August Match Spotlight: Jazmyn & Marcie

Jazmyn's mom came to Big Brothers Big Sisters because she felt Jazmyn needed more positive encouragement and stability in her life.  Jazmyn was struggling in school and didn't have the resources that she needed to better herself in this area.  Marcie came into her life in the fall of 2012 and from then on Jazmyn has had a supportive friend that is there whenever she needs it.

Jazmyn and Marcie are in the School Based program, visiting weekly throughout the school year.  During their time together, Marcie helps with various homework assignments by making learning fun.  Jazmyn is thankful for this and noted that she always does better when she studies with Marcie.  They also spend time discussing friends, family and responsibilities.  Jazmyn always tells agency staff that she loves having Marcie to talk to because she knows that she will give good advice and will be there to listen.

Going into their third school year, Jazmyn is now in Middle School.  At the end of last year, Jazmyn told agency staff that she is not nervous about going into Middle School because her Big Sister will be visiting her there.  Having a stable friend in her life has boosted Jazmyn's 
self-confidence and has given her a more positive outlook on life.

Marcie has discussed with agency staff how much enjoyment she has had in listening to Jazmyn's insight on different aspects of life and getting to know her as an individual.  Marcie feels that Jazmyn has progressed greatly in some areas and hopes that she continues on this positive path into the future.

Help Children Soar!

Another school year is almost underway and we need YOU!  Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to ask you to consider mentoring a child in either the Community Based or School Based program and help kids soar in our community!

For as little as one hour a week you can make a difference and start something BIG! In the School Based program, Bigs and Littles meet once a week during the school year at the child's school.  Typically, Bigs and Littles enjoy spending time together playing board games, hanging out in the gym or playground, reading a book, assisting with school work and share in conversation filled with laughter.

The Community Based program takes place outside of school hours and can be flexible with Bigs and Littles meeting during the evening and weekends.  Spend time with a child out in the community exploring city parks, events, museums, athletic events and so much more!  Bigs and Littles in this program meet at least twice a month ranging from 6-10 hours each month.

Both programs require an 18 month commitment to ensure a long lasting relationship.  For more information on how you can become a Big, please visit our website at www.iowabigs.org or call 319-235-9397.

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa today and change a child's life for the better, forever!

July Matches and August Anniversaries

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

Melissa Pakala and MaKaylee
Scott Parsons and Evin
Tiffany Waller and Samantha


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

Two Years:
Matt Kiser and Jared

Three Years:
Michael Petersen and Logan

Five Years:
Pam Taylor and DaQuevian