Sue Johnson’s commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham is undeniable. Working with the organization since 1991, she started out as a program director. When she stepped away from that role to be a stay-at-home mom, she remained involved by serving on the board of directors. Later, she was asked to return as interim chief executive officer and agreed to serve for six months … and 25 years later, she’s still at the helm. Get to know this week’s FACE of Birmingham!
What first drew you to Big Brothers Big Sisters?
My background is in social work. I worked as a counselor in a battered women’s shelter in Montgomery and then as a medical social worker at Jackson Hospital before moving to Birmingham. When I moved to Birmingham, I wanted to work at something preventive. I wanted to do something to keep the problems from happening, so I chose this position. It was the right fit. We have problems, but I get to see great children stay great children, and that’s such a good feeling.
What do you wish more people knew about BBBS?
I think our potential volunteers don’t understand that being a mentor doesn’t take that much time. It’s really only four to six hours a month. That’s a couple of outings with a kid, going to a movie and dinner, or something like that. But those interactions make a world of difference to that child. And once they get involved, every volunteer will tell you they likely get more out of this program than the kids. They love it.
What are some of the challenges you face?
One of the challenges we face is that we have boys on the waiting list. Not as many men volunteer as women. So we can match our little girls, but sometimes the boys have to wait, and that’s really hard. It’s hard to watch, knowing their need and the impact a volunteer can have on a child. That’s the biggest stressor for me. And, of course, fundraising. I’m responsible for a budget of $1.8 million, and raising that every year is a little stressful.
What are some of the issues you see children facing?
Some of the problems we see with kids who are entering our program are low self-esteem, trouble in school, bullying, and parents (or a parent) who have substance abuse issues at home. Some are not going to school, and that’s one of the things we focus really hard on. Our kids have to go to school, and 98% of the children who participate in our program graduate high school. That’s pretty significant.
What recruitment tips can you offer for more men to volunteer?
Talk to them about how much these children need someone. It’s a friendship that you form; you don’t have to be the wisest person in the world; you just go and hang out with a kid. It’s through that time together that the mentoring and relationship evolve. Once we match a child with a mentor, we have a whole department to support that match — they’re never alone. There’s always somebody there to give them advice, get free tickets, and give them ideas for outings. They have their own match support specialist.
What’s next for BBBS?
We just implemented a new program called Big Futures. If a kid is gainfully employed, going to the military, going to a trade school, or going to college, they can stay in our program until they’re 25. Those years are so scary. You don’t know what you’re doing, what you want to do, or how to do it. This program gives them support and friendship through those years.
What do you love most about Birmingham?
I love that you can go places and usually run into somebody you know. I love the trees, the people, the city’s diversity, the leadership of Birmingham, and all the parks. I live downtown in a loft, so I love having a walkable lifestyle.
The walking trails and lakes around Birmingham are extra special. I love Smith Lake and Red Mountain Park’s walking trails. The Rotary Trail is neat and continues to flourish. I also love Railroad Park; I go there a lot.
What are some of your other favorite places in downtown Birmingham?
My favorite restaurants are Bistro 218 and Helen.
I love the Alabama Theatre and the Lyric and being able to walk to those places.
My husband and I own Dog Days of Birmingham, a doggy daycare.
Do you have your own fur babies?
I have two King Charles Cavaliers.
What’s the best advice you have to offer?
I tell my staff this all the time: attitude, not aptitude, governs our attitude. I think the most important thing you can have in life is a good attitude in both your personal and professional life.
Name three things you can’t live without.
Swimming, Chapstick, and my plants
On August 17, Big Brothers Big Sisters will host A Night of Big Stars at The Club. This fundraiser will feature an auction, live music, and dinner. Learn more at ANightofBigStars.com.
**********
Meet more interesting and inspiring Southern women over at our FACES archives!
