Blog Archives

Emily Johnson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho

5/30/2017

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho is thrilled to announce the promotion of Emily Johnson to CEO earlier this month after a four-month recruitment process.

“Emily not only understands the operations of Big Brothers Big Sisters better than anyone, she's been a major advocate for the mission -- wholeheartedly believing in it.,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors Vice President Kathleen Wegley of St. Luke’s. “As a board, we are all very excited to see how Emily will lead Big Brothers Big Sisters to have a greater, positive influence on the communities we serve.”

Emily was previously the COO of Big Brothers Big Sisters and has worked for the organization for over 5 years. She has 10 years of experience in education and college access prior to working for Big Brothers Big sisters and received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and her Master of Arts in Administration from Northern Arizona University.

“As CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters I look forward to sharing the story of what we do with the community,” said Emily, “I am committed to waking up each day and rolling up my sleeves to do the work that will get us to the goal of providing every child who needs one a safe and positive role model.

Under Emily's guidance, the program has swelled to support almost 250 "matches." Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho has been awarded the Quality Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for three of the four years Emily was the Program Director. Over the past year, the School-Site program has recruited over 40 volunteers and is currently administered in eight local elementary schools. Emily's leadership has been fundamental in growing and maintaining Big Brothers Big Sisters one-of-a-kind mentoring program.

Recently, Emily worked with the Board of Directors to spearhead Magical Moments, which earned Big Brothers Big Sisters a record breaking amount of $75,919.71 the night of the event.

"Working with Emily is such a pleasure," said School Site Match Support Specialist, Julieann Hagler. "Emily brings passion -- not only does she know this organization inside and out, but she truly lives and breathes our mission."

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Idaho Gives and Friday Focus are In the Bag!

5/9/2017

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The first week of May was incredible -- Not only did we celebrate Idaho Gives on May 4th, but May 5th was our very first "Friday Focus" of the year! We also joined the ACHD for their May in Motion initiative.

Together we raised $3,319 for Idaho Gives!

Thank you to the 42 donors who supported us by making a donation during Idaho Gives! Your support will allow us to make 2 new "matches" OR maintain several "matches" for an entire year! We had so much fun (and coffee)! -- all funds donated as part of Idaho Gives will go a long way in changing the lives of children in the Treasure Valley.

Thank you to these amazing local coffee shops for letting us spend Thursday morning with them!
Java Hyde Park
Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasting Co
Java Downtown
Caffé D'arte
Hyde Perk Coffee House
Moxie Java (Vista Ave)

Friday Focus: Fun with STEM

Big Brothers Big Sisters is going to be participating in an wonderful event for the first three Fridays in May, called Friday Focus. Friday Focus is held at Whitney Elementary, our classes this year will be STEM-based!

What is Friday Focus?

The staff at Whitney Elementary School understands it can be hard for students to concentrate when it’s Friday and the month of May, since summer is so close. What they have devised as a wonderful solution is called ‘Friday Focus.’ Friday Focus is held the in the afternoon of the first three Fridays in May (5th, 12th, 19th), from 1:00-3:00 pm. During this time, students will be attending pre-selected classes held throughout the school. These classes are not your typical English or math class, they are fun and interactive activities that get kids doing something they are interested in, and might not have the opportunity to do otherwise.

We would like to thank our sponsors, Micron and Power Engineers for making Friday Focus possible -- and a huge success!

May in Motion: Going for PLATINUM

Once again, we are Transportation Champions during May in Motion! What is May in Motion? Every May, ACHD Commuteride encourages local businesses to cut down on emissions in a fun, month long event! In years past, BBBS has won the silver and gold awards... but this year we are gunning for the top!

To find out more about May in Motion, check out ACHD Commuteride's website!

We would like to especially thank our friends at the Nagel Foundation for always supporting our program. Together, we will change lives for the better, forever!