Thank you to the Waverly Community Fund for making this year's party a success!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
April Showers WILL Bring May Flowers!
Spring is in the air (at least we hope) so it's time to get outside and get active with your Little. To help you along, we've added a list of spring & summer activities for you to enjoy!
1. Walk the trails
2. Get an ice cream cone
3. Wash your car
4. Plant a garden or flowers
5. Go to city parades, concerts, and other events
6. Watch a movie outdoors during Cedar Falls' "Movies Under the Moon"
7. Participate in the SCHEELS Run/Walk Club
8. Make bubbles
9. Fly a kite
10. Go fishing
11. Rollerblade
12. Check out all the different parks
13. Have a picnic
14. Attend your Little's baseball, softball or other summer games
15. Visit the library on a rainy day
16. Explore the nature trails at Hartman Reserve
17. Visit the Arboretum
18. Mini golf - stay tuned for more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters Mini Golf
Madness tournament
19. Visit a Farmer's Market and introduce new fruits and vegetables to your Little
20. Play catch
21. Make your own smoothies or popsicles
22. Read under a tree
23. Get creative and paint rocks, draw with sidewalk chalk or visit Pursuing Picasso
and paint pottery (remember to use your Big Card for a discount)
24. Build a birdhouse, Lego creations, boats to race, sand castles and forts
25. Volunteer
26. Visit the museums
27. Jump rope
28. Have a lemonade stand
29. Roast hog dogs or marshmallows
30. Visit the Sunrise Petting Zoo in Waterloo
31. Go swimming
32. Feed the birds and ducks at a pond or lake
33. Look at the clouds and pick out different shapes
34. Go to a Buck's baseball game
35. Ride go-carts at Palmer's-Golf-Food-Fun (use your Big Card for a discount)
36. Paint your nails
37. Hula hoop
38. Catch butterflies and insects
39. Go to a fireworks show
40. Visit the Resource Room at Big Brothers Big Sisters and check out the following items to use:
1. Walk the trails
2. Get an ice cream cone
3. Wash your car
4. Plant a garden or flowers
5. Go to city parades, concerts, and other events
6. Watch a movie outdoors during Cedar Falls' "Movies Under the Moon"
7. Participate in the SCHEELS Run/Walk Club
8. Make bubbles
9. Fly a kite
10. Go fishing
11. Rollerblade
12. Check out all the different parks
13. Have a picnic
14. Attend your Little's baseball, softball or other summer games
15. Visit the library on a rainy day
16. Explore the nature trails at Hartman Reserve
17. Visit the Arboretum
18. Mini golf - stay tuned for more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters Mini Golf
Madness tournament
19. Visit a Farmer's Market and introduce new fruits and vegetables to your Little
20. Play catch
21. Make your own smoothies or popsicles
22. Read under a tree
23. Get creative and paint rocks, draw with sidewalk chalk or visit Pursuing Picasso
and paint pottery (remember to use your Big Card for a discount)
24. Build a birdhouse, Lego creations, boats to race, sand castles and forts
25. Volunteer
26. Visit the museums
27. Jump rope
28. Have a lemonade stand
29. Roast hog dogs or marshmallows
30. Visit the Sunrise Petting Zoo in Waterloo
31. Go swimming
32. Feed the birds and ducks at a pond or lake
33. Look at the clouds and pick out different shapes
34. Go to a Buck's baseball game
35. Ride go-carts at Palmer's-Golf-Food-Fun (use your Big Card for a discount)
36. Paint your nails
37. Hula hoop
38. Catch butterflies and insects
39. Go to a fireworks show
40. Visit the Resource Room at Big Brothers Big Sisters and check out the following items to use:
- Sidewalk chalk
- Basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, footballs, kickballs, baseballs
- Wiffle bat and ball
- Tennis rackets and tennis balls
- Ladder Golf
- Frisbees
- Board games
- Paint & craft materials
- Hula hoops
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
April Matches and May Anniversaries
Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in April:
Amanda Borglum and David
Kendra Giardino and Ahlivia
Erica Jacobsen and Andri'onna
Pam Pringle and Selena
DiAndra Strelow and Lauryn
Cassie Upshaw and Maria
CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of May:
One Year:
Alyssa Bodecker and Maddy
Two Years:
Dave Condon and Amari
Patty Hoffa and Tanner
Steve Kingsley and Jeremiah
Abbie Smith and Bobbie
Amanda Borglum and David
Kendra Giardino and Ahlivia
Erica Jacobsen and Andri'onna
Pam Pringle and Selena
DiAndra Strelow and Lauryn
Cassie Upshaw and Maria
CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of May:
One Year:
Alyssa Bodecker and Maddy
Two Years:
Dave Condon and Amari
Patty Hoffa and Tanner
Steve Kingsley and Jeremiah
Abbie Smith and Bobbie
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Wordless Wednesday: End of the School Year Party (Black Hawk Matches)
Matches celebrated the "End of the School Year" with a party this past weekend at Byrnes Park. Sunny weather provided the perfect setting for lawn games, sand volleyball, kickball and some time on the playground!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Big Brothers Honored
Big Brothers, Sean Hylton and Jim Brown were honored at the Mayors' Volunteer Award Luncheon earlier this month. Read their story and find out why these gentlemen are so deserving of this award:
Sean Hylton has been a Big Brother for four years providing support and guidance to his Little Brother, DeQuonterio. When Sean and DeQuonterio were matched, DeQuonterio was struggling with positive decision making and was behind academically. With the support and guidance from his mentor, Sean, these behaviors have been resurrected. DeQuonterio is performing at the level he should be academically and now knows the true qualities of friendship. He is on the Honor Roll for the first time this year, has not had any school violations, and has increased his attendance.
