Big Brothers, Big Sisters finds new home in Owatonna
Members of the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Ambassadors were on hand last Wednesday to cut the ribbon officially opening the new offices of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota. Staff photo by Karen M. Jorgensen
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota (BBBS) officially moved into their new office space in downtown Owatonna last week, with an open house and ribbon cutting attended by Owatonna Chamber of Commerce members and ambassadors.
They also received a check from the Owatonna Foundation for $55,000.
Michelle Redman, executive director, said BBBS recently moved from its home of 32 years at West Hills to the new location at 141 E. Vine St. The building was formerly occupied by Jostens.
The move from 4,000 to 11,000 square feet, she said, gives them more room for not only offices but also spaces for programs and for the “Bigs” and “Littles” to get together. Being downtown is also great, she said, as it provides visibility. The previous office was in one of the old dormitories on the West Hills campus.
Redman said BBBS, which serves Steele, Olmsted, Rice, Waseca and Dodge counties, was not looking for a new location, but the City of Owatonna needed the space.
The organization worked with 913 youths this year and is hoping to serve 1,000 next year. Currently, 400 children ages 5 to 14 are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister.
In addition to the age range, Littles must live in the service area. And most important, she said, the child must want to be involved in the program.
Especially since COVID, Redman said, youth can use that extra positive support from an adult, no matter what their home situation is.
The organization hosts several activities each month, and the Bigs and Littles decide how often they want to meet and what type of activities they want to do.
Pat Segler, chair of the Big Brothers Big Sisters board, described the group as a “difference making community.” He meets with his Little, who is now 16, at least twice a month and checks in with him at least once a day. He added that both of his own children, now adults, have been Bigs.
Anyone interested in the program can contact the organization in Steele County at 507-451-5922, Rice County at 507-334-0258, or Olmsted County at 507-451-5922.