Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota

This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is celebrating 55 years of creating life-changing mentoring relationships and supporting kids from around the area by pairing them with someone who shares their interests, sees their potential, and lifts them up.

That marks 55 years of donors and supporters like you who understand how important it is for every child to have someone to spend time with, to turn to with life's big questions, and to give them a nudge in the right direction every now and again. For 55 years, you have helped us defend the potential of kids across Central Minnesota and hundreds of matches each year.

One of those matches is Bruce Latterell and Keagan. Bruce - the 2024 state and Central Minnesota Big Brothers of the Year - has been involved with BBBS for more than nine years, and for the last six years he and Keagan have spent every Monday afternoon together. 

When they were first matched, Bruce was doing most of the talking, and picking out what sort of activity they'd do together each week. But as Keagan warmed up to his mentor and Bruce found new and fun ways to channel Keagan's endless energy, the two formed a bond, and now their Monday afternoon meet ups are the highlight of both of their weeks.

Not only did Bruce help Keagan find outlets for his energy - the enjoy biking, hiking, and skiing, and Bruce estimates the duo has sledded down every hill in the St. Cloud area - he has also taught Keagan how to do small projects around the house. Now, Keagan is talking about going to college to become a mechanic - something he's never brought up before. His mom, Katie, credits Bruce with Keagan's newfound interest in college and building a plan for the future.

This year also marks 55 years of proven results: being a part of our program improves kids' outlook on school, relationships, and life in general. Our most recent survey of our Littles showed that 90 percent of kids in our program maintained or improved their academic performance or grades, and 91 percent maintained or improved their expectations of their education. Ninety percent of Littles maintained or improved their attitude towards risky behaviors, and 89 percent reported that they had maintained or improved how they regulate their emotions.

Your gift today helps ensure that matches like Bruce and Keagan have the support they need every step of the way in their match. From planning activities for matches to attend each month to scheduling regular check-ins and phone calls with each match, our professional staff makes sure that all of our Bigs and Littles have the tools they need to be successful. For 55 years we have made matches like Bruce and Keagan's possible, and with your help we can continue to make and support those matches for another 55 years!