The BIG Blog

Tips for Thursday: Your Role as a Big

2012-03-01T08:40:00.000-06:00

Being a Big, you are an important role model for your Little, and at times you may wear many hats. One of the most beneficial aspects to your role is modeling positive behavior. As mentioned in our February E-Update, we would like to provide you with more information on how you can model positive behavior in the areas of:

support empowerment

values

constructive time usage

social competencies boundaries

positive identity

Click here to view the worksheet and instructions on how to model the behaviors listed above.

Match Spotlight: Courtney and Jachise

2012-02-24T09:12:00.002-06:00

Friends from the Start

In October 2011, Jachise met her Big Sister, Courtney, for the first time. Typically, a friendship can take months even years to build but this match clicked from day one. Jachise first discovered Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) when her cousin was matched with a Big Sister. Jachise's mother told BBBS when she enrolled her daughter into the program that Jachise had been asking to get a Big Sister for quite awhile. Jachise's mother finally agreed and felt it wouldn't be a bad idea to give Jachise another adult to confide in outside of their family unit. While at the same time, Courtney applied to become a Big Sister because she thought it would be nice to be someone's Big Sister for a change as she is the youngest in her family.

Jachise and Courtney were matched and, although is has only been a few months, have been working their way toward a long lasting friendship. They get together regularly each month sharing in laughter and smiles every visit. Jachise has not stopped talking about her Big Sister since the day they met! With Courtney being a student at the University of Northern Iowa, they have spent most of their time exploring the UNI world from sporting events to eating meals together at the dining center. Courtney and Jachise participate in BBBS events with other matches, visit the library and listen to music together. Jachise is still surprised that they like the same music!

Jachise's mother feels this match is wonderful and a perfect fit for her daughter stating, "Courtney is the bomb!" Just recently, Jachise has made improvements in her grades and looks forward to the year ahead with her Big Sister. Let the laughter continue...

Wordless Wednesday: National Mentoring Month

2012-02-22T14:04:00.000-06:00

On January 14, in celebration of National Mentoring Month, the good folks at Home Depot sponsored a building workshop and store tour for all Big Brothers Big Sisters matches.

**Special thanks to Gabriel Nunez and the entire Home Depot Team**

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The National Mentoring Month festivities continued on February 11 when the Waverly Palace Theater featured a morning movie showing of Beauty and the Beast and Journey 2. Matches were able to choose between the two movies and sport their 3D glasses!

**Special thanks to Brandon Zelle at the Waverly Palace Theater and the Waverly Community Fund for funding this event**

Bowl For Kids' Sake 2012

2012-02-17T11:53:00.000-06:00

Bowla strike. Make an impact.

Tell Your Friends


Form A Team

Join Us For Costume Night


How About A Friendly Competition With Coworkers?

Spend Your Friday Night Bowling For A Good Cause

Win Sweet Prizes

Not a Professional Bowler? No Problem!


It's All About Having FUN!!

So Form a Bowl For Kids' Sake Team Today and Be the Change You Want to See in Your Community

To Register Your Team Visit the Website Below for Waterloo or Waverly

Cadillac Lanes - Waterloo, IA Waverly Bowl Inn - Waverly, IA

March 8th or 9th March 14th or 18th
www.iowabigs.org/bfks www.iowabigs.org/bremerbfks

January Matches and February Anniversaries

2012-02-07T12:03:00.000-06:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matchesmade in January:

Karen Ott and Adriana
Allissa Knudsen and Shakiya

CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary in the month of February:

One Year:

Rachel Zylstra and Hailey

Dan McKenzie and Darin

Two Years:

Paige Muilenburg and Alexander

Jenna Miller & Kylie Ingvall and MarQuavian

Jennifer Pothast and Kelsey

Savannah Pike and Carlie

Mary Hatala and Kieran

Three Years:

Whitney Mitvalsky and Raelynn

Laura Duitsman and Bradly

Mary Widmer and Aaron

Julia Haverdink and Cheyenne

Four Years:

William Straka and Jerrod

Chuck Lindaman and Wyatt

Ellen Vanderloo and Nashalet

Five Years:

Sharon Miller and Renata

Maribeth Boelts and Makaila

Mentoring Works, Here's the Proof:

2012-01-31T10:16:00.001-06:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America announced the Youth Outcomes Report during the second annual National Mentoring Summit last month. The groundbreaking report shows statistically significant improvements nationwide for youth enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. This evaluation targets three outcome areas: educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors and emotional competency. Progress in the areas listed above have been linked to increased high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa has been conducting the Youth Outcomes Survey with children served locally since the report was released in 2009. The proof is in the numbers that mentoring does work. Both Community Based and School Based programs have demonstrated improvements in the following areas:

- 74% arethinking about their future with plans to finish high

school and attend college

- 68% have had a reduction in their unexcusedabsences

- 85% have shown improvement in the areas ofcompetence,
confidence and levels of caring

Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to operate under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. By partnering with community volunteers, parents, schools and local businesses, we are positively empowering our youth for a better tomorrow.

