Empowering Youth: The Essential Role of Big Brothers Big Sisters with Sandra Erickson

In this episode of The Resilient Heart Podcast, host Gabi welcomes Sandra Erickson, the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg. They discuss the organization's mission, the life-changing impact of mentorship on youth, and share both personal stories and compelling data showing improved outcomes for "Littles." Listeners learn how to get involved as mentors or supporters, and the conversation emphasizes resilience, community, and the power of positive adult relationships. The episode serves as an inspiring call to action to support or join Big Brothers Big Sisters locally or nationwide. Timestamps Sandra's Background & Path to Nonprofit Work (00:01:30) Sandra shares her personal and professional journey, including AmeriCorps experience and nonprofit leadership. Early Influences & Value of Giving Back (00:04:54) Discussion about family and community influences that inspired a lifelong commitment to service. The Power of Mentorship & Human Connection (00:06:36) Exploring why Big Brothers Big Sisters is impactful for children and mentors, emphasizing trust and connection. Big Brothers Big Sisters: Mission & How It Works (00:08:11) Explanation of the organization's mission, the matching process, and the history of the program. Local Chapter History & Inclusion of Big Sisters (00:11:08) Details about the Fredericksburg chapter's history and the addition of Big Sisters in the 1970s. Need for Male Mentors & Qualities of a Good Big (00:12:07) Addressing the shortage of male mentors and the key traits needed to be a successful mentor. Support for Mentors & Match Activities (00:13:15) Overview of ongoing support for mentors, including staff check-ins and organized activities. How Kids Join & The Enrollment Process (00:14:05) Step-by-step explanation of how children and parents enroll and are matched with mentors. Misconceptions About Time Commitment (00:16:51) Addressing common concerns about the time required to be a mentor and encouraging everyday involvement. Role of Parents/Guardians in the Program (00:18:39) Emphasizing the importance of parent/guardian involvement in successful matches. Ways to Support Beyond Mentoring (00:19:31) Information on volunteering, donating, and sponsorship opportunities, and how funds are used. Economic Impact & Prevention Benefits (00:21:11) Sharing research on the program's long-term economic and social benefits for mentored youth. How to Get Involved Nationally (00:23:17) Guidance on finding local chapters and the broader impact of mentoring across the country. Program Outcomes & Mental Health Statistics (00:24:24) Highlighting data on improved coping skills, grit, and reduced depressive symptoms among participants. Personal Stories & Lasting Impact (00:26:00) Anecdotes about former participants and the mutual benefits for both mentors and mentees. Upcoming Events & How to Connect (00:27:02) Information about upcoming events, how to get involved locally or nationally, and closing thanks. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Sandra, "What makes it powerful is just human connection—being able to sit with an adult and have a conversation and have them listen with a non-judgmental ear." Sandra, "Just having a willingness to spend a little time with a child—the rest will come." Sandra, "We help lift youth out of poverty." Sandra, "It impacts the big too—it's so fulfilling, and I think they get more out of it than they think they will." RESOURCES: Connect with Sandra: Bowl for Kids' Sake: https://www.bbbsfred.org/bowl BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Website: https://www.bbbsfred.org/ BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbbsfred BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Instagram: Big Brothers Big Sisters (@bbbsfred) • Instagram photos and videos BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Donation Page: DONATE | Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg BBBS of America: https://www.bbbs.org/ BBBS of America Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBrothersBigSisters BBBS of America Instagram: Big Brothers Big Sisters (@bbbsamerica) • Instagram photos and videos BBBS of America Donation Page: Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America BBBS of America Become a Big: Become A Big – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America BBBS of America Enroll a Little: Enroll A Little – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Connect With Me: Gabi Garland Website: https://www.resilientvoicemedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabi.garland/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Resilient Heart Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify "One caring relationship can change the direction of a child's life." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.