Team Talk with the Black Hawks

It's time to meet the Black Hawks!  All Community Based and School Based Plus matches are invited to tour Young Arena and meet the team.  See information below and call 235-9397 if interested.

Match Spotlight: Adam and Justice

Adam applied to become a Big Brother in March of 2011 after the recent death of his father.  Adam wanted to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters because he wanted to give back to the community and have a positive impact on a child.  Adam thought he had a lot to offer to a child who may be experiencing a similar childhood as Adam once did.

Adam was matched with his Little Brother, Justice, in April of 2011.  Justice, being raised by his grandmother, came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in hopes of finding a Big Brother for several reasons.  Justice's grandmother wanted her grandson to have the opportunity to be active and explore new activities while creating a bond with a male figure as Justice's father, too, had passed away.

Today, Adam maintains a full-time and a part-time job while still consistently meeting with Justice on a weekly basis.  Between visits, Adam will call Justice to see how his week has been going and to discuss what they want to do for their upcoming visits.  During their time together, they do things such as walk Adam’s dogs, go for bike rides, attend building workshops at the local Lowe’s Department Store, go mini-golfing, go to the library and local book stores.  They also enjoy hanging out at Adam’s house playing video games and sharing a meal together.  Adam has said, even in the first year, he has seen Justice’s self confidence grow immensely.  Justice is generally happier and doesn’t get down on himself with mistakes.  Justice has been getting into trouble less at home and is learning to appreciate his grandma.  Adam said he is striving to help Justice learn a little while they’re together too, whether it is learning about a new hobby, learning how to be polite and respectful to others, or learning to embrace peoples’ differences.  To his surprise, Adam has learned a lot from Justice as well, such as how to approach different situations.

Justice  wants Adam to know how much he appreciates him making time to see him.  Justice has a good time regardless of what they do, and has even said that walking Adam's dogs is his favorite part because they can talk while they are walking.  Justice's grandma has told Big Brothers Big Sisters that this match is “meant to be.”  Grandma will continually say how grateful she is to have such a wonderful male role model for Justice, as he has opened up to Adam about his family dynamic and about his relationships at school.  It is very apparent to Grandma that Justice’s self-confidence has improved tremendously because of his time spent with Adam. Adults in Justice’s life have been sporadic, and for Justice to have an adult that sees him regularly, gives Justice an adult he can trust and confide in.

It's Time to Get Active!

The sun is shining and the temperature is warm - time to shake off the winter cold and enjoy the outdoors!  Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages you to stay active with your Little. Read the information below to find ways you can incorporate healthy snacks and fitness into your relationship.

• Try outdoor games and remember the classics.  How about four square, hopscotch, hula hoop and Wiffle ball?  The Big Brothers Big Sisters office has the following outdoor items available to  check out:

Ladder Ball

Tennis Equipment

Wiffle Ball Equipment

Basketballs, Volleyballs, Kick balls, Footballs, Soccer balls

Hula Hoops

Sidewalk Chalk

• Take advantage of the Cedar Valley trails and explore the world around you

• Limit TV time and save movies for a rainy day

• Get creative with your snacks and prepare healthy snacks such as "ants on a log" with your Little
• Click here to visit the Zoom Cafe for more kid friendly recipes

•  Remember to promote activity and not exercise to keep your Little interested and make it fun
• Put your Little in charge and let him/her choose an activity during your visit
• Does your Little have a birthday coming up?  How about giving the gift of activity and purchase activity related items such as a jump rope, Frisbee, or any sports equipment

• Find out if your Little participates in summer sports.  If so, try to attend the games and cheer him/her on!

Check Out the New Additions to the BIG Card

Exciting news for all the Community Based and School Based Plus Bigs and Littles - we've added deals and discounts to our BIG Card!!!  Click here for the current list.  Enjoy and have fun!

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank the following businesses for graciously allowing our matches to partake in the following community hot spots at a great price:

Cedar Falls & Waterloo:
Adrenaline X Laser Tag
Cedar Falls Rec Center
Cold Stone Creamery
Fazoli's
4 Queens
Great American Cookie
Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy Outlet
KT's Indoor Inflatable Park
La'James College
Lost Island Waterpark
Maple and Valley Park Lanes
MooRoo Ice Cream
Palmer's Family Fun Center
Pursuing Picasso
Scratch Cupcakery
Texas Roadhouse
UNI Gallagher Bluedorn

Waverly:
Duos Coffee and Ice Cream
Pizza Ranch
The W Sports and Wellness Center
Wartburg Athletics
Wartburg Symphony


Have an idea for the BIG Card?  Leave a comment below and let us know!

Spend Spring Break With Your Little

The World's Greatest Spring Break is near!  Check out the website below for full details on all the activities available in the Cedar Valley.  A perfect way to spend time with your Little!

Click on the website below for more information:
http://worldsgreatestspringbreak.com/

February Matches and March Anniversaries

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

Pam Novotny and Sofia
Steffanie Scholze and Deven
Megan Britt and Jordan
Marilyn Johnson and Delaney
Ellie Wymore and Katelyn


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

One Year:

Ashley Haugen and Aundrea

Jaclyne Heller and Santana

Cindy Patten and Kaylynn

Jane Obermeier and Anisa

Pat Colsch and Alexis

Two Years:

Dan Grosser and Brandon

Ashley Wilder and Andri’onna

Shalee Boyles and Syleena

Mark Meyers & Maria Perez and Moses

Three Years:

Stephanie Babcock and Jaye

Four Years:

Eric & Andrea Ooms and Xavier

Linda Miller and Brittney

Six Years:

Maggie Burger and Adrianna

Tips for Thursday: Your Role as a Big

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.