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Bremer County: Community Based Big of the Year 2012

2012-01-25T14:59:00.000-06:00

Shari began her match with herLittle Sister, Chelsey, July 7, 2008, the year of the floods in Waverly. Chelsey and her family had just lost theirhome to the flood and it took some time to relocate Chelsey and herfamily. Shari was very patient duringthe process. Chelsey and Shari bondedimmediately. Shari and Chelsey attendalmost every Big Brothers Big Sisters sponsored event and have raised money for Bowl For Kids’ Saketoo! Shari and Chelsey have gotten togetherevery week for the last 3 ½ years. Theywill generally go to Shari’s home and do crafts, play games, and makesupper. Chelsey knew that by having a Big Sister she always had someone totalk to when she was struggling with school and friends .

When asked how Chelsey would describe Shari,Chelsey said that "Shari is a fun loving person that has nothing to say but goodthings." Chelsey’s Mom is thankful forsuch a wonderful match and feels like they will be together forever.

Congratulations Shari, you are have stood by Chelsey's side through it all! Being a positive and fun person to your Little Sister is what westrive for at Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Bremer County: School Based Big of the Year

2012-01-20T10:45:00.001-06:00

Abby began her match with her LittleSister, Zoe, in March 25, 2009 at Irving Elementary in Waverly. Abby and Zoe have a very strong connection, sostrong that in January 2010 they transferred their match to the School BasedPlus program. Abby still meets withZoe once a week at school and also once a month outside of school. At school, Abby and Zoe work on schoolworkand enjoy talking and catching up with one another. When seeing each other outside of school,Abby has taken Zoe to her parent’s home, made cookies, gone to movies, attendedBig Brothers Big Sisters' events and just hung out. Abby willbe graduating from Wartburg College this May and is planning on keeping intouch with Zoe the old fashion way by writing letters. Abby has seen Zoe’s self confidence growthese last three years. When asked what isZoe’s favorite part about being matched with Abby, Zoe says that "Abby is funny, a good listener,outgoing and awesome!" Abby is excited about Zoe being in HighSchool next year and still being able to be a part of her life.

Congratulations Abby!

Wordless Wednesday: 2011 Recap

2012-01-18T14:09:00.001-06:00

National Mentoring Month: Ice Skating

Exploration Series: KWWL Tour

End of School Year Party: Phelps Youth Pavilion

Waiting List Party: UNI WRC

Exploration Series: Camp Old Navy

Exploration Series: Big Dream Gathering

Halloween Party

Bring Your Little to Work Day

Mayor Volunteer Award: Donna Brown


Holiday Party

Holiday Party

Black Hawk: Community Based Big of the Year 2012

2012-01-13T09:24:00.000-06:00

Maggie Burger began her match with her Little SisterAdriana, in March of 2006. The match began meeting at Irving Elementary schoolas part of the School Based program. Maggie and Adriana immediately created abond, that has now lasted almost 6 years. The course of their match has taken them from the School Based program to now, the Community Based program, where Maggie and Adriana spend time outside of school. Maggie has grownclose to Adriana’s family as well, attending birthday parties and familygatherings. Even though Adriana’s family moved to New Hartford last spring, this didn't stop the match between Maggie and Adriana. Maggie continues to see Adriana several times per month.

The match now spends time in Dike and New Hartford,where Maggie has helped Adriana explore her new community and try out newrestaurants and stores in town. Maggie also brings Adriana back to herhome in Waterloo as well, where Maggie has taught Adriana a lot about cookingand baking. They regularly plan and cook meals together.

With Maggie's consistency and support, Adriana has flourished. She has become involvedin music and chorus, is taking a Spanish class for the first time, and hassocially adjusted well. Adriana thanks Maggie for being a part of her life,stating that meeting Maggie “has been the experience of a lifetime. I would saythat she is my best friend and that I thank her for all of her work.”

