A Letter from Sandra Erickson Celebrating 3 Years as Executive Director

Sandra Erickson speaking at The Big Draft Recruitment event.

Today marks my third anniversary as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg. Milestones like this offer a natural pause to take a breath, look back on where we’ve been, and consider the path ahead. When I think about the journey we’ve taken together, including our Staff, Board, Bigs, Littles, and community partners, I am filled with gratitude and resolve.

Reflection

In the past three years, our team has formed a great bond. Our Board of Directors has expanded from 12 to 15 dedicated individuals who are deeply involved in everything from fundraising to strategic planning. Together, we’re moving through an ambitious five-year strategic plan, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference 2024.

We’ve added vital staff capacity to strengthen our services. Our operations are now cloud-based, which is part of a broader tech-forward shift to streamline our work. For example, our Volunteer Accelerator program automates key parts of the enrollment process while preserving personalized customer service from our staff. We’ve also adopted a texting platform to better connect with our Bigs and families—something as simple as a reminder message can make a big difference.

We’re working smarter. We’ve gone nearly paperless, rolled out a new Community Champion Sponsorship program, and improved our balance sheet to show steady growth in a changing landscape. Our Bigs have formed a Bigs Committee and I look forward to seeing their network strengthen.

Accepting CNEW's generous check after a year of BBBS being honored as their Non-Profit of the Year.

Our community continues to show up. Local businesses not only support our fundraisers and match activities, but also support us through their own initiatives, foundations, and events. Donors, individuals, and community groups remain engaged in our mission by attending events, offering financial and in-kind donations, or volunteering their time. We treasure our local government funding and will continue to ask for their support.

But there have been real challenges too. We’ve witnessed or are witnessing the loss of key nonprofits in our region, including Boys & Girls Club and Rappahannock United Way. These organizations carry national reputations and deep local roots, just like us. Their closures serve as a sobering reminder: when one of us struggles, we all feel the impact. It has made me think more deeply about our role in the local nonprofit ecosystem and how vital it is to collaborate, innovate, and never take support for granted.

We’ve also experienced shifts in volunteerism and philanthropy. Nationwide, recurring and individual giving are declining. Ours is a mission that’s easy to understand and easy to support, but we must continue to seek financial and volunteer assistance, stay relevant, and be ever-present.

Looking Ahead

Connecting with volunteer Bigs at our Brunch with Bigs event, discussing ideas and plans for our mentorship programs to progress.

The need in our community remains urgent. For example, one-third of youth in the City of Fredericksburg live in poverty. We can, and must, be part of the solution. That means expanding partnerships across sectors: with healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement, nonprofits, and local businesses. I recently met with FailSafe-ERA to talk about their Sounding the Alarm initiative, and we continue to participate in the Community Collaborative for Youth and Families.

We’re also preparing for our 60th anniversary in 2027—a chance to celebrate not only our legacy, but the future we’re building together. I’m looking forward to refreshing our office space, creating a welcoming environment for the families we serve, and launching new ways to recognize donors and volunteers.

We’re studying trends, reviewing data like the Economic Impact Study, and staying grounded in our mission. Our waitlist of unmatched youth reminds me every day that volunteer recruitment must be intentional, strategic, and persistent. Our volunteers are heroes, and our staff—though limited in hours—bring unmatched dedication.

Officially taking on the role of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg's Executive Director after honoring past ED, Michelle Hedrich.

As I reflect on these past three years, I’m reminded of why I stepped into this role. While I came from a background of service and leadership, I also brought with me a deep belief in the potential of every child. That belief has only grown stronger.

Thank you for being part of this work, whether you’re a mentor, donor, partner, or advocate. The path ahead is not without its hurdles, but it is filled with possibility.

With gratitude and hope,

Sandra Erickson

Executive Director

Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg

Indoor Snowball fun with Bigs and Littles!