BBBSCentralMN

Not happy with the leadership at BBBS. I have been waiting for a BIG for my daughter over 14 months and continue to hear all about the Magic Moments Ball advertising that raises substancial amount of money and I wonder where the dollars go? I see the director having dinners/lunches with various people and promoting her husbands' business. Not happy!

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ vision is to provide successful one-to-one mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them. Volunteer mentors nurture and inspire children through positive life experiences that will impact the children’s lives forever.

Big Brothers Big Sisters strives to improve the quality of life for children and their families. Education & life skills development are priorities within this organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters understands that education and access to it are instrumental in building communities. "Littles" (children who are being served) who have been matched in Big Brothers Big Sisters' mentoring program for 18 months or longer are eligible to apply for the Annexstad Family Foundation Scholarship, a 4-year, renewable scholarship, which picks up any costs that financial aid does not cover. What a great opportunity for the youth they serve!

My experience with BBBS of Central MN as a Big Sister has been excellent. They originally came to my workplace to introduce the program. I waited a year or so to take on a “match” since I was involved in other volunteer programs. After great testimonies from co-workers and generous workplace support, I took the leap of faith. I am so glad I did!

The most astonishing part of the experience is how well matched we were which is a testament to the detailed work of this organization. My case worker truly listened to my match and my own interests, values, and personalities. My match and I both have a balanced relationship of mentorship and friendship (she calls me one of her “best friends” and her parents show their gratitude by calling me a part of the family!).

I feel the support has been appropriate along all stages of my match; for instance, in the beginning the check-ins for accountability were more frequent and now after a few years with this match the trust has been established and I have been given greater freedom in the time and activities we choose to do together.

This volunteer experience is one of the areas of my life that I am most proud of. BBBS of Central MN has been a wonderful partner and their dedicated, selfless work should be recognized and applauded!

I have been a Big Sister for almost two years now. Since the beginning, my case manager has been there to support, answer questions and provide guidance. BBBS offers such an important connection to children and caring adults. My little asked the other day if she could be my little sister forever, I told her OF COURSE!

i am having a great time with my little, bbbs did a great job matching my little and myself, we have so much in common. he is great, we fish-hunt - bowl. he was interested in hockey so i got some hockey skates and helment stick, and we started to skate outdoors last weekend and he loves it. i look forward to spending time with him every week. i was a little nervous at first getting into the program, but bbbs was great at handling the procedure, made me feel real comfortable. and now that i have been in the program for about 5 months i wander why i did not do ths sooner. comunication with bbbs is good,they keep me informed on what is going on.

BBBS of Central MN has come into our little town (Upsala) and brought with it a great deal of encouragement and hope! I have watched Littles feel cared for and excited about hanging out with one of the "big kids." Grades rise, loneliness ebbs, and hope creates new possibilities. I've also seen Bigs look beyond themselves in new ways as they enter the world of a child. Selflessness, generosity, and a fun experience are their reward. Even in a small town, kids can be overlooked. BBBS helps make sure that more and more kids are noticed, appreciated, and supported!

My Son is in the 4th Grade and has been matched with his Big Brother at FHS for three years now Nathaniel Seiffert has been a wonderful role model for my son. He talks about him all of the time and shows me things that they make together. Although we have not participated in any Outside events, the time the two of them spend in school has really helped Cameron become more confident with himself and just plain gives him a good experience. I am very thankful to this organization and all it does to make a better Community by helping fatherless/displaced children become wonderful young adults. To make better choices and have someone they trust to confide in.

I really like what BIg Brother Big Sisters does for the community and how they really make good matches and create good friendships!

Great connections for students that impact how students view their school expereince. The program promotes a positive view!

I have been a big brother volunteer for almost four years now, and I must say that my experience has been truly fabulous. From the start, BBBS was hugely supportive and made volunteering easy. When they say "Little Moments, Big Magic," I think of how easy BBBS makes it to magnify the value of the little moments that I give to my little brother.

For example, I receive volunteer support emails on a regular basis that provide big lists of BBBS-organized events and local discounts to take advantage of with my little brother. In addition, my match coordinator is always responsive and on top of things when I need help.

Finally, and most importantly, BBBS was very careful to ensure that my match with my little brother was a good one. They did an incredible job--I consider my little brother to be among my best friends.

For a child growing up in a single parent household or living in foster care a strong BBBS match can best be described as the first step of hope. Hope for a brighter future for a needy child and hope for a kinder more understanding society. Children are desparetly in need of stable adult companionship ...some one willing to give of themselves to make a life long difference in the life of a child. As a "Big" I have seen minds and attitudes change when we project that consistant possitive message of caring with a young person. BBBS of Central Minnesota provides us with the tools we need to make being part of this wonderful organization fun and successful. Their commitment to help us create and maintain a strong lasting match is unparrelled. I urge every one I know to join BBBS. It is the best thing we can do for ourselves as well as others!

The experience close to my heart is of our dauther being a big sister thru the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. We have met her "Little" and can see the difference both play in each other's lives. Thank you for providing such a valuable and needed service for the children of central Minnesota.

I became a Big Sister and it was the best experience I could have asked for. It felt so good to be part of something bigger. I not only value this organization - I would recommend others give one year of their lives to help another child. I truly feel like I have impacted a childs life forever.