Adriana’s mom agrees: "Maggie goes above and beyond what she's supposed to do. Shehas stuck with Adriana for a lot of years even when we moved. Adriana hasreally come out of her shell, mostly because of Maggie. Adriana thinks ofMaggie as more of a friend than a Big Sister. She has done a really good jobwith Adriana and she really looks forward to spending time with Maggie. Adriana isgetting involved with stuff, doing great at school, and making friends.”

Congratulations Maggie, you truly illustrate our mission ofproviding Adriana with a consistent, supportive, and encouraging adult. Thankyou for all of your hard work and commitment to Adriana and Big Brothers Big Sisters!

Big Brothers Big Sisters in the News

2012-01-11T09:26:00.003-06:00

During the month of January, we take time to celebrate National Mentoring Month. Check out the articles and news coverage listed below to learn more about how local Bigs are changing how children grow up in our community.

Click here to learn more about Michael and Julian's match

Click here to discover the impact mentoring has had on Little Brother, De'Angleo and Big Brother, Jim

Click here to meet Ben, an adult Little. Ben experienced the power of mentoring as a child and is paying it forward now by being a Big Brother to Daniel.

Black Hawk: School Based Big of the Year 2012

2012-01-06T12:02:00.000-06:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to honor Mary Nadeau as the School Based Big of the Year for Black Hawk County!

Mary began her match with her Little Brother, Jonathon in November of 2009 at Lincoln Elementary in Waterloo. The match has been going strong ever since! Mary has consistently met with Jonathon every week during the school year. Though Jonathon is shy, Mary has gained his friendship and trust over their years together. She has fun during their weekly visits and accepts Jonathon for who he is. This match can often be found laughing together, building projects, and playing games. Mary is there for Jonathon to talk to if he wants to open up and helps him with his school work from time to time.

Former Family Support Worker, Joyce Kohn states, "Mary is really nice and takes a deep interest in Jonathon. She is observant and has let me know when there are needs he may have. I can really tell how much Jonathon enjoys his time with Mary. They seem to have a real nice time together and a real connection."

Mary truly exemplifies what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about - providing a positive, dependable, adult role model and friend to a child.
Congratulations Mary - you deserve it!

Stay tuned as we honor the Community Based Big of the Year for Black Hawk County next week...

December Matches and January Anniversaries

2012-01-04T09:23:00.001-06:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matchesmade in December:

Nanette Kane and Mo'randa
Loras Kurt and Matthew
Hannah Laucamp and Seara
Todd Kerr and Ben
Kelsie Friichtenicht and Diamond

We welcome each and everyone of you and look forward to the year ahead!!

______________________________________________________________________

CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary in the month of January:

One Year
Michael Lujan and Julian
Tim Hurley and Damonte
Emily Bosman and Destiny
Eryn Utterback and LaVada
Danielle Firkins and Adriana
Dave Becker and Connor

Two Years
John Justice and Cory
Abby Johnson and Zoe
Samantha Banser and Caitlyn
Eddie Wichman and Mike
Alicia Moisa and Breann
Barbara Lutz and Hannah
Kristin Vowell and Faith
Melissa Mueller and Taylor

Three Years
Katie Bjerke and Jasmine

Five Years
Judi Faas and Madison

Six Years
Brad Hagen and Jibri

Still going strong after all these years - keep it up Bigs!!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-21T14:53:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday: Holiday Party Continued

2011-12-14T11:49:00.003-06:00

Tips for Tuesday: Bullying Prevention

2011-12-13T16:33:00.000-06:00

The following resource was provided by the Waterloo School District during our latest Education Task Team meeting. While it is geared for parents, we feel our Bigs can benefit from learning more about what bullying is, warning signs and how to help.

Click here to view this resource

Did you know that the Waterloo School District has a bullying hotline? Contact 319-433-2081 to report concerns, available 24/7.

Wordless Wednesday: Holiday Party

2011-12-07T14:09:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to John Deere WomenREACH for coordinating and sponsoring this fun-filled afternoon!!

THANK YOU JOHN DEERE WOMENREACH!!

Stay tuned for more pictures....

Exploring Your Role as a Big

2011-12-06T14:25:00.001-06:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters recently took part in a training that focused on building mentoring relationships with evidence based activities. Thanks to Friends for Youth Mentoring Institute, we would like to provide the following image to help you explore your role as a Big.

Whether you are just starting your role as a Big, or have been establishing your relationship with your Little for several years, the most effective relationship is one that follows the graph below starting on the left and working its way, throughout time, to the right.

