NEWS ROOM

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

March 2024

Hello Friend!
 
My two-year match anniversary with my Little Sister Alexis was at the end of February. I became a Big Sister because I was missing having a child in my life on a consistent basis.
 
It isn’t a difficult commitment, just 30-45 minutes at the local elementary school one morning each week. I have a bag full of goodies that we can do, much like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. We can also go to the library where there is a bin filled with activities, crafts and games. Alexis taught me how to play Garbage, so that has been our recent "go-to." While we play and have fun, it is helping her to build skills.
 
And for me, to put it simply, she brings me joy - she makes me laugh. As an employee of Big Brothers Big Sisters I cannot tell you the number of times that I’ve heard a volunteer say that they 1) get as much or more out of it as their Little, 2) wish that they would have done it sooner, and 3) encourage anyone to give being a "Big" a try. As a Big, I fully concur; as my dad would say, "110%!"
 
Treat yourself to meeting this year's Bigs and Littles of the Year by watching our videos that tell the amazing stories of their matches. I promise that you will feel inspired and a renewed sense in the power of relationships. I dare say, the stories will bring you hope, and will also remind you of who has been a mentor to you. And if it piques your curiosity about how you might become a Big to add more joy and meaning to your life, please contact Emmitt@BigDefenders.org.
 
Please support our Raffle; you can purchase tickets for $10 each from any of our team or board members, or you can Venmo me at @Jackie-Johnson-187. Also, be on the lookout for our Big Auction, going live on April 12. We have so many amazing items that you’ll want to bid on. It is only through the generosity of others that we can flip the lights on every day. Thank you for all you do to make our matches possible.  

Jackie Johnson
Executive Director

What's New

Terran Bursch and Cullen high-five each other

A Little Competition Builds A Solid Bond

Terran Bursch and Cullen were both nervous the first time they met. Terran remembers not knowing what to expect: what would his Little Brother be like, and would they have…

Gary and Cole Stang Big Duo of the Year with Carter

Father-Son Duo Bond Through Mentorship

Gary Stang doesn’t know why he chose Big Brothers Big Sisters to fill the void…

Dani Lovejoy and Aaliyah sit by a big B

Dani Lovejoy Found Meaningful Relationship Thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters

When she looks back at her younger self, Aaliyah didn’t even realize she needed help…

Bruce Latterell Big Brother of the Year 2024 with Keagan

Bruce Latterell Honored for Consistency, Dedication

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines serendipity as the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not…

Aaliyah Little Sister of the Year 2024 with Dani Lovejoy

Big Brothers Big Sisters Announces State and Local Bigs and Littles of the Year

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota serves more…

IN THE NEWS

Carter, Stangs Honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters - Sartell Newsleader, Feb. 21, 2024

Sartell Mentor Honored as "Big Sister of the Year" - Sartell Newsleader, Feb. 6, 2024

Minnesota's Big Brother of the Year - Benton County News, Jan. 30, 2024

Minnesota Announces Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year - WJON, Jan. 25, 2024

Big Brothers Big Sisters Making National Mentoring Month Push - KNSI, Jan. 9, 2024

Mentorship Vital for Brighter Future (Letter to the Editor) - The Newsleaders, Jan. 5, 2024

Here's a Big Opportunity for Central Minnesotans to Make A Difference - River 96.7 Website, Jan. 4, 2024

Members of the St. Cloud Crush hockey team donated presents for a BBBS family

Paying It Forward: MN High School Hockey Players Adopt Family - 98.1 Website, Dec. 21, 2023

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.

SCTCC, Sauk Rapids-Rice Sign BBBS Agreement - St. Cloud Tech Website, May 26, 2023

Abigial Diaz BK Memorial Scholarship Winner 2023

Diaz Receives BriAnna Kruzel Memorial Scholarship - The Patriot, May 18, 2023

2023 Bigs on Campus at St. Cloud State Group

Dr. Potter Bigs on Campus Celebrates Seven Years in 2023 - St. Cloud State Today, May 10, 2023

Nate Molitor 2023 Central Minnesota Big Brother of the Year

Molitor Honored as Statewide Big Brother of the Year - St. Joe Newsleader, April 7, 2023

Matthew Rothfork and Gavin - 2023 HS Big Brother of the Year

Several Local People Honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota - St. Cloud Live, March 3, 2023

Nate Molitor 2023 Big Brother of the Year and Little Brother Justin

Three St. Cloud Residents Earn Big, Little of the Year Honors - WJON, Feb. 28, 2023

Target Circle Customers Can Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota - KNSI, Feb. 27, 2023

Sartell-St. Stephen High School Bigs 2023 Sartell-St. Stephen High School Bigs 2023

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is recognizing Sartell-St. Stephen High School Bigs - Sartell Newsleader, Feb. 3, 2023

Holdingford High School Bigs 2023

Big Brothers Big Sisters Successful in Holdingford - Morrison County Record, Jan. 13, 2023

Pierz High School Big Brothers 2023 Pierz High School Big Sisters 2023

Pierz Big Brothers and Sisters Recognized as Part of National Mentor Month - Morrison County Record, Jan. 27, 2023

ABATE GBFK Bowling Event 2023

Bowling for Kids Sake - Patriot News MN, Jan. 31, 2023

Big Brothers Big Sisters Increasing College Presence - KNSI, Dec. 12, 2022

A New BIG Partnership - ISD742 Website, Nov. 7, 2022

BIG Partners Initial Meeting Oct. 2022

BIG Partners Launches to Mentor District 742 Students - KNSI, Nov. 3, 2022

Central MN Big Brothers Big Sisters Gets Big Donation - KNSI, Oct. 26, 2022