Program Director, Katie Klein, shares what she is thankful for during this holiday season...
"I am thankful for the STAFF at Big Brothers Big Sisters for their passion to serve our mission on a daily basis. For their persistence to continue serving the youth and all involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters to the best of their ability. For showing up everyday ready and willing to change how children grow up in our community.
I am thankful for the BOARD of DIRECTORS for volunteering their time to guarantee the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters through their leadership and guidance.
I am thankful for the BIGS for their unwavering dedication to their Littles. Who give their time to commit to changing little lives for the better, forever. For accepting the challenge and persevere through the struggles in order to show a child new and grand opportunities. For cheering on their Little as they learn how to ride their bike for the first time, pass the math test they've study for together, discover new talents, and to watch their Little with pride as they become the first person in their family to accept their high school diploma, attend college and pursue their dreams.
I am thankful for all the DONORS for their gracious support. Who give their time, talent and treasure so that the community we live in can become a better place for all. You believe in Big Brothers Big Sisters and understand that your contributions help put a child on the path to success.
For ALL OF YOU, I am grateful to be a part of SOMETHING BIG!"
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
What Meredith is thankful for...
Match Coordinator, Meredith Goldman, shares what she is thankful for during this holiday season...
"I am thankful for this new
opportunity to work with the wonderful people in the Cedar Valley. I have the
good fortune of caring co-workers who share a desire to support the youth in
our community. I have really enjoyed getting to know the people matched in our
program and look forward to visiting with everyone further. Big Brothers Big
Sisters is a great program, and I am so glad to be here."
Monday, November 25, 2013
What Keri is thankful for...
Bremer County Site Manager, Keri Kono, shares what she is thankful for during this holiday season:
"I am thankful for every
individual who dedicates their time and energy to Big Brothers Big
Sisters. Those who accept the challenge and invest in a child in our
community deserve all of the thanks in the world. So to all of you,
whether you are a Big, a Board Member or a supporter of Big Brothers Big
Sisters thank you for allowing me to come to work every day and do something
that I love!"
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tips for Tuesday: What to do when Littles say "I don't know"
"Help! I ask my Little what he would like to do during our visits and he always answers with, I don't know." "What should I do?!"
This is just one example of several questions we receive from Bigs over the course of a match span. Since it is so common amongst matches, we thought we'd offer some suggestions to help guide you along the way of developing a lasting friendship with your Little.
First, as difficult as it may be, please do not take it personally. It can be a fear for some Bigs that this means their Little doesn't like hanging out or isn't having fun. Rest assured this is not the case. Often times, Littles simply just don't know how to respond or may not feel fully comfortable yet in the friendship to offer suggestions.
Many of the children in our program have not had the opportunity to see what the community has to offer or what ideas to suggest. To help your Little through this process and empower them to make decisions we've outlined a few tips to try...
1. Always give options when deciding what to do during visits. Depending on the age of your Little you may want to suggest 2-4 options. Instead of simply asking Littles what they want to do, come up with a few activity ideas for Littles to pick from each time. With time, they will feel more comfortable with making the decision and might get to the point of coming up with activities on their own.
*Remember, when giving options choose ideas you are prepared to do if chosen. Keep ideas simple and inexpensive
2. Create a list of ideas with your Little that you think you would like to do together. Be prepared to come up with your own ideas to get the process started. Utilize your Match Coordinator in this process for activity suggestions.
3. Choose ideas listed on the E-Update. For those of you who aren't familiar, this is a bi-weekly newsletter that your Match Coordinator emails to you providing community events and activity ideas. If you're not receiving the E-Update, please let your Match Coordinator know!
4. Drive or walk around the community and show your Little what opportunities are available.
5. Take turns, depending on the age of your Little (the older the better for this tip), discuss during your match visits how you would like he/she to have more say in determining how you'll spend your time together. Alternate visit by visit and take turns deciding what to do.
*Remember to set boundaries around money spending
6. Utilize the Resource Room located in the Big Brothers Big Sisters office. Bring your Little along to choose an item to check out or check out several items yourself and let your Little decide during your visit.
*Remember, the Resource Room can be made available to you after office hours if necessary
Developing a friendship is not always easy, but hard work does pay off! Continue to remain consistent with your visits and praise your Littles as they begin to gain a sense of empowerment throughout this process!
