Match Spotlight: Jordan and Colin

Big Brother, Jordan ,has been matched with Little Brother, Colin, since 2011 in the Community Based Program.  Colin says “the match is epic!”  Colin’s mom agrees and states, “I feel that the match between Colin and Jordan has been wonderful for Colin. It is a relationship that Colin will never forget. They have so many things in common and have so much fun together. Colin has had the chance to experience so many things through Big Brothers Big Sisters such as; the airport where Colin got to fly in a plane for the first time, pro football game (Minnesota Vikings), hockey game, and a baseball game; plus they have plans to do laser tag later this summer. These are all things that Colin would not have been able to do any other time and he spent it with his Big Brother.”  Jordan adds that they also do simple things together too such as attending the Waverly Heritage Days parade, attending 

Big Brothers Big Sisters events, throwing a football, playing games, eating ice cream and one of Colin’s favorite, bowling.  Jordan is glad that Colin is always open to new experiences. 

 Since Jordan and Colin’s match, Colin’s mom, Carly, has seen Colin grow into a young man and feels that Jordan has helped lead Colin in the right direction. Carly is excited that Colin has not been getting into trouble at school and says, “It is awesome.”  Colin has also seen a difference in himself since he has been matched with Jordan.  Colin says, “I have been more kind and open to trying new things."   Jordan sees the changes in Colin too and has seen some of Colin’s interests change since they have been matched. 

Jordan became a Big Brother because he was interested in being able to help, he likes being around kids, had a lot of free time, and wanted to make a change in someone’s life; even if it means playing football each week.   

Carly wanted a Big Brother for Colin because he has two sisters and felt he needed someone in his life he can look up to, get help from if he needs it, and just be there for him. Carly feels that Jordan has been a wonderful person in Colin's life and thanks him for everything he does, the time he spends with Colin and just being the Big Brother Colin has always hoped for.

July Matches and August Anniversaries

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

Trent Duniven and Josh
Erica Jacobsen and Kalena
Mark Graf and Antwan
Christi Nebbia and Kiana


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

One Year:
Matt Kiser and Jared

Two Years:
Michael Petersen and Logan
Ben Delagardelle and Daniel

Three Years:
Ben Jones and Darrin

Four Years:
Pam Taylor and DaQuevian

Start Something Big

Get an inside look at what Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa is all about as Bigs, Littles, and Parents share their experiences.

 

                           

 

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa visit www.iowabigs.org

 

 

 

Match Spotlight: Amie and Haley

Nearly three years ago, Haley and Amie were matched in the School Based program.  Haley was in 4^th grade at the time, and they began consistently meeting every week in school.  During this time, they played many games and even created their very own books.  After two and a half years of being matched, they both decided that it was time to expand their relationship and began meeting outside of school. They have enjoyed going to the Humane Society and working in the Community Garden, amongst many other things.

“I have loved being matched with Haley because we are alike in a lot of ways. She's fun to talk to and we think of a lot of fun stuff to do together,” stated Amie about their time spent together. When asked how Amie feels Haley has changed in the past few years, she responded, “I have noticed her attention span is a bit longer, her mood is great and her teacher says she is doing better in class.”

Haley’s mother also feels that Haley has greatly benefitted from being involved in the program.  “Amie has done wonders with Haley.  Haley has gotten to go out and do so many more things than she otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to do.  We are very thankful that Haley and Amie are matched,” stated Haley’s mom.

Haley will be moving into Junior High this upcoming school year and is happy to have her Big Sister there for her as she takes this next big step. The opportunities for fun are endless in this match and many more memories are bound to come!

 

 

June Matches and July Anniversaries

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

Tenille Graf and DeNay
Andrea Schupbach and Jazmyn


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

One Year:
Chelsi Baker and Cally
Ted Mikels and Cameron
Charles Shumaker, Amanda Higgins and Kyan

Two Years:
Dan Hatala and Rylee
Chris Noland and John
Meghan Winger and Kennedi

Three Years:
Cassy Moorhead and Katahvia

Four Years:
Linda Bergmann and Hannah
Jim Brown and DeAngelo

Five Years:
Shari Anderson and Chelsey
Michelle Temeyer and Dahzhanel

"Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

 

Seven years ago, Little Sister, Shannon, met her Big Sister, Sherry.  The two were paired together in the School Based program and began their relationship meeting every week at Lincoln Elementary.  It didn’t take long for Shannon and Sherry to discover they had more in common than they thought and soon decided to expand their friendship and transferred into the School Based Plus program. This decision allowed them to continue meeting during school hours in addition to meeting outside of school.  Sherry wanted the chance to give Shannon the opportunity to experience new adventures in life such as going to the ballet and community plays.

 

As the years went on, Shannon’s mother, LeAnne, was able to witness the improvement in her daughter’s development.  Shannon felt confident with her Big Sister and found the confidant she’d been seeking.  LeAnne’s decision to enroll her child into Big Brothers Big Sisters was proven correct day after day during each awaited visit as she watched Shannon’s face light up when Sherry arrived.  Through Shannon’s ups and downs, her Big Sister has been by her side.  Shannon feels supported, understood and feels comfortable in her own skin with Sherry.  During their time together, Sherry has allowed Shannon to discover her strengths in creativity and performing.  She has encouraged Shannon to go after her dreams by working on scrapbooks to hold the memories they’ve made, and even recording Shannon’s music and plays she has written over the years.

This match started creating a bond seven years ago that cannot be broken.  Together, they have accomplished what Big Brothers Big Sisters envisions for all mentoring relationships.  One such achievement was celebrated this past month: Shannon’s high school graduation.  Shannon has made great strides in her academic performance and was all smiles receiving her diploma.  From the crowd, you could see her Big Sister, Sherry, beaming as her Little Sister walked across the stage.

Today, Shannon has dreams to become a music therapist and plans to attend Hawkeye Community College in the near future.  Shannon and Sherry’s involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters has officially come to an end, an end that Shannon describes as “bittersweet.”  Program Director, Katie Klein, agrees, “This moment is bittersweet but the absolute best way for it to end.  We will cherish the achievements of this relationship and will sit back and watch Little Sister, Shannon, soar.”



June Anniversaries

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

One Year:
McKenzie Bruch and Haylee
Adam Eich and Martez
Brianna Matthias and Starr
Lindsey McCoy and Sierra
Dana McDougall and De'Vontay
Irina Moye and Dauje
Lindsey Petersen and Zoe
Amber Smit and Mylee

Two Years:
Erin Meeker and Aliyah
Jonathan Wangler and Kelondis

Three Years:
Dave Kane and Elliott

Four Years:
Christy & Dietrich Tice and Joseph