November Matches and December Anniversaries

2011-12-01T14:16:00.001-06:00

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

Justin Tolan and Zion

Emily Brodie and Bella

Amy Grell and Hailey
Kristin Knobloch and Cassandra
Caitlin Bielenberg and Kylee
Morgan Gascho and Heaven
Lisa Frank and Elizabeth
Heather Rekers and Hailey
Whitney Ohmstede and Lyric
Chris Fischer and Nolan
Kasey Balvanz and Makayla
Kelsey Hood and Etoh
Candace Roberts and Saphire
Tom Taiber and Caleb
Scott Durscher and Nick
Jake Hommer and Tayvon
Robin Evans and Courtney
Wyatt Musch and Myles
Karelyn Pohl and Alyssa
Chelsea Marzen and Aubrey
Sam Castro and Angel
Cory Berkenes and Grant
Grace Wellman and Chalea

WOW 23 new matches for the month of November. We welcome each and everyone of you and look forward to the year ahead!!

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CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary in the month ofDecember:

One Year
Katie Squier and Maddy
Lindsey Ernst and Alisha
Ashley Wolter and Tony
Amanda Anderson and Makenna

Two Years
Boi-Lam Hong and Dylan
Brittany Boehnke and Natalie
Ruth Schluter and Emily
Molly Bolt and Baylee

Three Years
Sean Hylton and DeQuonterio
Carol Houk and Trinity

Five Years
David Buck and Malik

Still going strong after all these years - keep it up Bigs!!

What Big Brothers Big Sisters Is Thankful For

2011-11-22T13:03:00.001-06:00

With the changing of the seasons we reflect upon the change we make in our community. None of which would be possible without you! Each time a person donates their time or money to Big Brothers Big Sisters they Start Something BIG in the life of a child. This Thanksgiving, we're thankful for you - helping us Start Something for children in our community!

With the help of your time and support, our Littles have improved in the following areas:
*72% in academic performance
*84% showed more self-confidence
*63% improved their attitudes toward school

THANK YOU for your contribution to brighter futures and a stronger community for all. Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Cold Outside...Now What?

2011-11-18T15:33:00.001-06:00

A question was brought up today about what to do with your Little now thatwinter is around the corner. The colder weather can be difficult to planaround so we have gathered up some great ideas and hope you find this winterseason to be full of good times and laughter with your Little. Stay warmand enjoy!

Bake holiday goodies

Create holiday cards

Volunteer with your Little - several matches volunteer at the Humane Society

*visit www.vccv.org for more information on volunteer opportunities in theCedar Valley

Make a calendar for the new year

Talk about New Year’s Resolutions and create your own

Visit the library and take turns reading to one another

Build a snowman or snow sculpture

Start a journal together for the New Year

Drive around and look at all the holiday lights and decorations

Play a board game – a variety of games are available at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office

Drink hot chocolate

Go to a sporting event at your Little’s school

Celebrate National Mentoring Month with Big Brothers Big Sisters - invitations to follow

Snowshoe at Harman Reserve

Use your Big Card Discounts

Go bowling – first game is free at either Maple Lanes or Valley Park Lanes when you use your Big Card

Window shop

Visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Resource Room

Paint your nails at your home

Watch football and include your Little in your fantasy football team

Visit local museums – use your Key Card for FREE admission

Check out the Big Brothers Big Sisters website with your Little – www.iowabigs.org

Visit the library and research what happened on the day and year you were born

Go sledding

Talk about the future and research different colleges and job opportunities

Paint the snow with water and food coloring

Visit the library and research different holidays for all cultures

Go to the W on the Wartburg Campus in Waverly

Ice Skate

Write letters to the servicemen and women abroad

Attend Wartburg athletic events free of charge – tickets available at the Waverly office

Scoop your neighbor’s driveway

Learn something new, for example, Crazy Girl Yarn Shop on Main Street in Cedar Falls provides free knitting lessons

Contact the local nursing homes and senior living centers to volunteer and play cards with the residents

Have any ideas you would liketo add to this list - please comment below!

Wordless Wednesday : Spooks and Spokes

2011-11-09T09:30:00.001-06:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters first ever Halloween bike ride took place on Oct 15th. Spooks and Spokes was a great success and we thank all of you who supported this spooktacular event.

