Wednesday, May 30, 2012

School's Out for Summer!

Another school year has come and gone and Big Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa would like to thank all the Big Brothers, Sisters and School Staff who made this year a great success.  Without you, we would not have been able to serve 120 children in our School Based program this year.  We wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer and look forward to next year.

To help sum up the year, we'll leave you with a note one of our Littles wrote to his Big Brother:

"Thank you for being my mentor for the past many years.  I don't like when summer comes because I like seeing you every week.  You have no idea how much it means to me that you still come see me and I would like you to come next year too." 

We hope to see you all again next year!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Let's Sew!

The May Exploration Series activity took place at the Cedar Falls Sewing Center.  Littles experienced first hand how to iron fabric, thread and use a sewing machine and operate an embroidery machine.  The end result was a personalized pillowcase! 
Thank you Cedar Falls Sewing Center!





























**Big Brothers Big Sisters Exploration Series is driven by four main components:
Career Exploration
Community Service
Diversity
Healthy Choices
 Exploration Series activities are designed to promote "fun with a purpose"

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Match Spotlight: Jennifer and Caitlyn

Four years ago Little Sister, Caitlyn, was troubled with adjusting to her parents divorce, and having her family live hours away from one another. Caitlyn didn't know where to turn.  She needed someone who could side with her, be a listener, confidant, provide their unbiased opinion, but be a friend too.

At that point Caitlyn's mom, Terry, reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Caitlyn was matched with Jennifer in November of 2008.  They had an immediate bond and from there their relationship grew.  They often would get their nails done together, chat over a warm beverage at Starbucks, hang out at the park, or take in activities provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Over the years, this experience has provided Caitlyn with an opportunity to put everyday life, and concerns, on hold.  This was a time every week she could hang out with Jennifer and do whatever they felt like doing.  Their bond grew and Caitlyn felt comfortable sharing anything with Jennifer, whether they talked about boys, school, family or any issue that arose - this was exactly what Terry wanted out of this relationship for her daughter, and more.  "I love your program and it is very enriching...it is a wonderful way for a child to have a confidant.  I really, really think a lot of Jennifer.  She has truly enriched the life of my daughter!"

The confidence and support that Caitlyn has received from both her mother and her Big Sister, Jennifer, has made her feel she can conquer anything.  Caitlyn is a hard worker, maintains straight A's in school and is involved in almost every activity she can find: soccer, softball, choir, ice skating, gymnastics and much more.  Her relationship with her Big Sister helped to instill confidence and faith in herself to pursue all the things she dreams of doing.

Unfortunately, on the flip side of her high involvement in activities, Caitlyn no longer has the time to get together with Jennifer as often as they'd both like.  Despite their mutual desire to continue to maintain their Big Brothers Big Sisters relationship, their match needed to close a few months ago.  The relationship simply grew past the realm of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and they are no longer in need of the support and assistance with the formation of their friendship.

Their Match Coordinator says, "This is the best way for a match to close.  It's not that something was wrong, it's because everything was wonderful!"  Even though the match has ended it's time with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the friendship between Caitlyn and Jennifer will last a lifetime.  This experience has been a mutually beneficial relationship for all involved, and Terry is forever thankful that she enrolled Caitlyn in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, "Jennifer filled a void in Caitlyn's life!"

Help us fill more voids in the lives of kids, like Caitlyn, in Black Hawk and Bremer Counties.

Donate. Volunteer. Start Something today!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Summer Fun in the Sun!

The winter cold is behind us and the sun is ready to shine.  For those of you who may be in a new match or anyone looking to add some new activities, we are here to help.   Below are just a few activities you can do with your Little to keep you busy all summer long! 
Summer Activities to Share
*Create your own designs with sidewalk chalk
Fly a kite
Walk the trails
Participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters Mini Golf Madness on June 7th
(find more information here)
Bike the trails
Participate in Movies Under the Moon series at Overman Park in Cedar Falls
Play a few rounds of yard games:
*Ladder Ball, *Wiffle Ball, *Frisbee, *Catch & Toss, *Kick Ball
Go Disc Golfing
*Basketball
*Volleyball
Use your BIG Card and visit the following locations:
Palmer's Golf - Food- Fun, Four Queens, Moo Roo, Hansen's Dairy, Cold Stone
Have a picnic in the park
Rollerblade
*Tennis
*Hula Hoop
*Soccer
Attend community festivals and parades
Make your own bubbles
Plant flowers
Volunteer at a community garden
Visit the Arboretum
Try new fruits and vegetables
*Play a board game in the park
Read a book under a tree
Walk around the local college campuses
Help prepare for Driver's Ed
Build and launch a rocket
A-Z activities - plan a visit around each letter in the alphabet, for example: choose "C" and make cupcakes, play croquet and learn how to crochet


*All the items with an asterisk are available at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office to check out.  Our office hours are M-F 8-4:30.  Can't make it during hours - let us know and we can make other arrangements to fit your schedule!! 

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Keeping Kids Safe

Keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology can be a daunting task.  Today, youth can access the Internet in a variety of ways and social networking sites are all around us.  Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or the countless networking sites available, we must stay informed on how to keep children safe.

We are excited to have the opportunity to invite you to, "Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace"  hosted by Allison Area Foster Group. 

Mike Ferjak, lead investigator for the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Iowa, will share his expertise on familiarizing yourself with social networking sites. You will also learn the basics of predator tactics and prevention techniques to reduce the possibility of victimization.

"Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace"
May 15, 2012
 7-9pm
Vineyard Community Church
319 W. Bremer Ave Waverly, IA 50677



Friday, May 4, 2012

April Matches and May Anniversaries

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in April:

Natasha Chughtai and Shaniyah
Ingrid Carlstein-Reyes and Alissa
Morgan Corwin and Shalayjha
Chelsea Jones and Anna
Will Kurtt and Camden
Rick Gorman and Zach


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary in the month of May:

One Year:
Patty Hoffa and Tanner
Dave Condon and Amari
Abbie Smith and Bobbie
John Dow and Carlos
Steve Kingsley and Jeremiah

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: End of the School Year Party

A big thanks goes out to Maple Lanes Bowling Alley for helping make this year's end of the school year party a great success! 

THANK YOU MAPLE LANES!