This is just one example of several questions we receive from Bigs over the course of a match span. Since it is so common amongst matches, we thought we'd offer some suggestions to help guide you along the way of developing a lasting friendship with your Little.
First, as difficult as it may be, please do not take it personally. It can be a fear for some Bigs that this means their Little doesn't like hanging out or isn't having fun. Rest assured this is not the case. Often times, Littles simply just don't know how to respond or may not feel fully comfortable yet in the friendship to offer suggestions.
Many of the children in our program have not had the opportunity to see what the community has to offer or what ideas to suggest. To help your Little through this process and empower them to make decisions we've outlined a few tips to try...
1. Always give options when deciding what to do during visits. Depending on the age of your Little you may want to suggest 2-4 options. Instead of simply asking Littles what they want to do, come up with a few activity ideas for Littles to pick from each time. With time, they will feel more comfortable with making the decision and might get to the point of coming up with activities on their own.
*Remember, when giving options choose ideas you are prepared to do if chosen. Keep ideas simple and inexpensive
2. Create a list of ideas with your Little that you think you would like to do together. Be prepared to come up with your own ideas to get the process started. Utilize your Match Coordinator in this process for activity suggestions.
3. Choose ideas listed on the E-Update. For those of you who aren't familiar, this is a bi-weekly newsletter that your Match Coordinator emails to you providing community events and activity ideas. If you're not receiving the E-Update, please let your Match Coordinator know!
4. Drive or walk around the community and show your Little what opportunities are available.
5. Take turns, depending on the age of your Little (the older the better for this tip), discuss during your match visits how you would like he/she to have more say in determining how you'll spend your time together. Alternate visit by visit and take turns deciding what to do.
*Remember to set boundaries around money spending
6. Utilize the Resource Room located in the Big Brothers Big Sisters office. Bring your Little along to choose an item to check out or check out several items yourself and let your Little decide during your visit.
*Remember, the Resource Room can be made available to you after office hours if necessary
Developing a friendship is not always easy, but hard work does pay off! Continue to remain consistent with your visits and praise your Littles as they begin to gain a sense of empowerment throughout this process!
Friday, November 15, 2013
October Matches and November Anniversaries
Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in October:
Alexandria McNamee and Ryan
Karen Schmitt and Anna
CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of November:
One Year:
Emily Rogers and Jamilei
Laura Cross and Keeasia
Lydia Sink and Madison
Ashley Shaw and Trevor
Blakely Gardner and Nadine
Stephanie Ehlers and Serenity
Kelly Brown and Colton
Jenny Hagarty and Sarah
Margaret Delaney and Kamarion
Eric Johnson and Mondre
Michael Moorhead and Dante
Marcie Sharp and Jazmyn
Two Years:
Justin Tolan and Zion
Caitlin Bielenberg and Kylee
Lisa Frank and Elizabeth
Tom Taiber and Caleb
Karelyn Pohl and Alyssa
Cory Berkenes and Grant
Grace Rogers and Chalea
Three Years:
Vern Byl and Michael
Five Years:
Dave Vandeventer and Aaron
Six Years:
Mary Ann Hinders and Veronica
Ruth Mick and Jayden
Ellen Vanderloo and Nashalet
Seven Years:
Dewitt Jones and Todd
Eight Years:
Erick Mandt and Tom
Alexandria McNamee and Ryan
Karen Schmitt and Anna
CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of November:
One Year:
Emily Rogers and Jamilei
Laura Cross and Keeasia
Lydia Sink and Madison
Ashley Shaw and Trevor
Blakely Gardner and Nadine
Stephanie Ehlers and Serenity
Kelly Brown and Colton
Jenny Hagarty and Sarah
Margaret Delaney and Kamarion
Eric Johnson and Mondre
Michael Moorhead and Dante
Marcie Sharp and Jazmyn
Two Years:
Justin Tolan and Zion
Caitlin Bielenberg and Kylee
Lisa Frank and Elizabeth
Tom Taiber and Caleb
Karelyn Pohl and Alyssa
Cory Berkenes and Grant
Grace Rogers and Chalea
Three Years:
Vern Byl and Michael
Five Years:
Dave Vandeventer and Aaron
Six Years:
Mary Ann Hinders and Veronica
Ruth Mick and Jayden
Ellen Vanderloo and Nashalet
Seven Years:
Dewitt Jones and Todd
Eight Years:
Erick Mandt and Tom
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