Big Brothers Big Sister's holds open house

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota is looking to get more people involved. To do so, they invited current members of the program and the public who may be interested to an open house at Thyme on Main in downtown Waseca Monday, Dec. 12.

Five pairs of Big Brothers and Big Sisters attended and enjoyed  hot chocolate, crafts, and socializing.

Executive Director Michelle Redman helped serve hot chocolate. She has been with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program since 2008. “It’s a great thing that we do,” she says. “Children need mentoring, and the Big Brothers and Big Sisters provide a way for them to connect with someone who can provide advice.”

The southern Minnesota branch of the organization serves four counties: Steele, Rice, Dodge, and Waseca. In the past, the coverage area only consisted of Steele and Rice. But the organization felt it would be a great idea to expand into neighboring counties.

Jason, one of the Big Brothers in the program, said that he met his mentee in 2018. “At first, I wasn’t sure if I could handle it,” he admitted. “But one of my friends was part of the program and he already had a kid. I figured if he could fit it in his busy schedule, why not me?”

When he met his “little brother’s” parents, it was an easy connection. “We’ve gone to baseball games, gotten root beer floats, and done other things together,” he said.

Redman has her own memories of children and mentors who have gone through the program. She’s known some who have entered the program from the moment they were eligible at five years old and others who were in high school.

“There was even a bond made between the Big Brother and the child where they were at each other’s wedding,” she claimed. “One was a part of the other’s wedding party, and then when the one got married, the other officiated. It’s crazy the stories you hear about because of the connections made through the program!”

The organization has made some headway into getting members together. An event on Sunday, December 11, in Owatonna drew more than150 attendees. Still, the program is looking for more people in the four-county area to join, especially in Waseca

“We are always trying to get the word out,” Redman states. “That’s why we wanted something a little more relaxing for an event here at Thyme on Main. We want people who are interested to see what we’re all about.”

Those who wish to know more about the local branch of Big Brothers and Big Sisters can visit bbbsofsouthernmn.org. If interested in donating, use the link and click “donate today” at the top right of the site.