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

Match Spotlight: Adam and Martez

Adam and Martez have been matched since June, 2012.  They meet every Thursday and do a variety of different activities during their time together, from ice skating to running errands.  Believe it or not, one of Martez’s favorite visits was when he and Adam went to Menards together!

Martez's mother suffers from illness and limited mobility which prevents her from doing many activities so she wanted Martez to become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters so that he could experience new activities in the community and have a positive male role model to spend 1 to 1 time with and do "boy things."  Martez's mother has been very pleased with this match.  She reports that Martez has become more polite and benefits from getting to spend alone time away from his siblings.

Adam became involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as he is aware of the need for mentors in the area.  When asked how he feels about his match Adam stated, “I enjoy it; he is a great kid to be around.”  Adam’s favorite part of being matched is watching Martez light up when he receives praise and accomplishes small victories.

Adam and Martez are an excellent example of what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about. They have created a friendship through consistent visits and fun, yet simple, activities that will last years!

Wordless Wednesday: End of the School Year Party (Bremer County Matches)

Thank you to the Waverly Community Fund for making this year's party a success!

April Showers WILL Bring May Flowers!

Spring is in the air (at least we hope) so it's time to get outside and get active with your Little.  To help you along, we've added a list of spring & summer activities for you to enjoy!

1.   Walk the trails
2.   Get an ice cream cone
3.   Wash your car
4.   Plant a garden or flowers
5.   Go to city parades, concerts, and other events
6.   Watch a movie outdoors during Cedar Falls' "Movies Under the Moon"
7.   Participate in the SCHEELS Run/Walk Club
8.   Make bubbles
9.   Fly a kite
10.  Go fishing
11.  Rollerblade
12.  Check out all the different parks
13.  Have a picnic
14.  Attend your Little's baseball, softball or other summer games
15.  Visit the library on a rainy day
16.  Explore the nature trails at Hartman Reserve
17.  Visit the Arboretum
18.  Mini golf - stay tuned for more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters Mini Golf
          Madness tournament
19.  Visit a Farmer's Market and introduce new fruits and vegetables to your Little
20.  Play catch
21.  Make your own smoothies or popsicles
22.  Read under a tree
23.  Get creative and paint rocks, draw with sidewalk chalk or visit Pursuing Picasso
           and paint pottery  (remember to use your Big Card for a discount)
24.  Build a birdhouse, Lego creations, boats to race, sand castles and forts
25.  Volunteer
26.  Visit the museums
27.  Jump rope
28.  Have a lemonade stand
29.  Roast hog dogs or marshmallows
30.  Visit the Sunrise Petting Zoo in Waterloo
31.  Go swimming
32.  Feed the birds and ducks at a pond or lake
33.  Look at the clouds and pick out different shapes
34.  Go to a Buck's baseball game
35.  Ride go-carts at Palmer's-Golf-Food-Fun  (use your Big Card for a discount)
36.  Paint your nails
37.  Hula hoop
38.  Catch butterflies and insects
39.  Go to a fireworks show
40.  Visit the Resource Room at Big Brothers Big Sisters and check out the following items to use:

• Sidewalk chalk
• Basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, footballs, kickballs, baseballs
• Wiffle bat and ball
• Tennis rackets and tennis balls
• Ladder Golf
• Frisbees
• Board games
• Paint & craft materials
• Hula hoops