March & April Matches and May Anniversaries

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

Amy Backer and Arianna
Kyleigh Corcoran and Jovanti
Kendra Crawford and FaLeShia
Clayton Grandquist and Devan
Amy Hegstrom and Gabrielle
Jessica Hoag and Tyteria
Dixie & Dennis Kehoe and Devan
Elizabeth Martin and Adriana
Mark McColm and Joey
Aaron Schmadeke and Aiden
Kelly Steimel and Aurora
Sajra Vunic and Maleah
Amber Wood and Annie


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

One Year:
Colby Burt and Keenan
Kailey Kaestner and Hailey
Angela Orr and Stephanie

April Match Spotlight: Quinton and Erin

Erin Bird and Quinton began their journey together in January of 2014.  Erin, a Pastor in the community, wanted to get involved in something that would allow him to give back.  With children of his own, he knew that a large impact can be made working with youth.  Once he found out that there was a need for male mentors in the community, he knew that was what he wanted to do.

Quinton was enrolled in the program due to the lack of positive male role models in his life and the need for a little extra help with his school work.  He lacked in self-confidence and was struggling with being independent and making his own decisions.

The two hit it off immediately, finding similarities that they had and playing games that they both enjoyed.  Most of their time was spent initially playing Mancala, Chutes and Ladders or Four in a Row.  As they played these games, they got to know each other better and laughter started to fill their time.

At the start of the next school year, Quinton’s teacher asked if Erin would help with his journaling assignments each week.  Erin feels that this task has opened Quinton up in so many areas and has really helped further their relationship.

“Without prompting, he’s shared about struggles, questions, hurts, and more. I’ve been able to be a listening ear, a consistent friend, and a mentor to guide him and encourage him through the good moments and heart-breaking moments. I can tell it means a lot to him that an adult thinks he’s cool, wants to spend time with him, and will enter his world for 30 minutes each week,” stated Erin.

If you ask Quinton what his thoughts are on having Erin as a Big Brother, it’s pretty simple.  His response, “Erin is PERFECT!”  Quinton thoroughly enjoys every moment that he is with his Big and looks forward to it every week.

Erin compares his time with Quinton to a bank account.  Investing 30 minutes each week isn’t a lot at one time but can make a huge difference as it adds up.  Erin encourages others to get involved in the program and make these small investments in the youth of our community.  “If a simple, average guy like me can do this, anyone with a positive attitude and a desire to help others can do this. It’s well worth the 30-minutes a week it costs me.  It is amazing what a smile, a game, and a half-hour can do in the life of a kid”.