31, 2023

Noticing the Impact - Benton County News, July 25, 2023

A group of four people pose for a photo to celebrate Ann Matvick winning a national award. From left: Emily Steinmetz, Ann Matvick, Artis Stevens (BBBSA CEO), Jackie Johnson

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Program Director Honored - KNSI, June 29, 2023

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Wins National Award - WJON, June 28, 2023

Leadership from BBBS of Central MN, St. Cloud Tech & Community College, and Sauk Rapids-Rice School District sit around a table after signing a partnership agreement.