Monday, December 22, 2014

Happy Holidays!



Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa Office Hours:

Waterloo location: closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1

Waverly location: closed Dec. 24 at 12:00pm - Dec. 26 and Jan. 1



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

December Match Spotlight: Kailey and Hailey

Kailey Kaestner was matched with her Little Sister, Hailey, in May of 2014.  “It was an instant connection of interests and personality from the beginning,” stated Hailey’s mom. Since May, Kailey has made it a priority to visit at least every other week, participating in a variety of activities from pottery to goofy golfing and everything in between.

“I could not have picked a better person for Hailey.  She is always counting down the days until she gets to see Kailey again and enjoys having her own relationship outside of the family,” says Hailey’s mom.

Kailey’s consistency and commitment does not stop with her relationship with her Little.  As a Wartburg student, she has taken advantage of different speaking engagements to talk about her involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  In the short time that she has been involved, Kailey has referred three volunteers to the program and informed many of her positive experience while being a Big Sister.

“My only regret with this program is not joining it earlier, which is why I try to spread the word for people to join.  If one seven year old can make an impact on my life, I can’t imagine how much joy could be brought to others who get involved.  I am truly grateful for the relationship that Big Brothers Big Sisters has brought to me, and I hope that this relationship lasts a lifetime,” explains Kailey about her desire to spread the word.

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to take the time to thank Kailey for going above and beyond the requirements of the program by telling her story and informing others of the positive impact that they can have on a child.  Because of volunteers like Kailey, we are able to continue to change more children’s lives, for the better, FOREVER.


Friday, December 5, 2014

November Matches and December Anniversaries

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

Christopher Aldrich and Kameron
Carolyn Bollman and LillyAnn
Danielle Hutton and Kaylee
Kali Lasher and Carmyn
Anna Mallen and Elizabeth
Megan Mandersheid and Hannah
Denise Matthias and Erika
Blake Metz and Johanthan
Morgan Streicher and Mary
Nicole Van Otterloo and Ashlynn
Holly Yousse and Adaya


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of December:

One Year:
Barb Carney and Jenna
Alex Rickels and Lenae

Two Years:
Heather Fiato and Sarah

Three Years:
Nanette Kane and Mo'randa

Five Years:
Ruth Schluter and Emily

Six Years:
Sean Hylton and DeQuonterio

Eight Years:
David Buck and Malik



Monday, November 24, 2014

November Match Spotlight: Jim and Damarius


Jim and Damarius first met in September 2008 when Damarius was in 4th grade at Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence.  Jim, being a retired community member, and having a granddaughter as a teacher at Cunningham, thought volunteering his time with Big Brothers Big Sisters would be put to good use in an effort to help a child succeed.

Damarius and Jim were originally paired in the School Based program and would meet at Damarius’ school every week.  Together, they would play board games, go to the computer lab, read together and work on math.  Damarius especially enjoyed the times Jim would bring him McDonald’s!

Fast forward to May 2012, when Jim and Damarius decided to expand their friendship in order to continue seeing each other during the summer break.  Jim approached Big Brothers Big Sisters with the idea of meeting during the school breaks after he received a thank you note from Damarius.  In the note, Damarius mentioned how he didn't like when summer comes around because he likes seeing Jim every week.  Big Brothers Big Sisters made the arrangements with Jim, Damarius and Damarius’ mother to give this match the opportunity to see each other outside of school by transferring the match from School Based to School Based Plus.

Fast forward again to present day.  Jim and Damarius are still chugging along meeting every week in school, as well as frequent visits outside of school.  They continue to focus on Damarius’ homework and education during their visits, but also enjoy grabbing a hamburger together, working on household projects and attending UNI games.  Jim can be found in the bleachers cheering Damarius on at his own athletic events.

Damarius, now a sophomore in high school, values his time with Jim a great deal.  He appreciates the support and guidance he receives from his Big Brother, especially relating to his education.  Jim has taught Damarius several life lessons along the way and continue to fuel Damarius’ interest of cooking by teaching him new recipes and giving him the opportunity to cook during their time together.

Reflecting back on the last six years with Jim, Damarius says the following, “The last few years have been great.  It has really changed my life because right now I wouldn't be doing so good.  I used to always be angry all the time, but then I started smiling more and being happy.  Now I’m happy all the time.”  Damarius looks forward to his future ahead and tells Big Brothers Big Sisters his future will be one that steers away from violence, drugs and other negative factors.  Damarius believes that with his Big Brother by his side, anything is possible.



Tuesday, November 11, 2014

October Matches and November Anniversaries

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

Jessica Gist and Bella
Tim Halbur and Nathan
Amber Kopecky and Stephanie
Cara Luchtefeld and Riley
Elena Lushine and Any'Jah
Toby Maggert and Skylar
Amanda Osborn and Saniah
Leslie Pech and Annalisa
Jill Prentice and Mylee
Joshua Samec and Ethan
Darlene Schaaf and Isabella
Carrie Schultz and Cohel
John Theobald and Levi


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of November:

One Year:
Nathan Buchheit and Kadin
Jordan Higgins and Maya
Angela Richards and Kaytlyn
Ali Sheahan and Syncere
Lauren Twait and Brooklyn
Kayla Weber and Za'ah

Two Years:
Kelly Brown and Colton
Margaret Delaney and Kamarion
Stephanie Ehlers and Serenity
Eric Johnson and Mondre
Emily Rogers and Jamilei
Marcie Sharp and Jazmyn
Lydia Sink and Madison

Three Years:
Caitlin Bielenberg and Kylee
Karelyn Pohl and Alyssa
Grace Rogers and Chalea
Tom Taiber and Caleb

Four Years:
Vern Byl and Michael

Seven Years:
Mary Ann Hinders and Veronica
Ruth Mick and Jayden
Ellen Vanderloo and Nashalet

Nine Years:
Erick Mandt and Tom

Ten Years:
Tim Hurley and Damonte



Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Halloween Party Pics!

This year's Halloween party was hosted by the UNI Multi-Cultural Teaching Alliance student organization.  Big thanks to all the group members for coordinating the party activities which included a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, mummy wrap, mystery bowls and pumpkin decorating!

The Bigs and Littles had a great time dressing up in costumes and interacting with one another!  Take a look at some of the great ghosts, witches and goblins in attendance...

























Thursday, October 30, 2014

Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers raises nearly $7,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters!

Beautiful weather was certainly in favor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa and the nearly 300 children served by the organization this month. Saturday, October 11, 2014 marked the 4th annual Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers Halloween bike ride and powder fun run for the organization. The event collected nearly $7,000 for the nonprofit.

Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers featured a trick-or-treat style bike ride as well as a powder fun run/walk suitable for all ages. Participants ranged from those pushed in strollers to competitive runners and bikers from near and far. Following the ride and run, participants enjoyed food and fun all at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls.

Check out a few pictures from the event and we hope to see you all again in 2015!!















































*photos courtesy of James Brown, Jr.*