Match Spotlight: Adam and Martez

Adam and Martez have been matched since June, 2012.  They meet every Thursday and do a variety of different activities during their time together, from ice skating to running errands.  Believe it or not, one of Martez’s favorite visits was when he and Adam went to Menards together!

Martez's mother suffers from illness and limited mobility which prevents her from doing many activities so she wanted Martez to become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters so that he could experience new activities in the community and have a positive male role model to spend 1 to 1 time with and do "boy things."  Martez's mother has been very pleased with this match.  She reports that Martez has become more polite and benefits from getting to spend alone time away from his siblings.

Adam became involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as he is aware of the need for mentors in the area.  When asked how he feels about his match Adam stated, “I enjoy it; he is a great kid to be around.”  Adam’s favorite part of being matched is watching Martez light up when he receives praise and accomplishes small victories.

Adam and Martez are an excellent example of what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about. They have created a friendship through consistent visits and fun, yet simple, activities that will last years!

Wordless Wednesday: End of the School Year Party (Bremer County Matches)

Thank you to the Waverly Community Fund for making this year's party a success!

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:

• 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

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

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!