To find out more information about how you can support Big Brothers Big Sisters visit www.iowabigs.org

Q and A Big Panel Discussion

2011-11-08T11:38:00.001-06:00

The last three questions are listed below from our Big Panel Discussion. Have another question or topic you would like to discuss with our panel? Please comment below...

Question 7: How do you handle situations when your Littleasks you to go out to eat or asks you to buy him/her things? What is yourresponse?

BB – Erick: I joke about it with him and tell him he has to wait untilChristmas/birthday. Sometimes I do bringhim stuff anyway when he doesn’t expect it.

BS – Jen: When we hang out it is usually supper time, so sometimes we get a sub orsomething. My Little doesn’t ask me tobuy things for her. I try not to spendmuch money on her, sometimes we will get a treat but other times we just hangout.

BS – Mary: The first day we met, my Little asked if we could go out to eat. While we do not go out to eat often, we willoccasionally depending on when we get together. I try to spend time with her outside of meal times and will let her momknow if I’ll have her back for dinner or if she’ll need to eat at home beforewe get together. We actually wentshopping a few weeks ago to pick up a few items for a recipe we were makingtogether. While driving to the store Iasked my Little to help make a list of the things we needed. I wasn’t sure how our time would go in thestore and felt the list really helped. My Little asked me to buy her things several times in the store and eachtime I would ask her if it was on our list. She would look and then say no, and we would go on our way. I’m not sure if this will work every time,but I think it helped keep her focus.

There willalso be times when she will ask to do certain activities that might be morethan I would like to spend at the time and I tell her that her idea is a goodone and that activity is something we can think about doing for a specialday/occasion. My Little will usually say“I don’t care” when I ask her what we should do together so when I give heroptions I make sure the options are low cost or even free activities we can dotogether to help with this as well.

Question 8: Have you used the resources provided by BBBS,such as the resource room, activity totes at schools, BIG Card, and KeyCard? If so, what do you like aboutthem?

BB – Erick: No, we have not

BS – Jen: We have used the BIG card at acouple of places. Most recently, we wentto Texas Roadhouse and my Little’s meal was free! Yahoo!! I have not used the resource room but I am grateful for the BIG card –love having those discounts!

BS – Mary: YES – we love the resource room and check out items whenever wecan. For my Little, this really helpsher decide what we should do together and helps keep the money spending to aminimum for me. We have used the BIGcard and plan to use the Key Card more this winter to visit museums and attendplays. We enjoy the activities hosted byBBBS as well and attend as many as we can.

Question 9: Any other words of advice for Bigs?

BB – Erick: Stick with it! It does take sometime to develop the friendship, trust and open communication.

BS – Mary: I would say keep the time you spend together simple and have fun! Focus on spending quality time with yourLittle. You can incorporate your Littleinto your daily life/errands as well. For example, this summer I had a few wedding gifts to purchase and Ithought my Little might be interested in coming along. She had never seen a registry before or theidea behind it and we ended up making a game out of it; who could find theaisle first or the item first, etc. MyLittle even gave her input on what gift would be best to purchase and got alesson in math all at the same time. Sosomething as simple as running an errand can turn into an afternoon offun. Just keep up the consistency andcontact BBBS if you ever run into a problem – they have been very helpful in mymatch so far!

Q and A Big Panel Continued...

2011-11-07T09:44:00.000-06:00

Half way through our panel discussion. Here are two more questions and answers for you on this Monday morning. Enjoy the week everyone!

Question 5: What do you do to celebrate birthdays andholidays? Do you give a gift?

BB – Erick: I bring cards, gifts and candy for birthdays and holidays.

BS – Jen: My Little Sister’s birthday is a couple days before Christmas so Iusually get her a couple of smaller items such as lotion from Bath and BodyWorks, a $5 gift card to Starbucks, or maybe some fun socks or something likethat. I gave her an ornament as wellthat reminded her of our time together.

BS – Mary: We have not experienced the holidays together yet, but my Little had herbirthday a few weeks after our match meeting. Since we had just met a few weeks ago, I thought it would be best tosend a nice card in the mail wishing her a happy birthday. Next year, I may do something more but feltthat was the most appropriate at the time. For the holidays, I might get together and do something more special,such as Pursuing Picasso or Bead Happy. My Little has been asking to do pottery so the holidays might be morefitting to do this type of activity together. As far as gift giving, I know my Little likes to shop so I might giveher a gift card to her favorite store and we could go shopping together so shecan use the card or buy her a new book since she has expressed an interest inreading.

Question 6: What is the biggest improvement you have seenwith your Little?

