Birmingham’s Very Own Sue Johnson: The Face of Big Brothers Big Sisters
Sue Johnson, a long serving member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, Alabama, has dedicated over two decades of her life to ensuring the lives of children within her community are enriched through mentorship programs. Being part of the organization since 1991, Johnson’s passion for public service translates into every child that benefits from this program. This week, we aim to honor her tireless efforts and commitment by highlighting her journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS).
A lifelong dedication to Big Brothers Big Sisters
Johnson’s initial attraction to BBBS stemmed from her background in social work. Having observed the severe consequences of life’s adversities, she yearned to be part of a solution. She wanted to work preventively and help children before they faced deep issues, leading to her choice to join BBBS. Johnson believes in the power of mentorship. She describes how a simple act of spending a few hours a month with a child could make a world of difference. It could keep great children great, allowing them to thrive rather than succumb to societal pressures or issues at home.
The eye-opening realities
Johnson discusses some of the challenges she has faced while working with BBBS. A significant concern is the lack of male volunteers. There are boys on the waiting list, eager for mentorship opportunities, but often have to wait due to the insufficient number of male mentors. That’s not all; the continuous process of fundraising is another stressor as the budget required to run the organization is approximately $1.8 million annually. With low self-esteem, academic struggles, bullying, and even parental substance abuse issues as some of the problems kids enrolled in the program face, the need for funding and volunteers is essential.
Calling men to action
As for a solution to getting more male volunteers, she encourages them to understand the importance of their role and the impact they can have. Being a mentor doesn’t require extraordinary wisdom, but a willingness to spend time with a child. Over time, a simple friendship can evolve into a life-altering mentoring relationship, one that would provide the children with much-needed guidance and support.
Bright futures ahead
Looking to the future, BBBS has recently launched a program named Big Futures. It aims to extend support to enrolled kids till the age of 25, provided they transition towards a positive future, such as attending college, joining the military, attending trade schools or maintaining employment. The long-term goal of this program is to ensure that support is available during the critical years of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.
Appreciating the beauty of Birmingham
Beyond her work, Johnson is a proud resident of Birmingham. She celebrates the city’s diversity, leadership, and communal ties, appreciating that you can almost always run into friendly faces. She cherishes the natural beauty and outdoor recreational spots like Smith Lake and Red Mountain Park’s walking trails, along with the perks of living downtown in a loft with walkable access to fascinating places, top-notch restaurants, and theatres.
Sue Johnson’s golden advice
Johnson’s life philosophy simplifies to the importance of having a good attitude in all spheres of life. She states, “Attitude, not aptitude, governs altitude.” Inspiring others around her with this principle, she carries this perspective into every interaction, whether in her professional or personal life.
