Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri

Our Big Futures team is blazing into the summer with momentum and purpose!

Last week kicked off with a powerful networking event featuring BBBSEMO’s Vice President of Human Resources, who shared valuable strategies for successfully navigating professional networking environments. Participants crafted and practiced their own unique elevator pitches, receiving insightful feedback from staff and community partners.
Each young adult also had the opportunity to receive a professional headshot—leaving not only with a strong visual brand, but with the confidence to step boldly into professional spaces.

The week concluded on Saturday with an impactful Employment Bootcamp. Sessions focused on workplace communication, job application and retention strategies, as well as interview preparation and hands-on practice.

Big Futures continues to serve as a dynamic extension of support and resources for our alumni Littles—driving meaningful outcomes and lasting impact. As we guide our young adults toward the “3 E’s”—Employment, Enlistment in the military, or Enrollment in a certificate, trade, or post-secondary program—we are actively seeking partners to join us in this mission.

If you or your organization can support Big Futures in any of these areas, we’d love to connect. Send us a message and help us empower the next generation!

🚨 We need just SEVEN mentor applications before June 1 to meet our goal! 🚨

Seven applications. Three days remaining in the month. Seven lives changed.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, we know mentorship changes lives—not only for young people, but for the adults who step forward to serve. The friendships built through mentoring are rewarding, meaningful, and often life-changing for everyone involved.

And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

Our team provides training, coaching, resources, and ongoing support to make mentoring easy, enjoyable, and impactful.

Right now, youth and families in our communities are waiting for someone to step forward. We believe there are seven people reading this who can help us meet the need.

Submit your volunteer mentor application before June 1 and help ensure that the young people on our waiting list don’t have to wait any longer for the encouragement, guidance, and friendship they deserve.

Today is the day you can make a difference sign up!
Learn more and apply today: https://www.bbbsemo.org/interest-form/

Please share this post. Tag a friend. Text someone who would you believe would make a great mentor.

From Cape Girardeau, to St. Charles, to St. Louis, ordinary people are stepping up every day to make a BIG difference in the lives of young people across our region. 💚

Their superpowers aren’t found in capes or costumes.
They show up through consistency, compassion, encouragement, and simply being present. We call them Bigs.

Our Bigs will often tell you they signed up to give their time, wisdom, and support… but what they receive in return through their friendship with their Littles is life-changing.

Right now, youth and families across Eastern Missouri are asking for more caring adults to step forward—and we believe you have what it takes to make a difference.

Whether through mentorship, volunteering, partnership, or advocacy, there is a place for you in this mission.

Thank you for making a BIG difference, Brittney Swicionis! 💙

Learn more and connect with us today:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri

https://www.bbbsemo.org/interest-form/

🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨
Join BBBSEMO and help shape the future of young people across Eastern Missouri 💙
✨ 600+ mentoring matches
✨ 9,000+ lives impacted
✨ Serving communities since 1914
From K–12 programs to young adult support, we’re changing lives every day—and we want YOU on our team!
📍 St. Louis + surrounding counties
👉 Apply now & make an impact

🌟 We’re Hiring at BBBSEMO! 🌟
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth and families? Join our incredible team!
Since 1914, BBBSEMO has been a trusted leader in youth mentoring across Eastern Missouri. With over 600 active matches and impactful programs, we serve more than 9,000 children, families, and volunteers each year.
From supporting students in 16 schools through ABCToday, to guiding young adults through Big Futures, and expanding innovative group mentoring—we’re changing lives every day.
💼 Now we’re looking for caring, dedicated professionals to grow with us.
📍 Serving St. Louis City & County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Cape Girardeau, and Scott counties.
👉 Apply today and be part of something meaningful!

https://www.bbbsemo.org/about/careers/

As we continue spotlighting the incredible outcomes of mentorship, we are excited to highlight Alumni Little, Lonjay. 💙

In addition to connecting youth ages 5–17 with caring adult mentors, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri provides continued support, coaching, and guidance to Alumni Littles ages 18–25 through our Big Futures program—and we were one of the first affiliates in the nation to do so.

Meet Lonjay.

After earning her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology, Lonjay is now pursuing her graduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis in Social Work, with a concentration in Children, Youth & Family Studies.

What a powerful full-circle moment and testament to the impact of mentorship.

The same support, encouragement, and investment that helped shape her journey is now preparing her to impact the lives of children, youth, and families in meaningful ways for years to come.

✨ Continue following along as we spotlight more inspiring alumni stories and celebrate the lasting impact of mentorship across our region in the weeks ahead.

Lonjay | Big Futures | BBBSEMO Meet Lonjay. 💙As we continue spotlighting alumni outcomes, we are excited to highlight Alumni Little, Lonjay.In addition to connecting youth ages 5–17 with ...

🌱✨ What a day to remember!
This past Saturday was a BLAST at New Roots Urban Farm! 💚 Our BBBSEMO staff, mentors, and mentees came together to volunteer—picking up trash, cuddling baby bunnies 🐇, and learning all about fresh foods, farming tips, and the power of community. 🌽🥕
The impact? Incredible. Several matches loved it so much they’re already planning to come back on their own time—for fun and for service hours! 🙌🏾
The smiles say it all 😊💫

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the exciting and impactful work we are doing!

https://www.bbbsemo.org/interest-form/

Partnerships matter. 💙

We are deeply grateful for organizations that go beyond support and create meaningful experiences for youth. Banterra Bank ( ) continues to be a phenomenal ABCToday Network Partner, and recently provided an incredible opportunity for a group of our middle school students through financial education and exposure to banking career pathways.

Experiences like these help young people expand their vision, build confidence, and see new possibilities for their future.

Thank you, Banterra Bank, for continuing to show up for our youth in ways they will never forget. Your investment is creating lasting impact. 🙌🏾💙