Sean's commitment to DeQuonterio and dedication never falters. After meeting in school once a week for two years, the match decided to expand their friendship and transfer into the "School Based Plus" option allowing visits to take place both during school and after school. They have now been meeting this way for two years going to UNI basketball games, grabbing a bite to eat for breakfast, attending agency activities, along with many other activities.
Sean has taken interest in DeQuonterio's well-being making it his personal mission to keep DeQuonterio moving forward on a positive path. Sean constantly seeks out advice to find innovative strategies to incorporate into his visits and is continually working to better his relationship with his Little Brother. Sean understands that his impact will evolve and blossom even more as DeQuonterio ventures into becoming an outstanding individual. Sean is a strong advocate for mentoring and sets a good example for all future mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa is fortunate to have Sean's continued service and unwavering dedication.
Since moving to the Cedar Valley a few years ago, Jim Brown has become an integral and critical component to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa leadership and service delivery. Motivated by a desire for all children to achieve success in life, he works tirelessly for our agency and our agency's youth.
Jim has been a Big Brother to DeAngelo since July of 2009. Over the years, he and Jim have been meeting on a regular basis, going to movies, building model rockets, visiting museums and just hanging out. Today, DeAngelo does better in school, plays football and has dreams of one day playing professionally. Jim includes his Little Brother in activities that will stretch DeAngelo's experience and skills. For Jim, it's all about what will make DeAngelo a stronger, more successful person, not just today, but in the future. Jim believes he is in DeAngelo's life to ensure he's the best he can be.
Jim's commitment to the mission doesn't stop at being a Big. He's also stepped into the role of a Board member and is currently the President of the Board of Directors. Jim is involved with the guidance and vision of the agency and provides leadership to staff and other Board members through his words, but even more so through his actions and dedication of hard work, realistic expectations, and time. Jim doesn't turn down an opportunity to share the stories of Big Brothers Big Sisters and understands that the mission affects our entire community.
Jim truly makes a difference in the life of his own Little Brother and to the hundreds of children served each year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa.
Congratulations to Sean and Jim on receiving the Mayors' Volunteer Award!
Two very deserving volunteers!
Sean Hylton has been a Big Brother for four years providing support and guidance to his Little Brother, DeQuonterio. When Sean and DeQuonterio were matched, DeQuonterio was struggling with positive decision making and was behind academically. With the support and guidance from his mentor, Sean, these behaviors have been resurrected. DeQuonterio is performing at the level he should be academically and now knows the true qualities of friendship. He is on the Honor Roll for the first time this year, has not had any school violations, and has increased his attendance.
Sean's commitment to DeQuonterio and dedication never falters. After meeting in school once a week for two years, the match decided to expand their friendship and transfer into the "School Based Plus" option allowing visits to take place both during school and after school. They have now been meeting this way for two years going to UNI basketball games, grabbing a bite to eat for breakfast, attending agency activities, along with many other activities.
Sean has taken interest in DeQuonterio's well-being making it his personal mission to keep DeQuonterio moving forward on a positive path. Sean constantly seeks out advice to find innovative strategies to incorporate into his visits and is continually working to better his relationship with his Little Brother. Sean understands that his impact will evolve and blossom even more as DeQuonterio ventures into becoming an outstanding individual. Sean is a strong advocate for mentoring and sets a good example for all future mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa is fortunate to have Sean's continued service and unwavering dedication.
Since moving to the Cedar Valley a few years ago, Jim Brown has become an integral and critical component to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa leadership and service delivery. Motivated by a desire for all children to achieve success in life, he works tirelessly for our agency and our agency's youth.
Jim has been a Big Brother to DeAngelo since July of 2009. Over the years, he and Jim have been meeting on a regular basis, going to movies, building model rockets, visiting museums and just hanging out. Today, DeAngelo does better in school, plays football and has dreams of one day playing professionally. Jim includes his Little Brother in activities that will stretch DeAngelo's experience and skills. For Jim, it's all about what will make DeAngelo a stronger, more successful person, not just today, but in the future. Jim believes he is in DeAngelo's life to ensure he's the best he can be.
Jim's commitment to the mission doesn't stop at being a Big. He's also stepped into the role of a Board member and is currently the President of the Board of Directors. Jim is involved with the guidance and vision of the agency and provides leadership to staff and other Board members through his words, but even more so through his actions and dedication of hard work, realistic expectations, and time. Jim doesn't turn down an opportunity to share the stories of Big Brothers Big Sisters and understands that the mission affects our entire community.
