Attention: This will be our last Blog post! As our agency continues to transition, we will be switching to other forms of communication and will no longer utilize this Blog. Click here to visit our webpage to receive updates and news by subscribing to our Newsletter.



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

One Year:
Danielle West and John-Michael

Four Years:
Ashley Coleman and Lacey
Scott Kinter and Ivan
Monica Severson and Amity


Five Years:
Amie Steffeneicher and Haley 

July Matches and August Anniversaries

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

Sarah Hannes and Za'mauri
Nathan Johnston and Kurt
Dennis McNamara and Dakota


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

One Year:
Emily Kachulis and Ayreka

Two Years:
Matt Kiser and Jared

Three Years:
Michael Petersen and Logan

Six Years:
Pam Taylor and DaQuevian

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Catch up on all the latest news and events in the Summer Newsletter. 

View Newsletter >

June Matches and July Anniversaries

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

Mija Bean and Helenjean
Maria Biddick and Samantha
Taylor Bovenmyer and Sadie
Emily Buckholtz and Lauryn
Katie Callahan and Nevaeh
Becki Davis and Brianna
Tracy Hemann and John
Josh Houser and Justin
Shawn Leavens and Tayvon
Cameron Stewart and Damir
Kyle Verner and Damarion


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

One Year:
Melissa Pakala and MaKaylee
Scott Parsons and Evin

Two Years:
Trent Duniven and Josh
Mark Graf and Antwan
Erica Jacobsen and Kalena

July Match Spotlight: Any'Jah and Elena

Any’Jah met her Big Sister, Elena in October, 2014. Although this is a fairly new match, they are already on their way toward a lasting friendship.  Big Sister, Elena was first introduced to Big Brothers Big Sisters through extended family members and friends who were volunteering their time as Bigs in Minnesota.

 After beginning her college experience at UNI, Elena decided she too wanted to give of her time and serve as a positive influence to a child after seeing the impact her family had on their Littles.

Little Sister, Any’Jah enrolled and was eager to receive a Big Sister to provide more interaction and activity outside of her family.  Any’Jah’s mother is an active parent providing for the family and was seeking a mentor to provide additional support for her daughter.  Any’Jah’s mother was interested in pairing Any’Jah with a mentor who would encourage her daughter and help her become more independent.

Any’Jah and Elena met and the activity hasn’t stopped since.  They both enjoy doing a variety of activities together on their outings from playing sports, visiting UNI, going to performances and eating at one of Any’Jah’s favorite restaurants, IHOP.  Elena and Any’Jah brought in the New Year by making a resolution together to incorporate reading into their outings and started their journey of reading at least one book during every outing together.

Any’Jah’s mother is pleased with the friendship thus far and tells agency staff that Any’Jah adores Elena and is always excited for their next adventure.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is sure this is one adventure that will continue for months to come!

May Matches and June Anniversaries

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

William Burt and Ka'marious


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

Three Years:
McKenzie Bruch and Haylee
Dana McDougall and De'Vontay

Four Years:
Jonathan Wangler and Kelondis

Five Years:
Dave Kane and Elliott

Six Years:
Christy & Dietrich Tice and Joseph

June Match Spotlight: Quinton and Steve

Big Brother, Steve Schmitt and Little Brother, Quinton have been matched for over three years in the School Based program. Steve originally got involved with BBBS in the 70s and has had several Littles over the years. When Steve’s match with Quinton first started, Quinton was in third grade at Lincoln Elementary. Quinton was enrolled in the program to aid with his frustration and anger issues.

Over the years, Steve has helped Quinton with these issues by providing him with techniques to use when he gets upset. During their time at Lincoln, Quinton spent time showing Steve how to do origami and make duct tape flower pens. The match also enjoyed playing games together.

This school year Quinton began middle school at George Washington Carver Academy which opened up new opportunities to the match. During their first visit in the fall, the match took a tour of Quinton’s new school. This exploration led the match to find the school’s greenhouse and Quinton was very intrigued by it. The match ended up helping the teacher with tasks in the greenhouse nearly every week. Each week the match was given jobs to do (spraying, measuring, potting, etc.) and worked for the entire hour together. The school really appreciated the help and Quinton really took a strong interest in it. The match rarely missed a week of meeting this school year due to Steve’s dedication to the program and Quinton’s commitment to school.

Although Steve admits that gardening is not his strong suit, he enjoys doing whatever is of interest to Quinton. Steve says he has learned a lot from Quinton over the course of their match. In a note to Steve earlier this year for National Mentoring month, Quinton wrote: "thank you for getting me through some struggles and giving me laughter and joy. I appreciate what you have done for me."