BB – Erick: Improved skills in all areas of school – reading, writing, math, etc

BS – Mary: With the new school year, I have seen a change in my Little’s feelingstoward school and friendships. Last yearshe had troubles with a few classmates and now moving into middle school shehas already made new friendships and has a more positive outlook onschool. I was hesitant with how middleschool would be for her, but am happy to hear her response every time when Iask her about school and classmates. Iplan to continue to talk to her about school and help boost her self-confidenceby encouraging her to follow her interests and give her more of a voice.

Q and A Big Panel Continued...

2011-11-04T09:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone! Here are two more questions from our panel discussion:

Question 3: What are your favorite activities to doduring the winter months?

BB – Erick: Same as above (question 2 posted on 11/3/11)

BS – Jen: We went sledding one time and had lots of fun until we froze! We went ice skating once at the BBBS outingand that was fun. My Little had to holdmy hand because I was a bit unsteady and didn’t want to fall.

BS – Mary: This will be our first winter together so I’m not entirely sure whatwe’ll do, but we have talked about visiting the different museums in thearea. When we were first matched, Ireceived the BIG Card and the Key Card which will get us into the local museumsat a discounted price which is helpful. My Little has taken an interest in reading as well so we will visit thelibrary and participate in the library events when we can. I noticed the BBBS office also has movies tocheck out so I’m sure we will spend time watching movies and bakingtogether.

Question 4: What is your favorite memory or favoriteouting?

BB – Erick: One time I got to go to the gym with my Little Brother’s whole class acouple of years ago because they had done well on an assignment. We played a bunch of games in the gym. I also enjoyed the paper airplane flyingcontests with him.

BS – Jen: We made shirts one time and drew/wrote on them. It was about what we have done since we havebeen matched. That was fun! Otherwise sledding was fun, the Halloweenparty put on by BBBS and the scavenger hunt at the mall was fun too.

BS – Mary: The favorite memory I have so far would be the outing we had at PalmerFamily Center. We used the BIG card andwent mini golfing, go carting and jumped on the bouncy pillow. All at a discounted price! We had a great time and had many laughs as wetried to pass each other on the go carts. I would also say a favorite would be when we play board games togetherand attend BBBS events with other matches.

Q & A Big Panel Discussion

2011-11-03T09:46:00.001-05:00

As wementioned yesterday, we would like to use a portion of this blog to furthereducate our Bigs. Why not get startedright away by presenting the information we gathered during our Q and A panelwith seasoned Bigs. Unfortunately, wecould not hold this training in person, but have no fear, the information ishere!

We asked atotal of nine questions to our panel of Bigs from the School Based andCommunity Based programs. Each day wewill post two questions and the responses we received. If you have any comments or questions youwould like to ask our panel please let us know!

Question 1: What has been your biggest struggle with yourmatch? How did you handle this?

BB – Erick: Getting my Little Brother to open up about personal/family stuff and howhe is doing with school. I just kept talkingto him and asking questions without being too pushy. I developed a friendship and trust.

BS – Jen: I think our biggest struggle is finding time to hang out. My Little Sister has many activities, sports,etc she is involved in. She also spendsevery other weekend at her dad’s house. I try to be patient with her and flexible with her schedule. I think we get along great so it is nice tohave a friend. I think it is good she isinvolved in a lot, she is well rounded.

BS – Mary: I cannot say I have had a big struggle at this point in my match. However, I have learned to plan as much inadvance as possible on my end to be sure I find the time to meet with my LittleSister on a regular basis.

Question 2: What is your favorite thing to do on yourvisits?

BB – Erick: Play games – cards, dominoes, board games, games on the iPad.

BS – Mary: My Little loves to do crafts so we find some crafty thing to do togetheroften. We love going to the Big BrothersBig Sisters (BBBS) office and picking out items in their resource room aswell. This past summer we would checkout games and craft items and then head to a park to play the games or puttogether the crafts. It was a greatway to get outdoors.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

Halloween Party, Oct. 18, 2011
Many thanks to George Wyth State Park, John Deere and Bill and Geri Dix!

Welcome

2011-11-02T10:54:00.000-05:00

WELCOME!

We are soexcited to enter into the blogging world and look forward to the journeyahead. This blog was created as a way tofurther extend our connection with the volunteers we serve and our faithful supporters. So please continue to follow The Big Blog andoffer up your questions and comments along the way. We appreciate your time and dedication to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa – you are changing howchildren in our community grow for the better, forever!