Jim truly makes a difference in the life of his own Little Brother and to the hundreds of children served each year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa.
Congratulations to Sean and Jim on receiving the Mayors' Volunteer Award!
Two very deserving volunteers!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Presenting the Exceptional Nonprofit of the Year: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa!
UNI
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance awarded Big Brothers Big Sisters the honor of being the Exceptional Nonprofit of the Year
during the 9th annual Cedar Valley Nonprofit Award Luncheon earlier
this month. We thought we would provide
you with some of the important outcomes achieved in 2012 that provided a
background to the nomination…
Big Brothers Big Sisters has strengthened service delivery through continual improvement of policies and procedures requiring staff to work smarter and more effectively. This has led to longer, stronger mentoring relationships and greater youth outcomes.
The
longer a mentoring match stays together, the more powerful the impact that
relationship has on the child. The two
primary ways Big Brothers Big Sisters measures the length of a match is the 12
month retention rate and the average match length. Both of these measures have a direct
correlation to outcomes of our “Littles” and to the quality of case management
provided by staff.
·
In
2012, the 12 month retention rate (percentage of matches that stayed together
for more than 12 months) was 72.9%, up from 50.4% in 2011 and higher than the
National average of 54.6%
·
Also
in 2012, the average match length (average match of closed matches) was 26.7
months, up from 19.9 months in 2011 and higher than the National average of
20.6 months
Big
Brothers Big Sisters is a small agency but works effectively and efficiently on
a limited budget. We find creative ways
to enhance the program and services without impacting financial resources.
·
Strong
collaboration and partnerships with other entities is key for Big Brothers Big
Sisters. The program operates without a
lot of unnecessary expenditures and funding is funneled directly into the
mission. Donors can rest assured that
their gifts will go into programming and truly impact a child’s life
·
Being
creative and multitasking is not only preferred, but an essential skill of the
staff. All staff serve in multiple roles
and functions to execute marketing initiatives, special events, and programming
,providing more ownership in the agency’s success
Big Brothers Big Sisters has strengthened service delivery through continual improvement of policies and procedures requiring staff to work smarter and more effectively. This has led to longer, stronger mentoring relationships and greater youth outcomes.
We invite you to follow along with us through this journey as
we celebrate our 50th anniversary and continue to change how
children grow in our community!
To learn more about how you can become involved please visit www.iowabigs.org
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Volunteering: The Top 6 Things You'll Get
National Volunteer Week 2013 is right around the corner and our friends from "Friends for Youth Mentoring Institute" put together a list of some of the rewards you may receive with mentoring and we wanted to share:
The Top 6:
6. Community - As a mentor you become friends with somebody you most likely would never have met otherwise. By becoming friends you are exposed to their community and they are exposed to yours. Like trees that grow bigger as their roots spread, the more connections we create the stronger our community becomes.
5. Oh, the things you'll learn - Has an 8 year old ever beat you in the latest video game? As a mentor this could easily happen. When you're a mentor you might get beat at a lot of things, and that's your opportunity to learn from your mentee. It's consistently impressive to see what youth are able to teach adults.
4. Oh, the things you'll forget - The adult world is unfortunately not nearly so fantastical, wonderful or hysterical as the world of youth. As a mentor you get to be removed, at least for a few hours, from some of the drudgery of adulthood.
3. Oh, the things you'll remember - Hanging out with a child means remembering what it was like to be a kid. Upon revisiting your inner kid, you might find things haven't changed much.
2. Oh, the places you'll go - Mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about having fun! We help you do that in many ways, from providing you with support, to giving you discounted admissions to many community events and attractions thanks to our community partners. We encourage you to expand the world your mentee is living in and find opportunities right in your backyard.
1. Friendship - Let us know if you discover anything more important in life than true friendship. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been creating long lasting friendships now for 50 years and we invite you to join us in many more years to come.
The Top 6:
6. Community - As a mentor you become friends with somebody you most likely would never have met otherwise. By becoming friends you are exposed to their community and they are exposed to yours. Like trees that grow bigger as their roots spread, the more connections we create the stronger our community becomes.
5. Oh, the things you'll learn - Has an 8 year old ever beat you in the latest video game? As a mentor this could easily happen. When you're a mentor you might get beat at a lot of things, and that's your opportunity to learn from your mentee. It's consistently impressive to see what youth are able to teach adults.
4. Oh, the things you'll forget - The adult world is unfortunately not nearly so fantastical, wonderful or hysterical as the world of youth. As a mentor you get to be removed, at least for a few hours, from some of the drudgery of adulthood.
3. Oh, the things you'll remember - Hanging out with a child means remembering what it was like to be a kid. Upon revisiting your inner kid, you might find things haven't changed much.
2. Oh, the places you'll go - Mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about having fun! We help you do that in many ways, from providing you with support, to giving you discounted admissions to many community events and attractions thanks to our community partners. We encourage you to expand the world your mentee is living in and find opportunities right in your backyard.
1. Friendship - Let us know if you discover anything more important in life than true friendship. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been creating long lasting friendships now for 50 years and we invite you to join us in many more years to come.
*Visit www.iowabigs.org for more information on mentoring in your community*
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